Does Semaglutide Go Bad Over Time? Understanding Expiration, Storage, and Safety

Semaglutide, like other protein-based biologics, is susceptible to molecular degradation, risking reduced effectiveness and safety. Answering the question 'Does semaglutide go bad over time?' is critical for any patient to ensure their treatment remains both potent and sterile.

Quick Summary

Yes, semaglutide goes bad over time, losing potency and carrying infection risks after its expiration or beyond-use date. Proper storage is vital for effectiveness.

Key Points

• Semaglutide degrades over time: The active ingredient in semaglutide, a peptide, loses its potency and effectiveness past its expiration or beyond-use date.

• Improper storage accelerates degradation: Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot or freezing) and direct sunlight can cause semaglutide to go bad even before its official expiration date.

• Expired medication poses safety risks: Using expired injectable semaglutide increases the risk of contamination and infection, along with potential unpredictable side effects.

• Proper storage is required: Injectable semaglutide pens (Ozempic, Wegovy) require refrigeration until first use, while oral tablets (Rybelsus) are stored at room temperature.

• Always inspect your medication: Before each injection, visually check that the semaglutide solution is clear and colorless, with no particles or cloudiness.

• Dispose of expired medication safely: Never use expired semaglutide. Dispose of it using an FDA-approved sharps container or a designated medication take-back program.

Understanding Semaglutide's Stability

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is a peptide-based drug used for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and supporting weight management. As a biological product, its chemical structure is more delicate than traditional pill medications and is highly sensitive to environmental factors. The integrity of the drug is dependent on strict storage conditions and its designated expiration or beyond-use date (BUD). Ignoring these guidelines can lead to a significant loss of effectiveness, potentially compromising your health goals.

The Difference Between Expiration and Beyond-Use Dates

It is important to differentiate between the expiration date and the beyond-use date, as they dictate the safe timeframe for using your semaglutide:

• Expiration Date (EXP): This date, printed on the unopened product's packaging, is the manufacturer's guarantee that the medication will maintain its full potency and safety until that specific point, assuming proper storage. For unopened, refrigerated semaglutide pens, this can be up to two to three years from the date of manufacture.
• Beyond-Use Date (BUD): For injectable medications like Ozempic, this date indicates how long the product remains safe and effective after the pen is first opened. The BUD is significantly shorter than the expiration date. For example, once opened, an Ozempic pen is only good for 56 days, regardless of the expiration date. Compounded semaglutide has a shorter BUD, typically around 28 days after opening.

Risks of Using Expired or Degraded Semaglutide

Attempting to use expired or improperly stored semaglutide is never recommended. The risks involved can undermine your treatment and potentially lead to harmful health consequences.

Loss of Effectiveness

One of the most immediate risks is that the medication will not work as intended. Semaglutide's benefits, including blood sugar control and appetite suppression, are dose-dependent. If the peptide molecules have degraded over time due to heat, freezing, or simply age, the medication loses potency, and you receive an ineffective dose. For those managing diabetes, this could lead to worsened blood sugar control, while those using it for weight loss may see their progress stall.

Potential for Contamination

Injectable medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured under sterile conditions. Over time, or if the product's integrity is compromised, the risk of bacterial or fungal contamination increases. The preservatives within the medication can also become less effective beyond their specified dates, creating an environment where harmful microorganisms can grow. Injecting contaminated medication could lead to serious infections.

Unknown Side Effects

Once a drug passes its expiration date, its chemical composition may change in unpredictable ways. These changes could result in unknown side effects or allergic reactions that were not present in the original, stable formulation. The manufacturer and regulatory agencies can no longer guarantee the medication's safety or purity.

Visual Signs That Semaglutide Has Gone Bad

Proper storage is key, but it's also crucial to inspect your medication before each use. A visual check can often reveal signs of degradation, even if the expiration or beyond-use date has not passed:

• Cloudiness or Particles: The solution for injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) should be clear and colorless. If you see any cloudiness, discoloration, or floating particles, the medication should be discarded immediately.
• Freezing: Freezing irreversibly damages the protein molecules in semaglutide, causing them to clump together. If the solution has ever been frozen, do not use it, even if it has since thawed.
• Consistency: The liquid should inject smoothly. A thick or sluggish flow is another indicator that something may be wrong with the medication.

Comparison of Semaglutide Product Storage

Different versions of semaglutide have varying storage requirements. The following table summarizes the key storage differences based on common formulations.

Feature	FDA-Approved Injectables (Ozempic/Wegovy)	Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus)	Compounded Injectable Semaglutide
Storage (Unopened)	Refrigerated (36–46°F / 2–8°C) until expiration date	Room temperature (68–77°F / 20–25°C) until expiration date	Refrigerated (36–46°F / 2–8°C) until BUD, varies by pharmacy
Storage (Opened)	Ozempic: Room temp or refrigerated for up to 56 days Wegovy: Single-use, discard after injection	Room temperature in original bottle, discard after expiration	Refrigerated for ~28 days (typical BUD), varies by pharmacy
Expiration	EXP date on box/pen	EXP date on bottle	Beyond-use date (BUD) varies by compounding pharmacy
Exposure to Heat/Light	Avoid	Avoid excessive heat/moisture	Avoid

The Proper Way to Store Semaglutide

Following manufacturer and pharmacist instructions is the best way to ensure the medication remains safe and potent until its expiration or beyond-use date.

• Injectable Semaglutide: Unopened Ozempic and Wegovy pens must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Once an Ozempic pen is in use, it can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F or 30°C) for up to 56 days. Unused Wegovy pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. Never freeze semaglutide; if it freezes, it must be discarded.
• Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus): This tablet form does not require refrigeration. It should be stored at a controlled room temperature, away from moisture and excessive heat. It is also essential to keep the tablets in their original bottle to protect them from light and moisture.
• Traveling: For injectable semaglutide, always use an insulated travel case with gel ice packs to maintain the correct temperature range. Oral tablets are easier to transport, but should still be kept away from extreme heat. Always carry prescription medications in your carry-on luggage when flying.

What to Do with Expired Semaglutide

Expired semaglutide should be disposed of properly and safely, not simply thrown in the trash. For injectable pens and needles, an FDA-cleared sharps container is the recommended method. Many pharmacies offer medication take-back programs, or you can contact the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, which has a mail-back program for their products.

For additional guidance on proper medication storage and handling, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides comprehensive resources on their website: Don't Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines.

Conclusion

While the high cost of semaglutide may be tempting to use past its prime, doing so is not worth the health risks. As a protein-based biologic, semaglutide's stability is guaranteed only until its expiration or beyond-use date. Using it beyond this point can lead to a loss of potency, making treatment ineffective, and poses risks of contamination and unknown side effects. Always follow the specified storage guidelines, check your medication for any visual signs of degradation, and dispose of expired products responsibly. When in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Your health and safety should always be the top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use semaglutide a few days after its expiration date?

No, it is not recommended to use semaglutide or any other medication after its expiration date. The manufacturer cannot guarantee its safety or effectiveness beyond that date, and the medication may have lost its potency.

What if my semaglutide was left out of the fridge overnight?

For FDA-approved injectable pens, a one-time, brief exposure to room temperature (below 86°F) is generally acceptable, depending on the product, but repeated exposure is not recommended. If your semaglutide was left out for an extended period or was exposed to extreme heat or cold, you should contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on whether to discard it.

How can I tell if my semaglutide has gone bad?

You should always visually inspect your injectable semaglutide before use. The solution should be clear and colorless. If you notice any cloudiness, discoloration, or visible particles, you should not use the medication.

Does freezing semaglutide ruin it?

Yes, freezing permanently damages semaglutide's molecular structure, rendering it ineffective. If your medication has ever been frozen, you must discard it and use a new supply.

Do all forms of semaglutide need to be refrigerated?

No, not all forms require refrigeration. Injectable versions (Ozempic, Wegovy, compounded injectables) need to be refrigerated until first use, while oral tablets (Rybelsus) are stored at room temperature.

What is the difference between an expiration date and a beyond-use date (BUD)?

The expiration date is the manufacturer's guarantee for an unopened product. The beyond-use date is for opened or compounded products, specifying the time frame after opening or preparation during which the medication remains potent and safe.

What should I do with expired or damaged semaglutide?

For injectable pens and needles, dispose of them in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Many pharmacies and some manufacturers offer medication take-back programs for safe disposal.