Does Semaglutide Need To Be Refrigerated: Storage Requirements and Shelf Life

Overview

Proper storage is critical for maintaining Semaglutide potency and safety. This guide covers storage requirements for both unreconstituted powder and reconstituted solution, refrigeration guidelines, shelf life expectations, and travel considerations. Semaglutide has FDA-approved forms for at least one indication, supported by substantial clinical trial data. This is general educational information.

Semaglutide Storage Requirements

Proper storage directly affects Semaglutide potency and safety. Peptides can degrade through several pathways including hydrolysis, oxidation, and aggregation — all of which are accelerated by heat, light, and moisture. Semaglutide has FDA-approved forms for at least one indication, supported by substantial clinical trial data. Storage recommendations differ between unreconstituted (powder) and reconstituted (liquid) forms.

Unreconstituted (Lyophilized Powder) Storage

In lyophilized form, Semaglutide is relatively stable. The freeze-drying process removes water, dramatically slowing degradation. For FDA-approved formulations, follow the manufacturer's specific storage instructions printed on the label.

• Room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F): stable for weeks to months depending on the compound
• Refrigerated (2-8°C / 36-46°F): extends shelf life significantly — preferred for long-term storage
• Frozen (-20°C): maximum stability for very long-term storage of unopened vials
• Keep in original packaging, protected from light and moisture
• Desiccants (silica gel packets) help if storing at room temperature

After Reconstitution: Refrigeration Is Mandatory

Once Semaglutide is reconstituted (dissolved in bacteriostatic water or another diluent), it must be refrigerated. The solution is far less stable than the powder form. Room temperature storage of reconstituted peptides can lead to rapid potency loss and potential bacterial growth.

• Refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F) immediately after reconstitution
• Typical usable window: 14-28 days refrigerated (varies by compound)
• Never freeze reconstituted solutions — ice crystals can damage peptide structure
• Keep the vial upright and avoid repeated temperature cycling
• Discard if cloudy, discolored, or past the recommended use window

Traveling with Semaglutide

If you need to transport Semaglutide, maintaining the cold chain is the primary concern for reconstituted solutions. Lyophilized powder is more forgiving of brief temperature excursions but should still be kept cool when practical.

• Use an insulated bag with cold packs for reconstituted solutions
• Avoid direct contact between cold packs and vials (wrap in cloth)
• For air travel: carry in a carry-on bag (temperature-controlled cabin) rather than checked luggage
• If prescribed, carry documentation (prescription label, letter from provider) for security screening
• Brief room-temperature excursions (under 2 hours) are generally tolerable but should be minimized

Signs of Degradation

Degraded Semaglutide may not be visually obvious in all cases, but certain signs indicate the product should be discarded. Using degraded peptides means unpredictable dosing and potential safety concerns.

• Cloudiness or turbidity in a previously clear solution
• Visible particles or fibers floating in the solution
• Color change (most peptide solutions should be clear and colorless)
• Unusual odor
• Powder that does not dissolve fully upon reconstitution (may indicate moisture exposure)

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References

1. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 1) (2021) — PubMed
2. Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity (SELECT trial) (2023) — PubMed
3. Stability of protein and peptide pharmaceuticals (2000) — PubMed
4. Cold chain management for pharmaceutical products: a review (2019) — PubMed