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Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist used for weight management in the UK. Proper wegovy storage instructions are essential to maintain the medication's effectiveness and safety. Unopened pens must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C before first use, protected from light and never frozen. Once opened, each single-dose pen is used immediately and discarded. Understanding temperature requirements, travel precautions, and safe disposal methods ensures optimal treatment outcomes. This guide provides comprehensive storage information aligned with MHRA and NHS guidance to help you handle Wegovy correctly throughout your treatment journey.
Quick Answer: Wegovy must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before first use, protected from light, and never frozen.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription medicine used for weight management that requires careful storage to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Before you use your Wegovy pen for the first time, it must be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. This is the optimal temperature range that preserves the stability of the active ingredient, semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
When storing unopened Wegovy pens in the refrigerator, keep them in their original carton to protect them from light. The medication should never be frozen; if a pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately, even if it has subsequently thawed. Freezing can damage the molecular structure of semaglutide, rendering the medication ineffective or potentially unsafe.
Store your pens away from the freezer compartment to prevent accidental freezing. Many patients find it helpful to keep Wegovy on a middle or lower shelf of the refrigerator, away from the back wall where temperatures may be coldest. Do not store the pens in the refrigerator door, as temperature fluctuations occur more frequently in this area.
Before first use, check the expiry date printed on the pen label and carton. Never use Wegovy after this date has passed. If you receive your medication by post, place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible upon delivery. If the pens have been at room temperature during transit for a short period (less than 28 days and below 30°C), they remain safe to use, but should be refrigerated promptly upon receipt.
Source: MHRA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Wegovy
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Wegovy pens available in the UK are single-dose autoinjectors that are designed to be used once and then discarded immediately after injection. Each pen delivers a single, pre-set dose of semaglutide and cannot be reused.
After administering your dose, the entire pen should be disposed of properly in a sharps container. Do not attempt to reuse Wegovy pens as they are not designed for multiple injections. Attempting to reuse a pen could result in receiving an incorrect dose or no medication at all, which could affect your treatment outcomes.
The needle is integrated into the Wegovy autoinjector design, so there is no need to attach or remove needles. The protective cap should remain on the pen until you are ready to use it, and once removed for injection, the pen must be used immediately or discarded.
If you have any questions about how to use your Wegovy pen correctly, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet provided with your medication or speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Source: Novo Nordisk UK Patient Information Leaflet for Wegovy
Temperature control is critical for maintaining Wegovy's therapeutic effectiveness. Semaglutide, the active ingredient, is a peptide molecule that can degrade when exposed to excessive heat, potentially reducing its efficacy or altering its safety profile. Understanding and adhering to temperature requirements ensures you receive the full benefit of your treatment.
Unopened Wegovy pens can be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C for up to 28 days. This is particularly useful to know if your refrigerator malfunctions or during travel. After this 28-day period, any pens not used must be discarded, even if they appear normal.
Protect Wegovy pens from direct sunlight and heat sources at all times. Do not leave pens in cars, conservatories, or near windows where they may be exposed to direct sunlight or elevated temperatures. Car interiors can reach temperatures well above 30°C even on moderately warm days, which can rapidly degrade the medication. Similarly, avoid storing pens near cookers, ovens, radiators, or on top of electronic devices that generate heat.
If you suspect your Wegovy pen has been exposed to excessive heat or freezing temperatures, do not use it. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice. Visual inspection alone cannot determine if the medication has been compromised. Signs that might indicate degradation include changes in colour (the solution should be clear and colourless) or the presence of particles, though these signs are not always present even when medication has been damaged.
During power cuts or refrigerator malfunctions, unopened pens can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. However, once this period expires or if temperatures exceed 30°C, the medication must be discarded.
Source: MHRA SmPC section 6.4 'Special precautions for storage'
Travelling with Wegovy requires advance planning to ensure your medication remains effective throughout your journey. Whether travelling within the UK or abroad, maintaining proper storage conditions is essential for treatment continuity and medication safety.
For short trips within the UK (up to 28 days), you can carry your unopened pens at room temperature, provided it stays below 30°C. Use an insulated medication travel case or cool bag to protect the pens from temperature fluctuations, but avoid using ice packs that could freeze the medication. Remember that each Wegovy pen provides a single dose and must be discarded after use.
When flying, always carry Wegovy in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage. Cargo holds can experience freezing temperatures that will damage your medication. Wegovy pens are exempt from the 100ml liquid restriction at UK airport security, but you should carry your prescription or a letter from your GP confirming your need for the medication and injection devices. This documentation is particularly important for international travel and may be required at security checkpoints. The MHRA recommends carrying medications in their original packaging with pharmacy labels clearly visible.
For longer trips or travel to hot climates, consider these strategies:
Request a small portable medication refrigerator from your accommodation in advance
Use hotel room safes or mini-bars (set to appropriate temperature) for storage
Carry a medication travel cooler with temperature monitoring capabilities
Plan your injection schedule to minimise the number of pens you need to transport
If travelling across time zones, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting your injection schedule. Wegovy is administered once weekly, providing some flexibility, but maintaining consistent timing is generally recommended. Never inject Wegovy more frequently than once every seven days, even if your schedule is disrupted by travel.
Keep emergency contact information for your prescribing doctor and local diabetes or endocrinology services at your destination. If medication is lost, damaged, or stolen during travel, you may need urgent replacement prescriptions.
Sources: Gov.uk 'Aviation security' guidance; MHRA SmPC for Wegovy
Proper disposal of Wegovy pens is essential for environmental protection and public safety. Used pens contain residual medication and an integrated needle, both of which require careful handling to prevent accidental injury or environmental contamination. In the UK, specific guidelines govern the disposal of injectable medications and sharps.
After each injection, place the entire used Wegovy pen into an approved sharps container. Wegovy pens are single-use devices with an integrated needle system that cannot be removed. The complete pen must be disposed of as a unit in a sharps bin immediately after use. Sharps containers are rigid, puncture-proof containers specifically designed for safe disposal. You can obtain a sharps bin from your GP surgery, pharmacy, or local council. Some pharmacies provide this service free of charge for patients using injectable medications.
Once your sharps container is approximately three-quarters full, seal it according to the manufacturer's instructions and return it to your pharmacy, GP surgery, or local authority collection point. Never dispose of sharps containers in household waste or recycling bins, as this poses serious risks to waste collection workers and the public. Many local councils offer home collection services for sharps containers; contact your local authority for information about services in your area.
Expired or unused Wegovy pens must never be disposed of via household waste or poured down drains. Pharmaceutical waste can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic ecosystems. Return all expired, damaged, or unwanted medication to your pharmacy for safe disposal through pharmaceutical waste incineration programmes.
If you discontinue Wegovy treatment, return all unused pens to your pharmacy rather than storing them indefinitely. This prevents accidental use of expired medication and ensures safe disposal. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. If accidental exposure or needlestick injury occurs, seek immediate medical advice from your GP or NHS 111.
If you experience any side effects while using Wegovy, report them to your healthcare provider and consider submitting a report through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, which helps monitor medication safety.
Sources: NHS 'Safe disposal of sharps'; MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
Unopened Wegovy pens can be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to 28 days if necessary, but refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C is recommended before first use. After 28 days at room temperature, unused pens must be discarded.
If a Wegovy pen has been frozen, it must be discarded immediately, even if it has thawed. Freezing damages the molecular structure of semaglutide, making the medication ineffective or potentially unsafe.
Place used Wegovy pens immediately into an approved sharps container after injection. When the container is three-quarters full, return it to your pharmacy, GP surgery, or local authority collection point for safe disposal.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
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.
