How long semaglutide lasts in the fridge depends on which kind you have. An unopened, FDA-approved pen (Ozempic or Wegovy) keeps in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the box, which is usually a year or more. Compounded semaglutide is different: it’s made to order and carries a shorter beyond-use date set by […]
By Astra Editorial Team
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How long semaglutide lasts in the fridge depends on which kind you have. An unopened, FDA-approved pen (Ozempic or Wegovy) keeps in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the box, which is usually a year or more. Compounded semaglutide is different: it’s made to order and carries a shorter beyond-use date set by the pharmacy.
Here’s how long each type lasts, how to store it, and when to toss it.
Quick answer: An unopened, FDA-approved semaglutide pen lasts in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the box, often a year or more from when you receive it, as long as it stays at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
Novo Nordisk assigns Ozempic and Wegovy a 24-month shelf life from the date of manufacture, but the date on your pharmacy label is usually shorter because manufacturing and dispensing do not happen on the same day.
Keep pens in the refrigerator, away from light and heat, with the cap on, and never freeze them. Always go by the date printed on your box or pen.
| Semaglutide type | Refrigerator (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C) | Room temperature (59°F to 86°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened pen (Ozempic, Wegovy) | Until printed expiration date | Not recommended before use |
| Ozempic pen, after first use | Up to 56 days | Up to 56 days |
| Wegovy pen (single-dose) | Until expiration date | Up to 28 days |
| Compounded semaglutide vial | Until the beyond-use date (often 14 to 28 days) | Follow pharmacy label (usually short) |
| Rybelsus (oral tablets) | Not required | Until expiration date (keep 68°F to 77°F) |
A well-run compounded pharmacy ships every vial with clear storage instructions, beyond-use dates, and support you can actually message. Astra pairs VialsRx (US-licensed 503A) with licensed clinicians who stay reachable through your whole treatment.
See what supported care looks like →Quick answer: Yes, injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded semaglutide) should be refrigerated before first use. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) does not need refrigeration.
Injectable semaglutide is a liquid peptide, and cold storage keeps it stable until you inject. Store unopened pens and vials at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) but not against the cooling element at the back of the fridge, where they can freeze.
Quick answer: Yes, compounded semaglutide should be refrigerated, but it doesn’t last as long as a brand-name pen. Instead of an expiration date, it carries a beyond-use date (BUD), commonly 14 to 28 days, and up to around 90 to 120 days when the pharmacy performs its own rigorous stability testing.
Because compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved, it doesn’t get a manufacturer’s expiration date. Instead, the pharmacy assigns a beyond-use date based on how it was prepared, its ingredients, and storage conditions, following United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. Pharmacies that rely on default USP dating give shorter BUDs (often 14 to 28 days); those that run their own stability testing can assign longer ones.
This means that the number on your label is what matters, not a general rule of thumb. A reputable compounder ships the medication with clear storage instructions and a labeled BUD. Astra’s compounded semaglutide arrives with both. If your label is missing a date, call the pharmacy before using it.
Quick answer: Keep it refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), protect it from light, don’t freeze it, and use it by the BUD on the label.
To store compounded semaglutide correctly:
A 5-minute health profile gets reviewed by a licensed clinician. If compounded semaglutide fits your case, your first shipment includes clear instructions on storage, injection, and what to do if anything feels off. Starts at $68/month on the 12-month plan.
Start your health profile →Quick answer: Once in use, an Ozempic pen is fine at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 56 days; single-dose Wegovy pens, up to 28 days. For compounded semaglutide, follow your pharmacy’s room-temperature guidance, especially since it’s usually much shorter.
After first use, Ozempic pens can be kept in the fridge or at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 56 days. Wegovy comes as a single-dose pen and can sit at room temperature for up to 28 days. If you travel, use an insulated bag with gel ice packs. Don’t use ice cubes, which can freeze the medication.
Quick answer: Throw it out if it’s cloudy, discolored, or has particles. Other red flags are if it’s been frozen or left too warm; or if it’s past its expiration date or BUD.
Injectable semaglutide is a liquid, so it degrades faster than tablets when exposed to heat, freezing, or time. While some medications stay stable well past their labeled dates, injectable peptides are not among them. It’s better to treat them like insulin.
Using expired or degraded medication risks reduced potency and possible contamination. Dispose of it through a drug take-back program or sharps container instead.
Astra pairs licensed clinicians at Wasef Health, PC with VialsRx (US-licensed 503A pharmacy) so you get real guidance from ordering through your last dose of compounded semaglutide.
Start your health profile Takes about 5 minutes.An unopened, refrigerated FDA-approved pen is good until its printed expiration date. An in-use Ozempic pen is good for 56 days; Wegovy for 28. Compounded semaglutide depends entirely on the beyond-use date on your label. Many are 14 to 28 days, so 30 days may already be past it.
Only if it’s an unopened, properly refrigerated FDA-approved pen still within its printed expiration date. Compounded semaglutide almost never has a 6-month beyond-use date, so don’t use a 6-month-old vial unless the label clearly allows it.
It may be weaker than intended, and degraded or contaminated products can carry added risk. If you’ve used some, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Improper storage or an expired beyond-use date can reduce potency. But low dose, early titration, and normal plateaus are more common reasons.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition or treatment.