Do You Have to Throw Away Semaglutide After 28 Days? A Guide to Proper Medication Storage

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Many patients mistakenly assume all semaglutide must be discarded after 28 days, but proper storage guidelines vary significantly by brand and formulation. This guide clarifies the specific rules for brand-name Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded versions to help you understand if and when you have to throw away semaglutide after 28 days.

Quick Summary

Storage rules for semaglutide depend on the specific product (Ozempic, Wegovy, compounded) and whether it's been opened. The 28-day rule applies to some, but not all, formulations, with longer stability periods possible under specific conditions.

Key Points

Check Your Product: Whether you need to throw away semaglutide after 28 days depends on the specific product; Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded versions have different stability periods once opened.
Ozempic Lasts 56 Days: The multi-dose Ozempic pen can be stored for up to 56 days after its first use, whether refrigerated or at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C).
Wegovy is Single-Use: Each Wegovy pen is a single dose and should be discarded immediately after injection, rendering the 28-day opened stability rule irrelevant for this product.
Compounded Semaglutide Varies: Compounded versions typically require refrigeration and may have a Beyond-Use Date (BUD) of 28 to 90 days after opening, as determined by the compounding pharmacy.
Inspect and Discard if Damaged: Always visually inspect the solution before use. Discard any semaglutide that appears cloudy, discolored, or has particles, or if it has been frozen, as potency and safety may be compromised.
Don't Risk Reduced Potency: Using expired or improperly stored semaglutide carries risks of reduced effectiveness and potential contamination, making it unsafe for managing conditions like diabetes.

For anyone using semaglutide, the question of its shelf life after opening is a common source of confusion, particularly concerning the 28-day rule. The answer is not a simple 'yes' or 'no,' as the storage guidelines vary significantly depending on the specific product. Brand-name Ozempic, brand-name Wegovy, and compounded semaglutide all have different recommendations based on their formulation and intended use.

Ozempic (Semaglutide) Multi-Dose Pen Storage

Ozempic, which is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is dispensed as a multi-dose pen. After the first injection, an Ozempic pen can be used for up to 56 days, whether refrigerated or kept at room temperature below 86°F (30°C). Unopened pens should be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) until their expiration date. Never freeze Ozempic; if frozen, discard it. Dispose of the pen after 56 days or by the expiration date.

Wegovy (Semaglutide) Single-Dose Pen Storage

Wegovy, used for chronic weight management, comes in single-use pens. This means the pen is discarded after one injection, so the 28-day open-pen rule doesn't apply. Unopened Wegovy pens are typically refrigerated. An unopened pen can be stored at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) for up to 28 days. Discard the pen immediately after use.

Compounded Semaglutide: The 'Beyond-Use Date' (BUD)

Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and has different storage rules. The relevant timeframe is the beyond-use date (BUD) set by the pharmacy. This is often 28 days, though it can vary (28-90 days). Compounded versions usually require constant refrigeration (36°F-46°F). Always follow the specific instructions and BUD on the pharmacy's label.

Comparing Semaglutide Storage Rules


Feature	Ozempic (Multi-dose pen)	Wegovy (Single-dose pen)	Compounded Semaglutide (Vial)
Usage Type	Multi-dose	Single-dose	Multi-dose
Opened Stability	56 days (refrigerated or room temp < 86°F)	N/A (discard after use)	Typically 28-90 days, depending on formulation (refrigerated)
Before First Use	Refrigerate (36-46°F / 2-8°C)	Refrigerate (36-46°F / 2-8°C) or up to 28 days at room temp	Refrigerate (36-46°F / 2-8°C)
FDA Status	FDA-Approved	FDA-Approved	Not FDA-Approved
Key Rule	Discard 56 days after first use.	Discard after a single injection.	Discard according to the pharmacy's Beyond-Use Date.

Risks of Using Improperly Stored or Expired Semaglutide

Using semaglutide past its stability period can reduce its effectiveness because the medication can degrade. There's also a risk of contamination and unknown side effects from using a degraded drug. Always inspect the solution before injecting; discard if it's cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

How to Properly Dispose of Semaglutide

Proper disposal of semaglutide is important. Place pens and needles in an FDA-approved sharps container. Follow local guidelines for sharps disposal and check for medication take-back programs.

Conclusion: The Importance of Following Specific Guidance

Determining whether you have to throw away semaglutide after 28 days depends on the product. The 28-day rule applies to unopened Wegovy at room temperature and is a common BUD for compounded semaglutide. However, an opened Ozempic pen is stable for 56 days. Always consult the specific instructions for your medication and discard it if you have any doubts about its storage or expiration.

For more information, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines on GLP-1 medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the 28-day timeframe is a common misconception. It is relevant for unopened Wegovy stored at room temperature and often cited as the Beyond-Use Date for some compounded versions, but brand-name Ozempic lasts for 56 days after its first use.

Using semaglutide beyond its recommended period may result in reduced effectiveness. The active peptide can degrade over time, leading to less potent doses, which could affect blood sugar control or weight loss results.

Yes, after the first use, an Ozempic pen can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 56 days.

Wegovy pens are single-use and discarded after one injection. Ozempic pens contain multiple doses and can be stored for up to 56 days after first use.

Compounded semaglutide should typically be kept refrigerated between 36-46°F (2-8°C). Its stability period, or Beyond-Use Date (BUD), varies by pharmacy, but is often 28-90 days after opening. Always check the pharmacy's specific instructions.

If your semaglutide has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately. The freezing temperature damages the molecular structure of the medication, rendering it ineffective and potentially unsafe.

Expired or unused injectable pens and needles should be placed in an FDA-approved sharps container. You can contact your local waste management or pharmacy for proper disposal procedures or check for manufacturer take-back programs.