What Happens If You Use Expired Semaglutide?

Semaglutide — the type 2 diabetes and weight loss medication sold under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy® — can expire. If you’ve ever given old milk a sniff, you know for yourself that expired things aren’t good.

What happens if you use expired semaglutide? The GLP-1 receptor agonist medication’s active ingredient may not be as effective. It might cause unknown side effects or infections if bacteria grow in the solution. Ew.

Read on for everything you need to know about semaglutide expiration, including the health risks and what to do if you notice your medication has expired.

You open the fridge, get ready to administer your weekly semaglutide injection, and then — bam! — you spot the expiration date. Don’t ignore it.

Here’s what can happen if you inject expired semaglutide:

• Loss of effectiveness. Medications may not be as effective if used beyond their expiration date or beyond-use date (BUD) because their strength can decrease over time. If you’re taking semaglutide for obesity, that means it may not reduce your appetite and food cravings or increase your satiety (fullness) as much as it usually does. You may struggle to stick to nutritious food choices and healthy portion sizes without the drug’s full potency.

• Unknown side effects. Medications have been tested and are known to remain safe and stable up to their expiration date. Beyond that, anything goes. The chemical composition of expired semaglutide may change and cause unknown side effects. You may be risking serious adverse reactions, depending on how far expired your medication is and how your body reacts to it.

• Infections. As you know, injectable semaglutide comes in a solution. Beyond its shelf life, there’s a greater risk of contamination and bacterial or fungal growth in the liquid. If injected, you may be risking infection and all the ugly consequences that go with it.

The TL;DR? It’s not worth risking it with expired semaglutide. It may not be as potent, and it might not be safe.

Asking how long a vial of semaglutide is good for is kind of like asking how long a piece of string is.

Each semaglutide injection pen or vial will have its own expiration date. So, make it part of your routine to check this date before administering your injection. You can find the expiration date on the injection pen or vial or on the medication packaging.

Besides the expiration date, make a note of the first time you use each pre-filled pen or open each vial.

Ozempic is good for 56 days once opened, as long as it’s kept in the fridge or at room temperature.

Compounded semaglutide is generally good for 28 days in the fridge after the first use. Check specific storage instructions on the compounded semaglutide you’re using, as guidelines may vary.

If there’s medication left over after these timeframes, toss it and use a new dose.

Does Ozempic Expire?

Yes, Ozempic expires. You’ll find the expiration date on the back of the injection pen label. Look out for “EXP.”

Wegovy expires too, BTW. Look for the expiration date — marked as “EXP” — on the back of the injection pen.

Whether you’re using these medications for weight management, to control blood sugar levels, or both, it’s vital to use them as directed and never past the expiration date.

Does Compounded Semaglutide Expire?

Yes, compounded semaglutide expires. Compounded semaglutide expiration dates can vary depending on which compounding pharmacy you get your medication from, but it should be clearly labeled. Look for the expiration date on the vial of medication or on the packaging.

If you notice semaglutide has expired, toss it out. We know it’s tempting to use expired medication (especially when it’s expensive). But even if you’re only a few days past the before-use date, don’t risk it.

If you’re unsure whether your medication is safe to use, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacy for advice.

When throwing out medication, dispose of needles, syringes, and injection pens in a sharps container and follow disposal guidelines for your area. If you don’t have a sharps container, you can use an un-pierceable, closable container, like an empty laundry detergent jug or protein powder container.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has a mail-back program for expired medications. You can also check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer medication take-back programs or services.

The shelf life of semaglutide isn’t the only factor to look out for to ensure it’s safe and effective. Temperature (too warm or too cold) and direct sunlight can affect semaglutide as well.

Get into the habit of inspecting your medication before each use — even if it’s within its expiration date.

Semaglutide should be:

• Clear

• Colorless

• Free from particles

• Unfrozen

If it’s cloudy, colored, frozen, or you can see floating particles in the solution, toss it out.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution and use a new dose of medication. You can also check with your prescribing healthcare professional or pharmacy for advice. They may be able to give you a new prescription.

Using spoiled or degraded semaglutide comes with the same risks as using expired semaglutide. It may not be as effective, and it could cause unknown and dangerous side effects.

Expired semaglutide may not be as effective, and it may not be safe. It’s always advisable to not use expired medication to protect your well-being.

Here are the key takeaways on what happens if you use expired semaglutide:

• It’s not entirely clear what happens if you use expired Ozempic, Wegovy, or compounded semaglutide, but there’s a risk that it’s not good. The medication may not be as effective, let alone safe, past its expiration date.

• Check the expiration date of your medication before administering it. If it’s out of date, toss it out, following the safety guidelines for disposing meds in your area.

• Beyond semaglutide shelf life, check that your medication is clear, colorless, not frozen, and free from particles. Follow proper storage guidelines to keep your medication stable.

• Know how to properly store semaglutide. Most medications and supplements should be stored in a “cool, dry place,” but semaglutide is generally meant to be kept in the refrigerator.

If you’re looking into weight loss options, take our free online weight loss assessment to find out which treatments could work for you.

If you’re already taking weight loss medication through Hers, don’t forget you’ve got unlimited 24/7 access to healthcare providers through the Hers app. Our licensed medical professionals can answer any questions you have about expired semaglutide — and beyond.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.