How long does semaglutide last in the fridge? Storage explained

The general rule

Semaglutide is a peptide, so it is kept cold to stay stable. Unopened pens live in the refrigerator, typically between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8 Celsius), and remain good until the expiry date printed on the pen and box. Do not freeze it: if semaglutide has frozen, it should not be used, even after thawing. Keep it away from the freezer coil and the fridge door where temperatures swing most.

How long can semaglutide be out of the fridge?

Brand semaglutide pens are designed to tolerate some time at room temperature once you are using them, up to a defined number of weeks and a maximum temperature stated on the label (Ozempic and Wegovy labels give specific windows). This is what makes travel and daily handling practical. The key points: it is a limited window, not indefinite; keep it below the stated maximum temperature and out of direct heat and sunlight; and once that in-use window passes, discard the pen even if medicine remains. Because the exact numbers differ by product and can be updated, read the storage section of your own leaflet rather than relying on a remembered figure.

Compounded semaglutide is different

Compounded semaglutide, usually a vial rather than a pen, does not follow one universal rule. Its stability depends on how it was formulated and preserved, so the pharmacy that made it sets the beyond-use date and the storage instructions. Some need continuous refrigeration; some tolerate a stated time at room temperature. The only reliable source is the label and the compounding pharmacy that dispensed it, so ask them directly and follow exactly what they say. Our GLP-1 refrigeration and storage post covers the wider class, and the traveling with GLP-1 post covers keeping it cold on the move.

Signs to throw it out

Discard semaglutide that has frozen, been above its stated temperature limit for too long, is past its expiry or in-use window, or looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles when it should be clear and colorless. When unsure, ask your pharmacist rather than injecting a dose you are not confident about. Logging when each pen was opened in DoseLog makes it easy to know when an in-use pen has reached the end of its window.