Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribed for type 2 diabetes management in the UK. Understanding when Ozempic expires is essential for maintaining therapeutic efficacy and patient safety. Unopened pens remain viable until the manufacturer's printed expiry date when refrigerated correctly. However, once opened, Ozempic expires after 6 weeks regardless of the original date. Proper storage—refrigerated before use and protected from freezing, heat, and light—is critical to preserving this biological medicine's molecular integrity. This article explains expiry timelines, storage requirements, and signs indicating your Ozempic may no longer be safe to use.

Understanding Ozempic Expiry Dates and Storage Requirements

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. As a biological medicine administered via subcutaneous injection, Ozempic requires careful attention to expiry dates and storage conditions to maintain its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile.

The manufacturer's expiry date printed on the pen refers to unopened Ozempic stored under optimal conditions. According to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), unopened pens should be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C, in the original carton to protect from light, and away from the freezer compartment and cooling elements. It is essential to check this date before commencing treatment, as using expired medication may result in reduced glycaemic control due to degradation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Once opened, different storage rules apply, and the expiry timeline changes significantly. The patient information leaflet (PIL) provides specific guidance that patients must follow strictly to ensure medication safety and effectiveness.

Storage requirements are critical because semaglutide is a peptide molecule susceptible to denaturation when exposed to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, or freezing conditions. Improper storage can compromise the molecular structure, rendering the medication less effective or potentially unsafe. Healthcare professionals should counsel patients on proper storage during initial prescribing consultations, and community pharmacists play a vital role in reinforcing these messages during dispensing. Patients should never use Ozempic that has been frozen, even if subsequently thawed, as freezing irreversibly damages the formulation. Always keep Ozempic out of the sight and reach of children.

How Long Does Ozempic Last Once Opened?

Once an Ozempic pen is first used, the shelf life changes from the printed expiry date to a maximum of 6 weeks (42 days), regardless of the original expiry date on the packaging. This 6-week period begins from the moment the pen is first used for injection, not from when the protective cap is removed or the pen is taken out of refrigerated storage.

During this 6-week in-use period, Ozempic may be stored either in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C). Many patients find room temperature storage more convenient and may find injections more comfortable when the solution is not cold. However, the pen must be kept away from direct heat sources and sunlight throughout this period.

Patients should mark the date of first use directly on the pen label or maintain a medication diary to track when the 6-week period expires. This practice is particularly important for individuals using lower doses (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg weekly), as these pens may contain sufficient medication for multiple weeks of treatment. After 6 weeks, any remaining medication must be discarded safely, even if doses remain in the pen.

The pen cap should be replaced after each injection to protect the medication from light exposure. It is essential to use a new needle for each injection and never store the pen with a needle attached. Always remove and safely dispose of the needle after each use to prevent contamination. Healthcare professionals should emphasise that the 6-week limit is based on stability data ensuring maintained potency and sterility. Using Ozempic beyond this timeframe may result in subtherapeutic dosing and inadequate diabetes management.

What Happens When Ozempic Expires?

When Ozempic passes its expiry date—either the manufacturer's printed date for unopened pens or the 6-week in-use period—the primary concern is reduced therapeutic efficacy. Semaglutide, like other peptide-based medications, undergoes gradual degradation over time, particularly when exposed to suboptimal storage conditions. This degradation compromises the molecular integrity of the active ingredient, potentially resulting in diminished glycaemic control.

Patients using expired Ozempic may experience inadequate blood glucose management, with HbA1c levels rising above target ranges. This can manifest as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision—classic symptoms of hyperglycaemia. The quality, safety and efficacy of the medication cannot be guaranteed beyond the specified expiry period, and patients should never use medicines beyond their expiry date.

From a microbiological safety perspective, the sterility of the solution cannot be guaranteed beyond the specified expiry period, particularly for opened pens. Although the formulation contains preservatives, using expired medication represents an unnecessary risk.

Regulatory guidance is clear: patients should never use medicines beyond their expiry date. The expiry date represents the point beyond which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the medication's quality, safety, and efficacy. Healthcare professionals should counsel patients that using expired Ozempic represents poor diabetes management practice and may compromise long-term health outcomes. If blood glucose remains high or hyperglycaemic symptoms develop, patients should contact their GP or diabetes team promptly. For severe or persistent symptoms, urgent medical care should be sought. Patients experiencing difficulties affording or accessing timely prescriptions should contact their GP surgery or diabetes specialist nurse rather than extending medication use beyond safe limits.

Signs Your Ozempic May No Longer Be Safe to Use

Visual inspection of Ozempic before each injection is essential for identifying signs of degradation or contamination. According to the PIL, Ozempic should appear as a clear, colourless to almost colourless solution. Any visible changes warrant immediate discontinuation and consultation with a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Key warning signs include:

• Discolouration: Any yellow, brown, or pink tinting indicates chemical degradation

• Cloudiness or turbidity: The solution should remain crystal clear; cloudiness suggests contamination or precipitation

• Visible particles: Floating particles, sediment, or crystallisation indicate the medication has degraded

• Frosted appearance: Suggests the pen has been frozen, rendering it unsafe regardless of expiry date

Physical damage to the pen also compromises safety. Cracks in the cartridge, a damaged needle attachment site, or a malfunctioning dose selector mechanism can affect sterility and accurate dosing. The pen should operate smoothly; if the dose selector is stiff, skips doses, or the injection button requires excessive force, the device may be faulty.

Changes in injection experience may signal problems. Increased injection site pain, burning sensations, or unusual resistance during injection could indicate solution degradation or contamination. Patients experiencing unexpected hypoglycaemia or persistent hyperglycaemia despite adherence should consider whether their Ozempic has been stored correctly and remains within its usable period.

If any of these signs are present, patients should not use the medication. Used needles should be placed in a designated sharps bin and disposed of according to local council or pharmacy arrangements. Never dispose of needles in household waste. If a device fault is suspected, stop using the pen and consult a pharmacist or prescriber. Patients should report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Proper Storage to Maximise Ozempic Shelf Life

Optimal storage practices are fundamental to maintaining Ozempic's therapeutic integrity throughout its shelf life. Unopened Ozempic pens must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, ideally in the main body of the fridge rather than the door, where temperature fluctuations are more common. The medication should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light exposure until first use.

Critical storage rules include:

• Never freeze Ozempic: Freezing destroys the medication irreversibly. If frozen, discard immediately

• Avoid temperature extremes: Keep away from the freezer compartment and refrigerator cooling elements

• Protect from direct sunlight: Store in the carton and away from windowsills

• Maintain consistent temperature: Avoid leaving Ozempic in hot cars, near radiators, or in direct sunlight

Once in use, patients may choose room temperature storage (up to 30°C) for convenience. However, the pen must still be protected from heat and light. A drawer or cupboard away from heat sources provides suitable storage. The pen should never be stored in bathrooms, where humidity and temperature fluctuations can accelerate degradation. Never store the pen with a needle attached.

When travelling, patients should use insulated medication travel cases, particularly in warm weather. For air travel, Ozempic should remain in hand luggage with a cool pack if needed, as hold baggage may freeze at altitude. Keep the pen in its original carton to protect from light during travel.

Healthcare professionals should provide written storage instructions at the point of prescribing and ensure patients understand the importance of proper storage. Community pharmacists should reinforce these messages during dispensing and offer practical advice on storage solutions. If you suspect your Ozempic has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C or has been frozen, do not use it and seek advice from your pharmacist. Patients experiencing storage difficulties—such as lack of refrigeration—should discuss alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist formulations with their diabetes care team.

Frequently Asked Questions