Proper medication storage is one of the most common—and most important—questions patients ask, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive injectable medications. So let’s answer this clearly and immediately: Does Wegovy need to be refrigerated? Yes—Wegovy requires refrigeration for long-term stability, but not at all times.
There’s one short-term, manufacturer-approved exception: the 28-day rule. Understanding this rule, and why Wegovy is temperature sensitive, ensures that every injection is both safe and effective.
Below is the authoritative, pharmacist-verified overview you can rely on.
Refrigeration: The Official Long-Term Semaglutide Storage Protocol
Unopened Pens Must Stay Refrigerated
For long-term storage, unopened Wegovy pens must be kept in the refrigerator at:
36∘F – 46∘F36^\circ\text{F} \,–\, 46^\circ\text{F} 36∘F–46∘F ( 2∘C – 8∘C2^\circ\text{C} \,–\, 8^\circ\text{C}2∘C–8∘C )
This temperature range protects the integrity of semaglutide, the active ingredient. When properly stored in this range, the pen remains stable until its printed expiration date.
Protect It From Light
Keep the pen inside its original carton. Semaglutide is light-sensitive, and the packaging shields it from harmful exposure.
The Short-Term Exception: The 28-Day Rule
Does Wegovy Need to Be Refrigerated at All Times?
No. This is a widespread misconception.
Wegovy does not need refrigeration at all times.
Once removed from the refrigerator, an unopened pen can be stored at room temperature for short periods:
Up to 86∘F86^\circ\text{F} 86∘F ( 30∘C30^\circ\text{C} 30∘C ) for a maximum of 28 days.
This is the official 28-day rule.
Critical Details of the 28-Day Rule
- The 28-day countdown starts the moment the pen leaves the fridge.
- The clock does not reset if you return the pen to the refrigerator.
- Warmer temperatures (even briefly above 86∘F86^\circ\text{F}86∘F) permanently damage the medication.
- After 28 days, unused pens must be discarded, even if they appear normal.
This rule exists because semaglutide becomes increasingly unstable when exposed to extended room-temperature conditions.
Understanding Why: Why Does Wegovy Need to Be Refrigerated?
To understand proper semaglutide storage, you need to know the science behind it.
Semaglutide is a peptide—a small, delicate protein.
Protein-based medications are highly sensitive to:
- Heat
- Light
- Mechanical stress
- Freeze–thaw cycles
Higher-than-recommended temperatures accelerate molecular breakdown. As the structure degrades, the medication starts losing potency, becoming less effective at controlling appetite, blood sugar, and weight.
Because of these vulnerabilities, refrigeration keeps the peptide stable and maintains full therapeutic strength.
Critical Storage Warnings: Freeze Damage and High Heat
BOLD WARNING — FREEZING IS FORBIDDEN
Wegovy must never be frozen.
If a pen has been frozen—even partially—it is permanently damaged.
Freezing causes the protein chains in semaglutide to denature (unfold), making the medication inactive and unsafe.
If Wegovy freezes, you must dispose of it immediately. Do not inject it.
High Heat = Immediate Damage
Exposure to temperatures above 86∘F86^\circ\text{F}86∘F ( 30∘C30^\circ\text{C}30∘C ) destroys the medication and makes it unusable.
Common high-heat danger situations include:
- Inside a hot car
- Near a heater or radiator
- In direct sunlight
- Inside luggage during summer travel
Any pen exposed to high heat must be thrown away.
FAQ: Wegovy Storage Questions Patients Ask Most
1. Can I put Wegovy back in the fridge after taking it out?
Yes, but you do NOT reset the 28-day countdown. Once you remove the pen from the refrigerator, you must use or discard it within 28 days—regardless of whether you put it back in the fridge.
2. What happens if Wegovy freezes?
You must discard it. Freezing destroys the semaglutide protein, making the medication ineffective and unsafe to inject.
3. Is it okay to inject Wegovy cold?
Yes, it’s safe. However, many patients prefer to let the pen sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to reduce injection discomfort.
4. Is the storage rule the same for other GLP-1 medications?
Mostly yes. Medications such as Ozempic, Trulicity, and Mounjaro require similar refrigeration and room-temperature limits because they also contain peptides.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical guidance. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your pharmacist, prescriber, or the official medication guide.
Conclusion
So—does Wegovy need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Refrigeration is the rule for long-term stability and potency. But thanks to the manufacturer-approved 28-day rule, Wegovy does not need to be refrigerated at all times.
Protect your pens from freezing, high heat, and extended room-temperature exposure. When properly stored, you preserve the full therapeutic power of your medication.
