The right answer is yes, you need to refrigerate Ozempic pens within the temperature range of 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. Not doing so can shorten the overall lifespan of the medication inside even before its expiry date. However, you can’t always refrigerate your Ozempic pens as you may have to travel with them or have more than one used Ozempic pens that are still good for a couple of more uses. Let’s talk about how you can do this and what exactly refrigeration does for Ozempic pens.
Table OF Content
Risks of Not Refrigerating Ozempic Pens
Ozempic manufacturers have already addressed this issue. Not refrigerating your unused Ozempic pens within the prior mentioned temperature range can result in the early expiration of the medication even before its actual expiry date. The manufacturers can only ensure that the pens will last till the printed expiry date if they are stored following the appropriate storage guidelines.
Remember, how long your Ozempic pen will last depends upon several factors with the time spent out of the refrigeration being the most impactful.
Now that you know why refrigerating Ozempic pens is important and to what extent it can impact the overall usability of the medication, here’s how Ozempic pens must be stored, things to avoid, and the right way to carry Ozempic while you’re traveling,
Guidelines for Storing Unopened Ozempic Pens
As mentioned earlier, unopened Ozempic pens need to be refrigerated within the 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range, Maintaining this temperature is crucial as it impacts the overall usability of the pen. But remember, don’t refrigerate the pens too close to the cooling element of the refrigerator as it can cool down the medication way below the necessary limit and can do more harm than good.
Avoid Freezing Ozempic Pens
When an Ozempic pen i frozen, regardless if it is open or unopened, the medication inside the pen breaks down. Now, this impacts two things. First, the effectiveness of the medication lowers as many vital compounds and is now in a solid crystalline state. Second, injecting Ozempic becomes difficult as in most cases, the frozen medication won’t even come out.
Storing Ozempic pens at room temperature
This one is for the opened Ozempic pens. After using an Ozempic pen for the very first time, you can store the opened pen at a room temperature ranging between 56-86 degrees Fahrenheit. At room temperature, used Ozempic pens are good for injecting another dosage, 56 days after the initial dosage. If the pen was stored at room temperature for more than 56 days or has reached its expiry, throw away the used pen and get a new one for the next dosage.
Keep Ozempic Pens Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat
Just like extreme cooling, excessive heat or exposure to sunlight can damage the Ozempic pens to the extent that they can’t be used. So, make sure to keep your Ozempic pens away from being in direct contact with heat or sunlight. However, if you’re ordering your Ozempic pens using a mail-order pharmacy, chances are that the medication has already been exposed to excessive heat conditions during transit. In such cases, always check your Ozempic pens right after they are delivered.
Traveling with Ozempic Pens
Always avoid keeping your Ozempic pens within checking baggage whenever traveling as the pens might have to endure excessive temperature and pressure conditions. Instead, keep your Ozempic pens safe with you in your carry-on bags. You must be doing this regardless if you’re traveling by plane or by car.
Final Recommendations for Ozempic Storage
To ensure your Ozempic pens are effective and safe for use:
- Refrigerate unopened pens within 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store opened pens at room temperature within 56-86 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 56 days.
- Avoid freezing or exposing pens to extreme heat or direct sunlight.
- Travel with pens in carry-on bags to maintain stable conditions.
Following these guidelines helps preserve the integrity of your Ozempic pens, ensuring they remain effective and safe for use. If you have any concerns about your Ozempic pens’ condition or storage, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Related Topics.