Medication reference
How to store Ozempic
How to store an Ozempic pen before and after first use, and how to dispose of it, as the Canadian product monograph states.
Key facts
- Before first use, store Ozempic in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
- After first use, you can keep the pen for 8 weeks. Store it at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C.
- Do not freeze Ozempic. Do not use Ozempic if it has been frozen.
- When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on to protect it from light.
- Store Ozempic without a needle attached.
Before first use
Before first use, store Ozempic in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze it. Keep it away from the cooling element.
The product monograph gives this storage time before first use: until the expiration date.
Do not use Ozempic after the expiry date on the pen label and the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
After first use
After first use, you can keep the pen for 8 weeks. Store it at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze it.
When you are not using the pen, keep the pen cap on to protect it from light.
Always remove the needle immediately after each injection. Store Ozempic without a needle attached.
The product monograph says that this may prevent blocked needles, contamination, infection, leakage of solution and inaccurate dosing.
The 8-week pen for 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg doses can only be used for 8 weeks after you start to use it. Discard it after 8 weeks, even if it still contains doses.
If the pen froze or got too hot
Do not freeze Ozempic. Do not use Ozempic if it has been frozen.
Do not inject Ozempic which has been frozen. If you do that, your blood sugar level may get too high, or you might feel abdominal discomfort such as nausea or vomiting.
Do not inject Ozempic which has been exposed to direct sunlight. If you do that, your blood sugar level may get too high.
Protect Ozempic from excessive heat and light.
Do not use this medicine if the solution is not clear and colourless.
Handling the pen
The instructions for the pen in the product monograph give these rules:
- Do not leave the pen in a car or another place where it can get too hot or too cold.
- Do not expose your pen to dust, dirt or liquid.
- Do not wash, soak or lubricate your pen. It may be cleaned with a mild detergent on a moistened cloth.
- Do not drop your pen or knock it against hard surfaces. If you drop it or suspect a problem, attach a new needle and check the flow before you inject.
- Always keep your pen and needles out of the sight and reach of others, especially children.
- Never share your pen or your needles with other people.
Disposal
Always dispose of the needle after each injection. Dispose of it carefully as instructed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or local authorities.
When the pen is empty, throw it away without a needle on, as instructed by your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or local authorities.
Do not try to refill your pen. Once empty, it must be disposed of.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines that you no longer use.
Ask a health professional
This page repeats what the Canadian product monograph says. It is not medical advice. Ask your pharmacist or your prescriber what applies to you.