What Happens if You Use Ozempic After 56 Days?

Risks of Using Ozempic After 56 Days

The main risk of using Ozempic, which has been open for more than 56 days, is the reduced potency and efficacy of the drug. This could mean less effective blood sugar control, putting you at risk for hypoglycemia or other serious outcomes. It could also cause dysregulation in your overall health and interrupt your weight management progression.

In addition to the concerns associated with injecting Ozempic that has lost potency, there is also the potential for bacterial contamination as Ozempic ages. It is important to take proper precautions and dispose of expired Ozempic immediately to avoid the risk of serious harm.

Sometimes in life, it can feel like there are a million things to keep track of: Appointments, meetings, social events, work functions, and all the day-to-day obligations like errands, food prep, and more. If you are currently taking Ozempic or have recently received a prescription for it, you can add a few more items to your calendar.

Injecting Ozempic on the same day every week and ensuring that you schedule and attend regular medical appointments are two important aspects of your treatment routine, but there’s also proper storage of the drug and prescription fulfillment to keep in mind. Keeping Ozempic in optimal condition and knowing exactly when each pen is expected to run out and/or expire will allow you to plan ahead with accuracy and effectively manage your medication needs.

Sound like a lot? In reality, all it requires is a little knowledge, organization, and forethought. In this post, let’s review what Ozempic is and how it works, as well as explore proper storage of the drug and the risks of injecting it when expired. We’ll conclude with some proactive tips on how to ensure your Ozempic doesn’t expire (and how to be prepared just in case it does).

Let’s dive in!

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes as well as for the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 Diabetes and diagnosed heart disease. Ozempic is associated with weight loss in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management, even in patients without Type 2 Diabetes.

Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication. It comes in prefilled, single-patient-use pens and is typically self-injected subcutaneously into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm on the same day each week with or without food.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic belongs to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug imitates a naturally occurring gut hormone known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and binds to its receptor sites. This triggers the pancreatic release of insulin, which contributes to lower blood sugar. Ozempic helps to further lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the release of glucagon from the liver.

In addition, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying (the rate at which food is released from the stomach into the small intestine), reduces hunger, and promotes feelings of satiety (fullness). It can also help to reduce food cravings and promote healthy weight loss in combination with regular exercise and a healthy, calorie-deficient diet.

Ozempic Storage

Prior to being opened, Ozempic pens must be refrigerated. After being opened, they may continue to be stored in the refrigerator or can be stored at room temperature. Ozempic should never be frozen or exposed to temperatures above 86°F (30°C). Ozempic pens should be stored with the pen cap on and should always be kept cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight.

Unopened Ozempic pens should be safely disposed of on their expiration date (printed on each pen’s label). Opened Ozempic pens should be safely disposed of after 56 days.

Visually inspect each Ozempic pen before every injection, and do not inject Ozempic if:

• The pen has been exposed to extreme cold or heat
• The pen is past its expiration date or has been open for more than 56 days
• The liquid inside is unclear, has any sediment or solid elements, or you notice anything unusual about its color, texture, or transparency

How Can I Ensure My Ozempic Doesn’t Expire?

Below are some practical tips to help you ensure the safe and effective use of Ozempic:

• Schedule appointments with your healthcare provider in such a way that you’ll always have time to fill a new Ozempic prescription before an old one runs out.
• Write down the expiration dates of your Ozempic pens on your calendar.
• When you open a new Ozempic pen, record it on your calendar. Also, count ahead 56 days and make a note on that date as well.
• Pay attention to the number of doses remaining in your current Ozempic pen and carefully calculate any dose adjustments.
• Always keep an extra Ozempic pen handy in case you encounter a problem with your current pen or it expires unexpectedly (sometimes accidents happen).

Order Ozempic Today

With easy online ordering and shipping from Bisonpharmacy.com, you can always stay on top of your Ozempic prescriptions. Contact the team at Bisonpharmacy.com directly or order affordable Ozempic online today! We look forward to being part of your Ozempic journey.