Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps to control blood sugar levels by stimulating the production of insulin and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Ozempic is typically given as a subcutaneous injection once a week. One of the most important things to keep in mind when storing this medication is that it should not be frozen. In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if Ozempic freezes.
Why Should Ozempic Not be Frozen?
Like most medications, Ozempic contains a delicate active ingredient that can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. If Ozempic is frozen, the active ingredient may become unstable, which can affect the medication’s potency and effectiveness. Once the medication has been frozen, it should not be used, as there is no way to determine if the medication’s effectiveness has been compromised.
What Happens If Ozempic Freezes?
If Ozempic is frozen, it may no longer be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. When exposed to extreme temperatures, the active ingredient in the medication can become unstable, and this may result in a reduced effectiveness of the medication. This can lead to poor blood sugar control, which can result in symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Using Ozempic that has been frozen can increase the risk of developing side effects and may also lead to poor blood sugar control. Therefore, it is important to store Ozempic at the recommended temperature to ensure its effectiveness.
How to Properly Store Ozempic?
Ozempic should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date printed on the label. The medication should be kept in its original packaging and should be protected from light.
If you need to transport Ozempic, it can be stored at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C) for up to 28 days. Once the medication has been removed from the refrigerator and stored at room temperature, it should not be placed back in the refrigerator.
If you have any questions or concerns about the storage of Ozempic, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on the proper storage of the medication to ensure that it remains effective and safe to use.
In conclusion, Ozempic should not be frozen, as exposure to extreme temperatures can affect the medication’s potency and effectiveness. If Ozempic is frozen, it should not be used, as there is no way to determine if the medication’s effectiveness has been compromised. Therefore, it is important to store Ozempic at the recommended temperature to ensure its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels.