How long does Ozempic pen last? A guide to shelf life and storage

October 5, 2025 •

3 min read

An opened Ozempic pen has a maximum shelf life of 56 days, or eight weeks, regardless of how much medication remains inside. Proper storage before and after the first use is critical to maintain the medication's effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Ozempic pens, once opened, last 56 days, while unopened pens remain potent until their expiration date if refrigerated. The medication's active ingredient, semaglutide, is sensitive to temperature extremes like heat and freezing. Proper storage, pen strengths, and disposal methods are crucial for safe and effective use.

Key Points

56-Day Rule: An opened Ozempic pen is only good for 56 days (8 weeks) after the first use, even if medication remains.
Refrigerate Unopened Pens: Unused pens must be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F until their expiration date.
Storage After Opening: After the first dose, the pen can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature (59°F-86°F) for up to 56 days.
Doses Per Pen: Most maintenance pens contain four weekly doses, lasting about a month, but the pen still expires 56 days after opening.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Never freeze Ozempic or expose it to excessive heat; improper storage renders the medication ineffective.
Discard Expired Pens: Always discard a pen after the 56-day window or if the expiration date is reached, whichever comes first.

Understanding the Ozempic 56-Day Rule

An Ozempic pen, once opened, must be discarded after 56 days. This rule applies regardless of whether the pen is refrigerated or kept at room temperature, and it is independent of how much medication is left. The 56-day limit is in place because the active ingredient, semaglutide, can degrade over time after exposure to air and temperature fluctuations, which can reduce its effectiveness. After 56 days, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the medication will work as intended.

Storage conditions: Unopened vs. Opened Pens

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of Ozempic. Storage requirements differ for unopened and opened pens.

Unopened Pens Unused Ozempic pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) until their expiration date. They should be kept away from the refrigerator's cooling element to avoid freezing.

Opened (In-use) Pens After the first injection, an Ozempic pen can be stored at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) or in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) for up to 56 days. It's important to protect the pen from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and always store it with the pen cap on.

How Pen Strength and Dosage Impact Duration

While the 56-day rule dictates the maximum usable life of an opened pen, the number of doses in the pen determines how long it will last for a patient's treatment cycle.

Initial Dose Pen (Red Label): This pen is designed for starting treatment and contains multiple doses for titration. It provides four 0.25 mg doses and two 0.5 mg doses, which can last up to six weeks. The pen must be discarded after six weeks or 56 days, whichever comes first.
Maintenance Dose Pens (Blue and Yellow Labels): The 1 mg (blue) and 2 mg (yellow) pens contain four weekly doses each. These are typically sufficient for about one month of treatment. Regardless of remaining medication, these pens must be discarded 56 days after their initial use.

Importance of Adhering to Storage and Expiry Guidelines

Failing to follow storage and expiration guidelines can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness. Extreme temperatures can damage the semaglutide molecule. A pen that has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat should not be used, as it may not work correctly. Using an improperly stored or expired pen can negatively impact blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of GLP-1 Pen Storage Requirements


Medication	Refrigeration (Unopened)	Storage After Opening	Maximum Duration After Opening	Notes
Ozempic (semaglutide)	Refrigerated (36°F-46°F) until expiration.	Refrigerated or room temp (59°F-86°F).	56 days.	Multi-dose pen; discard after 56 days regardless of content.
Wegovy (semaglutide)	Refrigerated (36°F-46°F) until expiration.	N/A (single-dose pen).	Discard after use.	Single-dose pen for weight management.
Trulicity (dulaglutide)	Refrigerated until use.	Refrigerated or room temp (up to 86°F).	14 days.	Single-dose pen; stricter room temperature window.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)	Refrigerated until use.	Refrigerated or room temp (up to 86°F).	21 days.	Single-dose pen; dual-action medication.

Practical tips for managing your Ozempic pen

Date the pen: Mark the date of the first use on the pen to easily track the 56-day limit.
Inspect before use: Check the medication window before each injection; the liquid should be clear and colorless.
Travel considerations: When traveling, keep Ozempic in carry-on luggage to avoid temperature extremes. Use an insulated case with a cold pack, ensuring the pen doesn't directly touch the pack.
Proper disposal: Dispose of empty or expired pens in an FDA-approved sharps container.

Conclusion

Adhering to Ozempic's shelf life and storage instructions is crucial for its safety and effectiveness. An opened pen is good for 56 days, regardless of the amount of medication left. Unopened pens must be refrigerated until their expiration date. Opened pens can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature (below 86°F) as long as they are protected from light and heat within the 56-day window. Understanding these guidelines and how pen strength relates to the number of doses is vital for managing your treatment effectively. Consult the official guide for detailed usage instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should discard your Ozempic pen 56 days after its first use. Writing the date of the first injection on the pen is a helpful way to remember.

Using a pen older than 56 days may mean the medication is less potent and less effective. The manufacturer cannot guarantee its stability or effectiveness after this period.

Yes, you can. After its first use, an Ozempic pen can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 56 days. Switching between the two is also acceptable, provided it never freezes and stays within the 56-day limit.

No. If an Ozempic pen has been frozen, the medication's protein structure is permanently damaged. Do not use it, even if it has thawed. Discard the pen and use a new one.

No. The 56-day countdown starts from the first use, regardless of whether you store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature during that period.

No. You must discard the pen 56 days after the first use, even if it appears to have medication remaining. The stability and efficacy are not guaranteed beyond this point.

Unopened Ozempic should always be refrigerated. If an unused pen is left at room temperature (under 86°F) for a short time, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The manufacturer recommends refrigerating until first use.