Key takeaways
- Injectable GLP-1s should typically be kept in the fridge, although they can safely be left at room temperature for several weeks. This can help stop the medication from breaking down.
- Once you’ve used an injectable GLP-1, you should place the needle in an FDA-approved sharps container.
- Expired or unused medications can often be dropped of at a pharmacy or other drop-off location for safe disposal.
Overview
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) like Ozempic and Wegovy are rising in popularity, but they come with many considerations. Injectable medications typically have particular storage requirements, and you’ll need to ensure you dispose of used needles safely.
Let’s take a look at how to store and dispose of your GLP-1s for the most effective treatment.
—————-
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
How to store GLP-1s
Storage requirements for GLP-1s typically depend on whether you have an injectable medication or oral tablets.
How to store oral GLP-1s
GLP-1 tablets can typically be kept at room temperature, in their original pill bottle. Avoid exposing the medication to extreme temperatures, and make sure they’re stored in a dry location.
How to store injectable GLP-1s
Typically, unopened GLP-1 pens and vials should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). These can be safely kept at this temperature until their listed expiration date, which may be different for each medication but is typically up to 2 years.
Once opened, GLP-1 pens can be safely kept at room temperature for a set amount of time. This time is different for each GLP-1. For example:
- Ozempic: Opened Ozempic can be kept at room temperature for up to 56 days.
- Wegovy: Opened Wegovy can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days.
- Zepbound: Opened Zepbound can be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days.
GLP-1s should never be exposed to extreme temperatures, so they should not be frozen or microwaved. Make sure to store them away from sunlight, as well.
It’s also important to note that once a GLP-1 has been removed from the fridge, you shouldn’t re-refrigerate it. This is because changes in temperature can also affect the medication.
Pro tip: For storage details for your specific medication, you can check out the manufacturer’s website by searching for the medication name.
Learn more about how to store GLP-1s while traveling.
What happens if GLP-1s are stored incorrectly?
If GLP-1s are exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low, the active ingredient in them can begin to break down. The active ingredient is what makes a drug work, so if this happens, your medication may be less effective or stop working entirely.
Before injecting, always check the liquid inside the pen. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. If you notice any cloudiness, particles, or discoloration, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before proceeding with your dose, as this could indicate that the medication has degraded.
If your GLP-1s have been stored incorrectly, you will need to dispose of them.
How to safely dispose of GLP-1s
Whether it’s expired medication or used needles or pens, it’s important to dispose of your GLP-1s safely and correctly.
How to get rid of used needles
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends placing all needles in a sharps container immediately after use. You can get sharps containers at pharmacies or online. A good sharps container is puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and features a secure, locking lid.
Once the sharps container is full, it must be disposed of safely. This can be done in different ways.
- Drop boxes or collection sites: These may be found at places like doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, health departments, and medical waste facilities.
- Mail-back programs: Certain FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers can be shipped to a collection site for safe disposal.
- Pick-up services: Your community may offer pick-up services that send trained special waste handlers to collect sharps disposal containers from your home.
Pro tip: For more information specific to your state, call Safe Needle Disposal at 1-800-643-1643 or e-mail info@safeneedledisposal.org.
How to get rid of expired or damaged medication
If you have expired or damaged GLP-1s (either tablets or injectables), it’s a good idea to look into disposing of these safely.
The FDA states that the ideal approach is to drop off drug containers at a take-back collection site. You should aim to dispose of your medications as soon as they expire or when you no longer need them.
You can find local permanent collection locations on the DEA website. Your local department of health may also have this information posted on their sites, including the dates of periodic medication disposal with mobile collection sites. There may also be temporary sites in your area.
If you can’t access a drop-off point, you may be able to dispose of it with your household trash. If doing this, try to make the medication difficult to consume, such as by mixing all pills and capsules in kitty litter or used coffee grounds. Also make sure to dispose of the medication in a sealed container.
Pro tip: Before dropping your medication off at a collection site, remove any personal information that appears on the packaging, like your name and prescription numbers.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOnline care for GLP-1s
If a doctor has prescribed a GLP-1, it’s important to take the medication as directed for as long as your doctor recommends. However, some people might face barriers to accessing GLP-1s, including high costs and access to healthcare appointments.
With Optum Perks Online Care, you can request a new weight loss prescription, get a refill, or get help with an existing prescription. There’s no monthly membership needed — all you’ll pay is $29 for the appointment plus the cost of the medication.
With this service, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your condition, and a licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after, without the need to make an in-person appointment.
Next steps
If you’ve been prescribed GLP-1s, here are some things to check before you start your treatment:
- Check storage requirements: Injectable GLP-1s should typically be kept refrigerated. Oral and injectable forms shouldn’t be exposed to extreme temperatures.
- Check the medication: Before injecting a GLP-1, check that the medication is clear and colorless or slightly yellow. If it’s cloudy or has particles in it, it may be expired or damaged.
- Check disposal requirements: Always place used needles in a safe sharps container. Look into drop-off locations in your area for used needles and expired medication.
Learn more about what to do if your GLP-1 isn’t working.
—————
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.
Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.