Quick Answer: When stored in the refrigerator, Wegovy pens last until their expiry date. When stored unrefrigerated, they last only 28 days. Wegovy pens are single-use and must be disposed of after each injection. Learn more about their new recycling "PenCycle" program recently launched in the UK at the end of this article!
Wegovy is a weight-loss injection commonly prescribed in the UK. If you're using it or have recently been prescribed it, you're likely curious about how long each injection pen lasts and how to store them properly to make sure they don't expire prematurely. So, let's get to it!
Related article: Wegovy Storage: Refrigeration, Shelf Life, Out Of Fridge LifeSpan, and More!
How Long Does a Wegovy Pen Last?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is injected once weekly, at home, with an easy-to-use, self-injection pen.
Each Wegovy pen contains a single dose of medication, so Wegovy pens are single-use and must be disposed of after each injection. Once a pen has been used, it should be discarded immediately, even if there is some medication left inside.
The injection pens are available in different dosages to match your doctor's prescription. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Initial doses (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg): Each pen equals one dose, meaning one pen lasts for one week.
- Higher doses (1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg): The same applies; each pen delivers one weekly dose.
In the UK, Wegovy is typically sold in boxes containing four pens, which cover a four-week treatment period. This makes it convenient to manage your treatment on a monthly basis.
However, to ensure yoru Wegovy pens remain effective, they must be stored correctly. Improper storage can lead to your Wegovy pens expiring prematurely and not be safe for use!
Related article: How to Inject Wegovy: A Step-by-Step Guide and Answers to All Your Questions!
How Long Do Wegovy Pens Last in the Fridge?
Wegovy is a refrigerated medication. Before opening, store the pens in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. When properly refrigerated, the pens will last until their expiry date, which is clearly marked on the packaging.
Avoid freezing the pens, as this can damage the medication. And always store them in their original box to protect them from light.
How Long Does a Wegovy Pen Last if Unrefrigerated?
Wegovy pens can be stored at unrefrigerated at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. Beyond this, the medication may lose its effectiveness.
In other words, when stored out of the fridge, Wegovy pens last only 28 days, provided they're never exposed to heat above 30°C.
Related article: How to Travel With Wegovy: Storage, Packing Tips, Travel Cases, and Regulations!
What to Do with Expired or Empty Wegovy Pens?
Used or expired Wegovy pens are medical waste and must be disposed of accordingly. In the UK, here's how to handle them:
- Do not throw them in regular household rubbish. Used and expired pens should be treated as medical waste.
- Use a sharps disposal container. Your GP or pharmacy can provide one if you don't already have one.
- Return the container to your pharmacy. Many pharmacies in the UK accept sharps containers for safe disposal.
This process ensures compliance with UK regulations and helps keep others safe.
Alternatively and for the sake of our environment, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy pens, has recently launched a recycling program for its prefilled injection pens in the UK!
The program is called "PenCycle" and you can read more about it, including locations and pharmacies across the UK where you can return your used Wegovy pens for proper recycling!
Related article: Is It Safe to Inject Cold Wegovy Straight From the Fridge?
Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your treatment or how to store and dispose of your pens safely.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Are you using Wegovy? Do you have any tips or questions you'd like to share with us? Have you participated in the PenCycle Recycling program launched by NovoNordisk? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
