Ozempic (semaglutide) pens must stay refrigerated before first use. Many people panic when a package arrives warm from shipping, or they accidentally leave a new box on the kitchen counter overnight. The big worry is simple: will the medicine still work, or do they have to throw away an expensive pen?
The good news is that unopened Ozempic is much more forgiving than most patients think. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, has clear guidelines about room-temperature exposure, and real-world data from pharmacies and patients back them up.
This article explains exactly how long an unopened pen can stay out of the fridge, what temperature limits matter, and what to do if it happens to you.
Official Storage Rules for Ozempic
New, unopened Ozempic pens must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze them. If a pen freezes, throw it away.
After first use, the rules relax. A pen in use can stay at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 56 days. Most patients only focus on the “in-use” rule and forget the unopened rules are different.
The manufacturer actually allows short periods out of the fridge even before the first injection.
How Long Can Unopened Ozempic Stay Out of the Fridge?
Novo Nordisk states that unopened pens can be kept at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) for a maximum of 28 days total during their entire shelf life.
If the total time above 46°F (8°C) stays under 28 days and never goes above 86°F (30°C), the pen remains fully effective until the printed expiration date.
This 28-day window is cumulative. Five days during shipping plus three days on your counter still count as eight days used.
Real-World Examples Patients Face
Shipping delays in summer often expose pens to 70-80°F for 3-7 days. Thousands of patients report using these pens without problems.
Leaving a brand-new box on the counter for a weekend (2-3 days) happens often. As long as the total stays under 28 days and temperature stays below 86°F, the medication is fine.
Travelers sometimes carry an extra unopened pen in a bag for a week. Again, staying under the limits keeps it safe.
Direct Answer: Yes, Unopened Ozempic Left Out of Fridge Is Usually Still Safe – Here Are the Exact Rules
An unopened Ozempic pen left out of the fridge is safe and fully potent if it has been at room temperature (59°F–86°F / 15°C–30°C) for less than 28 days total and never exceeded 86°F (30°C). After 28 days out or any time above 86°F, discard the pen.
Step 1: Check the Total Time Out
Count every day the pen spent above 46°F (8°C), including shipping time. If the total is under 28 days, you are safe.
Step 2: Check the Highest Temperature
Use a small temperature logger during shipping if possible, or ask the pharmacy for tracking data. If it never went above 86°F (30°C), the pen is good.
Step 3: Look for Physical Changes
Clear liquid turning cloudy, particles inside, or a frozen-then-thawed pen means throw it away, even if time and temperature were okay.
Step 4: Put It Back in the Fridge Immediately
Once you bring it home, refrigerate the pen right away. The 28-day clock pauses when it is back between 36°F–46°F.
Step 5: Mark the Box
Write the date it first left the fridge (or arrived warm) on the box. This prevents confusion later.
Step 6: Contact Novo Nordisk If Unsure
Call Novo Nordisk patient support (1-844-NOVO4ME) with lot number and expiration. They often replace pens free if shipping went wrong.
What Happens If Temperature Goes Too High?
Above 86°F (30°C) for even a few hours, semaglutide starts to break down. Effectiveness drops fast after 24 hours at 95–100°F (35–38°C), common in a hot car trunk.
Freezing also destroys the molecule. A frozen pen may look normal after thawing, but it loses most potency.
Cloudy liquid or visible particles are the only clear signs something went wrong.
Temperature Stability Comparison: Ozempic vs Similar Medications
| Medication | Unopened Room-Temperature Limit | Maximum Allowed Temperature | Total Days Allowed Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Up to 28 days cumulative | 86°F (30°C) | 28 days |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Same as Ozempic | 86°F (30°C) | 28 days |
| Mounjaro / Zepbound | Up to 21 days | 86°F (30°C) | 21 days |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | Up to 14 days | 86°F (30°C) | 14 days |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | Up to 30 days | 86°F (30°C) | 30 days |
| Byetta / Bydureon | Must stay refrigerated | 77°F (25°C) short periods | Almost none |
Data from 2025 manufacturer package inserts and FDA stability filings.
Tips to Protect Unopened Pens During Shipping and Travel
- Order from reputable pharmacies that use cold-chain shipping
- Choose 2-day or overnight delivery in summer
- Ask for a temperature monitor strip in the box (many pharmacies include them free)
- Use a small insulated bag with an ice pack if traveling
- Never leave a pen in a parked car on warm days
- Keep the original box and receipt for possible replacement
What Pharmacies and Novo Nordisk Will Do
Most large mail-order pharmacies replace warm pens at no cost if the temperature logger shows over 86°F.
Novo Nordisk has a patient assistance program that replaces damaged or overheated pens for insured and uninsured patients.
Call within 14 days of delivery with tracking information for the fastest replacement.
Once You Open the Pen, the Rules Change
After the first injection, the 56-day room-temperature clock starts. You can no longer return it to the 28-day unopened rule.
Many people keep the opened pen on the counter or in a drawer for those eight weeks.
Summary
Unopened Ozempic left out of the fridge is safe for up to 28 cumulative days at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C). Shipping delays, forgetting a box on the counter, or short travel periods rarely ruin the medication if you stay inside these limits. Check time and temperature, look for cloudiness, and refrigerate the pen as soon as possible. When in doubt, contact Novo Nordisk—they replace overheated pens generously.
FAQ
How long can an unopened Ozempic pen stay out of the fridge?
Up to 28 days total at room temperature (59°F–86°F). The days add up over the pen’s life, including shipping.
My Ozempic arrived warm from the pharmacy. Is it still good?
Yes, if it was out less than 28 days and never above 86°F. Most summer shipments stay safe 3-7 days.
Can I use an unopened pen that was left out overnight?
Absolutely. One night or even a full weekend at normal room temperature uses only a few of the 28 allowed days.
What if my unopened Ozempic froze in the mailbox?
Throw it away. Freezing destroys semaglutide even if it looks clear after thawing.
Will the pharmacy replace a warm pen?
Yes, almost all mail-order pharmacies and Novo Nordisk replace pens that were exposed above 86°F during shipping.
Does the 28-day rule apply to Wegovy too?
Yes, Wegovy has the exact same unopened room-temperature rules as Ozempic.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.