Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. As a biological medicine containing a peptide hormone analogue, Wegovy requires specific storage conditions to maintain stability and efficacy. Understanding how long Wegovy can safely remain at room temperature is essential for patients managing their treatment at home, during travel, or when refrigeration is temporarily unavailable. This article provides comprehensive guidance on Wegovy room temperature storage, aligned with MHRA-approved product information and UK clinical practice.
Quick Answer: Wegovy pens can remain at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, provided the ambient temperature does not exceed 30°C.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is supplied as single-dose pre-filled pens in multiple strengths, used once weekly with dose escalation to 2.4 mg maintenance if tolerated. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. As a biological medicine containing a peptide hormone analogue, Wegovy requires specific storage conditions to maintain its stability, efficacy, and safety throughout its shelf life.
Proper storage is essential because semaglutide is a protein-based molecule that can degrade when exposed to inappropriate temperatures or light. According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved product information, Wegovy pens must be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C before use. The medication should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light and should never be frozen. If a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded, as freezing can damage the molecular structure of the active ingredient.
The storage requirements allow some flexibility. Wegovy pens may be kept below 30°C for up to 6 weeks during use. This flexibility accommodates daily life whilst ensuring the medication remains effective. However, understanding the boundaries of safe room temperature storage is crucial for anyone prescribed this treatment.
Key storage principles include keeping the pen cap on when not in use, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources, and never storing Wegovy in car glove compartments or near radiators where temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Patients should always check the appearance of the solution before each injection and consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns about storage compliance.
According to the manufacturer's specifications and MHRA-approved product information, Wegovy pens can remain at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, provided the ambient temperature does not exceed 30°C. This timeframe begins from when you remove the pen from the refrigerator, not when you use it. It's important to understand that Wegovy pens are single-dose devices that should be discarded immediately after injection.
The 6-week room temperature allowance provides flexibility for situations where refrigeration may be temporarily unavailable, such as during power cuts, travel, or when staying away from home. If you plan to store your pen at room temperature before use, it's advisable to note the date you removed it from the refrigerator to ensure you use it within the 6-week window.
Temperature monitoring is crucial during room temperature storage. The 30°C threshold represents the upper safety limit; exposure to higher temperatures—even briefly—may compromise the medication's integrity. In the UK, room temperature typically remains well below 30°C for most of the year, but during summer heatwaves or in poorly ventilated spaces, temperatures can rise above this threshold. Patients should be particularly vigilant during warmer months and consider using a room thermometer to monitor storage conditions.
If you are uncertain about how long your Wegovy pen has been at room temperature, it is advisable to mark the date you removed it from the refrigerator on the carton or on a calendar. This simple practice helps track the 6-week room temperature storage period and ensures you use the medication within its validated stability window. If the 6-week period expires, the pen should be discarded safely, even if unused.
When Wegovy is stored at room temperature beyond the recommended 6-week period or exposed to temperatures exceeding 30°C, the stability of semaglutide cannot be guaranteed. Protein degradation may occur, potentially reducing the medication's effectiveness. If storage conditions are not met (over 30°C, frozen, or beyond the allowed time), potency cannot be guaranteed and the pen should not be used.
The molecular structure of semaglutide is sensitive to environmental stressors. Elevated temperatures can cause the peptide chains to unfold or aggregate, a process known as denaturation. This structural change may render the medication less biologically active or completely inactive. Unlike some medications where degradation produces visible changes, semaglutide degradation may not always be apparent to the naked eye, making it difficult to assess whether the medication has been compromised simply by looking at it.
If you suspect your Wegovy has been stored incorrectly—for example, left in a hot car, exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, or kept at room temperature for longer than 6 weeks—you should not use it. Contact your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist for advice. They can assess your situation and, if necessary, arrange for a replacement prescription. It is important not to use potentially compromised medication, as this may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Patients should also be aware that travel scenarios present particular risks. Airport security delays, long car journeys in summer, or leaving medication in checked luggage (where cargo holds can experience temperature extremes) can all compromise Wegovy's stability. Planning ahead and using appropriate cooling solutions can prevent these issues and ensure your medication remains effective throughout your treatment journey.
Travelling with Wegovy requires advance planning to maintain proper storage conditions, particularly for journeys lasting more than a few hours or involving air travel. For short trips within the UK (up to 6 weeks), you can safely carry your Wegovy pens at room temperature, provided you keep them below 30°C and protected from direct sunlight. Store the pens in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, as cargo holds can experience extreme temperature fluctuations that may freeze or overheat your medication.
For longer journeys or when travelling to warmer climates, consider using a medical cooling pouch or insulated travel case specifically designed for injectable medications. These products, available from pharmacies and online retailers, use cooling gel packs or insulation to maintain stable temperatures without freezing the medication. Avoid placing ice packs directly against the pen, as this could cause freezing. Instead, use a barrier layer (such as a cloth) between the cooling element and your medication. Some travel cases include temperature indicators that alert you if the internal temperature moves outside the safe range.
When flying, airport security X-ray screening is safe for medicines. However, carrying a copy of your prescription or a letter from your GP confirming your need for Wegovy can be helpful. This documentation facilitates security screening and confirms your need to carry pre-filled injection pens in your hand luggage. Most airport security teams are familiar with diabetes and weight management medications and will accommodate your needs.
Accommodation considerations are equally important. Upon arrival at your destination, immediately refrigerate any Wegovy pens if possible. If refrigeration is unavailable (such as in some hotel rooms), ensure your room remains cool, use air conditioning if available, and keep medication away from windows and heat sources. For extended stays in locations without reliable refrigeration, consult your pharmacist before travelling about alternative arrangements, such as having medication delivered to your destination or identifying local pharmacies that can provide refrigerated storage.
Before each injection, it is essential to visually inspect your Wegovy pen to ensure the medication appears normal and has been stored correctly. According to the Patient Information Leaflet, Wegovy solution should be clear and colourless or slightly yellow, and free from particles. If you notice any changes in appearance, this may indicate the medication has degraded or become contaminated and should not be used.
Specific warning signs include: particles, cloudiness, or discolouration in the solution; a change from clear to milky or opaque appearance; or visible sediment in the liquid. Additionally, if the pen has been frozen, you should not use it regardless of its appearance, as freezing can damage the medication.
It is important to note that some changes may not be visible. If you know or suspect your Wegovy has been exposed to temperatures above 30°C for extended periods, stored at room temperature for longer than 6 weeks, or frozen at any point, you should not use it regardless of its appearance. The absence of visible changes does not guarantee the medication remains effective, as protein degradation can occur without obvious physical signs.
If you accidentally inject potentially compromised Wegovy, monitor yourself for the expected effects and any unusual reactions. Contact your GP or practice nurse to report the incident and discuss whether any additional monitoring or dose adjustment is needed. They may advise you to use a fresh pen for your next scheduled dose and will help you establish whether the compromised dose has affected your treatment progress. Never attempt to compensate for a potentially ineffective dose by taking extra medication, as this could lead to adverse effects.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can report suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.
Can I store Wegovy in a fridge door? Whilst technically within the 2°C to 8°C range, fridge doors experience more temperature fluctuations due to frequent opening and closing. It is preferable to store Wegovy on a middle shelf towards the back of the refrigerator, where temperature remains most stable. Ensure the pen is not placed directly against the back wall, where it might freeze.
What should I do if there's a power cut? If your refrigerator loses power, keep the door closed to maintain cool temperatures for as long as possible. Most modern refrigerators will stay cold enough for several hours if unopened. If the power cut extends beyond a few hours and internal temperature rises above 8°C, you can safely keep your pens at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks total. Track the date the pens were removed from refrigeration to ensure they're used within this timeframe.
Can I use Wegovy that has been left out overnight? If a pen has been left at room temperature overnight (assuming room temperature was below 30°C), it can still be used, but this time counts towards the 6-week room temperature storage limit. Mark the date you first left it out and ensure you use the pen within 6 weeks from that point. If you're unsure about storage conditions, contact your pharmacist for guidance.
How should I dispose of used or compromised Wegovy? Place the entire used Wegovy pen in a sharps bin; do not attempt to remove the needle as it is fixed within the device. Arrange provision/collection of sharps bins via your GP or local council. Only unused or expired medication (not used pens with needles) should be returned to a pharmacy for disposal. Never throw pens in household waste or flush them down the toilet.
Does Wegovy need to be at room temperature before injecting? Whilst not strictly necessary, some patients find that allowing refrigerated Wegovy to reach room temperature (by leaving it out for approximately 15-30 minutes before injection) makes the injection more comfortable, as cold medication can cause slight discomfort. However, this is a personal preference rather than a medical requirement, and the medication is safe and effective when injected directly from the refrigerator.
Wegovy pens can remain at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, provided the ambient temperature does not exceed 30°C. This timeframe begins when you remove the pen from the refrigerator.
If Wegovy is stored at room temperature beyond 6 weeks or exposed to temperatures exceeding 30°C, protein degradation may occur, potentially reducing effectiveness. The pen should not be used and you should contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Yes, you can travel with Wegovy at room temperature for up to 6 weeks if kept below 30°C. For longer journeys or warmer climates, use a medical cooling pouch and carry pens in hand luggage to avoid temperature extremes in cargo holds.
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DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
