Semaglutide is a peptide medication that needs to be kept cold to stay effective. The good news: proper storage is simple. Treat it like milk—keep it in the fridge, don't freeze it, and don't leave it out too long.
The Basic Rule: Refrigerate
Store your semaglutide in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This is the standard refrigerator temperature range.
Best Practices at Home
- Keep it in the main body of the fridge, not the door (door temps fluctuate)
- Don't place it directly against the back wall where it might freeze
- Store in its original box or a small container to protect from light
- Keep it away from raw meat to prevent contamination
💡 A Designated Spot Helps
Pick one spot in your fridge for your medication and always keep it there. This prevents accidentally leaving it out and makes weekly injections easy—no hunting around.
What About Freezing?
Never freeze semaglutide. Freezing can damage the peptide structure, potentially making it less effective or inactive. If your vial accidentally freezes:
- Don't use it
- Contact your pharmacy or provider about a replacement
- Most providers will replace medication damaged by freezing
To prevent accidental freezing, don't place vials at the very back of the fridge or near the freezer compartment.
Room Temperature: When It's Okay
Compounded semaglutide can typically handle short periods at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C). This is intentional—it allows for practical use.
Acceptable Room Temperature Situations
- Before injection: 15-30 minutes to let medication warm slightly (more comfortable to inject)
- During travel: A few hours with proper cooling measures
- Accidental exposure: Brief periods (under an hour) are usually fine
⚠️ When to Be Concerned
If your medication has been at room temperature for more than a few hours, or exposed to temperatures above 77°F (like in a hot car), contact your pharmacy. They can advise whether it's still safe to use.
Traveling with Semaglutide
Don't let travel interrupt your treatment. With a little planning, you can keep your medication safe anywhere you go.
Short Trips (1-3 Days)
- Use a small insulated bag or cooler
- Include a cold pack (not frozen solid—wrap in cloth to prevent direct contact)
- Hotel mini-fridges work fine for storage
- Request a refrigerator when booking if one isn't standard
Flying
- Pack medication in your carry-on, not checked luggage (cargo holds can freeze or overheat)
- TSA allows medications through security—you can bring syringes, vials, and ice packs
- Consider a medical travel case designed for injectable medications
- Carry your prescription or a letter from your provider if you're concerned about questions
Longer Trips
- Some patients coordinate to receive shipments at their destination
- Portable medication coolers (like FRIO wallets) use evaporative cooling and don't need ice
- Many vacation rentals have full refrigerators
When Your Medication Arrives
Compounded semaglutide ships cold with ice packs or gel packs. When your package arrives:
- Retrieve it promptly—don't leave it on the porch in heat
- Check that ice packs are still cool (some melting is normal)
- Immediately place vial in your refrigerator
- Check the vial for any discoloration, particles, or damage
If the ice packs are completely melted and warm, or the medication feels warm to touch, contact your provider before using.
How Long Does It Last?
Beyond-Use Date (BUD)
Your vial label includes a Beyond-Use Date—the last date the pharmacy guarantees potency when stored properly. This is typically 30-90 days from compounding, depending on the pharmacy's stability data.
After Opening
Once you puncture the vial stopper with a needle, bacteria can potentially enter. Most guidance recommends using multi-dose vials within 28 days of first use, even if the BUD is later.
Write the date you first used the vial on the label with a marker. This helps you track the 28-day window.
Signs Your Medication May Be Compromised
Check your vial before each use. Don't use the medication if you notice:
- Cloudiness: Should be clear or slightly yellow, not cloudy
- Particles or floaters: No visible particles in the solution
- Color change: Significant darkening or unusual color
- Frozen and thawed: If it was frozen, don't use it
When in doubt, contact your pharmacy. It's better to replace a questionable vial than risk using compromised medication.
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| Condition | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Standard storage | Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C) |
| Before injection | 15-30 min at room temp is fine |
| Room temp (under 77°F) | Okay for a few hours |
| Left out overnight | Contact pharmacy for guidance |
| Frozen | Don't use—request replacement |
| Hot car exposure | Don't use—request replacement |
| After first use | Use within 28 days |
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Keep refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C)
- ✓ Never freeze
- ✓ Short room temp exposure is okay
- ✓ Use within 28 days after opening
- ✓ Check for clarity before each use
- ✓ When in doubt, contact your pharmacy