How to store and handle Ozempic: a New Zealand guide

Storing New, Unused Ozempic Pens

Before its first use, your Ozempic pen must be stored in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). The medicine is sensitive to temperature, so it is important that the pen does not freeze. If an Ozempic pen has been frozen, it must not be used and should be disposed of safely.

To help protect the medicine from light, it is best to keep your new pen in its original box until you are ready to start using it.

Travelling with Ozempic

When you travel, it is important to store Ozempic correctly to protect it from temperature changes.

When travelling by air, it is recommended to carry your Ozempic in your hand luggage, such as a handbag or carry-on bag. Do not place it in checked-in baggage, as the temperature in the aircraft’s cargo hold can be unpredictable and may damage the medicine.

Avoid leaving your pen in a hot car or in direct sunlight. For longer trips, using an insulated cool bag can help keep the medicine at a safe temperature. Make sure the pen does not come into direct contact with ice or freezer packs, as it must not be frozen. If you are travelling internationally, it can be helpful to carry a letter from your healthcare provider.

Handling Your Pen Before an Injection

Before each injection, it's a good idea to check the medicine inside the pen. The liquid should be clear and colourless. Do not use the pen if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colour, or you can see particles floating in it. If you are concerned about how the medicine looks, speak with your pharmacist for advice.

Needles are not included with your Ozempic pen and are dispensed separately. It is important to attach a new needle for every injection. Using a new needle each time helps to prevent contamination and blocked needles, ensuring you receive the correct dose and protect yourself from infection.

How to Dispose of Used Needles and Pens

Proper disposal of your used Ozempic needles and pens is essential for the safety of you and others in your household.

You must use an approved sharps container to dispose of used needles. These containers are made of puncture-proof plastic and can be obtained from your pharmacy, medical waste disposers or online. After each injection, the used needle should be placed immediately into the sharps container.

Never throw loose needles into your household rubbish or recycling bins, as this can cause serious injury.

When the sharps container is full, you can usually return it to your pharmacy for safe disposal. Your pharmacist can provide more information on the sharps disposal services available in your area. The empty Ozempic pen (without a needle attached) can be disposed of in your household rubbish.

Further Advice and Support

Handling a new medicine like Ozempic can seem like a lot to learn at first. However, remembering the key steps for storage, handling, and safe disposal will quickly become a normal part of your diabetes management.

If you are ever unsure about any of these steps, from how to store your pen to how to get rid of used needles, your local pharmacist is an excellent resource for advice and support.

If you’re looking for information on Ozempic dosages, please see our dosage guide.

Please note: Funding in New Zealand

Ozempic is not currently a publicly funded medicine in New Zealand. This means you will need to cover the full cost of the medicine yourself. Consultation fees from your healthcare provider may also apply. Your pharmacy can provide you with information on the current price of Ozempic

Important safety information

Prescription medicine. Ozempic® is approved in New Zealand for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood glucose control. Ozempic® contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is available as a solution for injection in a prefilled pen (4 mg/3 mL; semaglutide 1.34 mg/mL). Ozempic® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if Ozempic® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. For more information, see the Consumer Medicine Information (semaglutide) available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/w/wegovy.pdf