Storage Issues Impacting Efficacy
The diabetes-turned weight-loss drug Ozempic has helped tens of thousands of Americans slim down, yet some people report their prescription isn’t delivering the results it should. Experts now suggest that improper storage might be a reason for the drug’s reduced effectiveness.
Refrigeration is Key
While it’s common to keep prescriptions in the bathroom medicine cabinet, providers say Ozempic should be stored in the refrigerator instead, kept at a cool 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Doctors also warn that the medication should never be frozen or stored in direct sunlight, as this can cause the medication to break down.
Expert Warnings
Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, said: “If Ozempic is not refrigerated, it will likely lose its efficacy over time. In some cases, it may cause more side effects.” Incorrect storage can lead to the drug not working as intended, affecting weight loss results.
Proper Storage Instructions
Instructions say to keep all new and unopened Ozempic pens in the refrigerator. Once Ozempic is used for the first time, it can be kept either in or out of the fridge, but it should not be exposed to extremely cold or hot temperatures.
Dr. HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, a pharmacist, advises that opened Ozempic should be kept between 59 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 56 days or until its expiration date, whichever comes first. After that point, any leftover medication should be discarded.
Importance of Stability
Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, a health expert based in Fort Worth, emphasized: “Proper storage of medication ensures its effectiveness and safety. Even the slightest deviations in storage conditions can affect the medication’s stability.”
Impact on Effectiveness
Ozempic is sensitive to temperature changes because it contains semaglutide, a protein that can start to break down in warmer temperatures. This means that if not stored correctly, the medication may no longer mimic hunger-suppressing hormones in the body and will not work as intended.
Other Weight Loss Drugs
Other similar weight loss drugs should also be kept in the refrigerator, including Wegovy, which can only be stored at room temperature for 28 days, and Mounjaro, which must be used within 21 days of being opened.
Celebrity Usage
Eagle-eyed viewers discovered the weight loss drug Mounjaro stocked inside Scott Disick’s fridge on an episode of The Kardashians. This underscores the importance of proper storage for these medications.
Expected Weight Loss
Experts prescribing these medications say patients can expect to lose as much as 1lb per week while using drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Marlee Bruno, who owns the medical spa Mind Body & Soul Medical in Florida, previously told DailyMail.com: “After three months, patients may have lost at least 12lbs of fat — which is a significant loss and makes patients feel much better.”
Combining Diet and Exercise
Many doctors advise those taking Ozempic to use the drug alongside a high-protein diet and exercise to avoid muscle loss and help maintain weight loss when they come off the drug.
Patient Experiences
Some patients have reported that the drugs were not working for them, with some saying they “out-ate” the drug. Comedian Tracy Morgan, 55, revealed in March that he “gained 40lbs” while taking Ozempic, saying, “I’ve learned to out-eat Ozempic. I out-ate Ozempic. I’ve gained 40 pounds.”
Rising Demand
Prescriptions for Ozempic and similar weight loss medications have exploded in the US, with 39 million people — or 12 percent of the population — now thought to have used them. If users aren’t seeing a difference, they should check how they’re storing their shots. Proper storage is crucial for the medication’s effectiveness and safety.