How should Wegovy be stored?

Storage is straightforward: keep pens in the refrigerator in their original carton, and do not freeze. Protect from light and check the leaflet for the allowable time at room temperature if refrigeration isn’t possible for a short period. Do not use a pen that has been frozen, past its expiry date, or looks cloudy or discoloured. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of used needles in a sharps container.

Why correct storage matters

Wegovy is a biological medicine, meaning its active ingredient (semaglutide) is a peptide made in living systems rather than a simple chemical tablet. Biologicals are sensitive to temperature and light, and their stability depends on being stored under controlled conditions. If a pen is exposed to freezing, overheating, or direct sunlight, the medicine may no longer work properly. This is why manufacturers provide strict guidance: keep it cold but not frozen, protect from light, and always check the solution before injecting.

Refrigerator storage

The main instruction is to keep unused Wegovy pens in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. The pens should be stored in their original carton to protect them from light until they are ready to be used. Importantly, pens must never be frozen. Freezing damages the structure of semaglutide, and once thawed, the medicine cannot be relied upon. If a pen has accidentally been frozen, it should be discarded, even if it looks normal. Keeping pens at the right temperature helps ensure every dose remains effective and safe.

Short periods at room temperature

There are times when refrigeration is not practical—for example, during travel or if the pen needs to warm slightly before injection. In these cases, Wegovy pens can be kept at room temperature for a limited period. The exact allowance is stated in the product leaflet, but in practice it is usually up to several weeks provided the temperature does not exceed 30°C. This flexibility is useful for holidays, work trips, or simply when planning weekly routines. However, pens should never be exposed to heat sources such as radiators, hot cars, or direct sunlight.

Checking the pen before use

Before each injection, it is good practice to inspect the pen visually. The liquid should be clear and colourless. If the solution looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, the pen should not be used. Likewise, pens that are past their printed expiry date should be discarded. These checks take only a few seconds but are important safeguards, ensuring that every dose delivered is both safe and effective.

Keeping medicine out of reach

As with all medicines, Wegovy pens should be kept out of the reach and sight of children. The injection pens are designed for single use, and tampering could lead to accidents. Storage in a refrigerator drawer or box designated for medicines can help prevent confusion with food items. Families with young children may find it useful to place pens in a locked storage container inside the fridge for added safety.

Disposal of used equipment

Used needles must always be disposed of in a sharps container. These are provided when treatment is started and can be exchanged for new ones when full. Sharps bins reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries and ensure safe handling of medical waste. The pens themselves should be discarded according to local pharmacy or clinic instructions once empty. This structured disposal system is part of the treatment plan and ensures environmental and household safety.

Travel considerations

For people travelling, especially abroad, storage becomes an important practical point. Wegovy pens should be carried in a cool bag with ice packs if long journeys are expected, but the pens must not come into direct contact with ice. When flying, pens should be kept in hand luggage rather than checked baggage, since temperatures in aircraft holds can drop below freezing. Travel letters from a prescriber can help when carrying pens and needles through airport security. Planning ahead keeps the medicine both effective and accessible wherever the week’s dose falls.

Common mistakes to avoid

Several common errors can compromise treatment:

• Freezing pens, either deliberately or accidentally.

  
  

• Leaving pens outside the fridge for long periods in hot conditions.

  
  

• Storing pens in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

  
  

• Using pens past their expiry date or if the solution looks abnormal.

  
  

• Disposing of used needles in household waste instead of a sharps container. Avoiding these mistakes ensures continuity of treatment and avoids setbacks in a weight-management plan.

  
  

The main message

Wegovy needs to be stored carefully to remain safe and effective. Pens should be kept in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, never frozen, and always protected from light. They can be kept at room temperature for limited periods if needed, but not in excessive heat. A quick check of the liquid and expiry date before each dose adds another layer of safety. Used needles should go into sharps bins, and pens should be disposed of according to local pharmacy or clinic instructions. The main message is simple: correct storage keeps the medicine working as intended, making each weekly injection reliable and safe.