Compounded Semaglutide: How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
September 4, 2025
Quick Answer: How long compounded semaglutide lasts in the fridge
For FDA-approved semaglutide pens (brand products), manufacturers specify clear timelines: Ozempic® pens in use are discarded after 56 days whether refrigerated or at room temperature, and Wegovy® single-dose pens may be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days if needed.[1, 2]
For compounded semaglutide, refrigeration time is not set by a single universal number. Instead, the beyond-use date (BUD) is assigned by the compounding pharmacy under USP <797> standards and depends on the compounding category, process controls, sterility testing, and storage temperature. Commonly, aseptically prepared Category 2 CSPs without sterility testing are limited to about 10 days refrigerated; validated Category 3 CSPs with compendial testing may justify longer refrigerated BUDs (e.g., up to 60–90 days) when supported by sterility and stability data.[3]
Access Premium Research Peptides
Shop Research-Grade PeptidesWhy the numbers differ: brand pens vs. compounded vials
For branded semaglutide pens, stability, container-closure, excipients, and in-use handling are defined by the approved labeling.[1, 2] By contrast, compounded semaglutide may be prepared from sterile or non-sterile components, diluted in bacteriostatic water, and dispensed in different containers. Under USP <797>, the compounding category (1, 2, or 3), aseptic controls, and sterility testing drive the assigned BUD—hence the frequent variability on labels across pharmacies.[3]
Research literature also notes that peptide solutions can aggregate or undergo physical changes over time depending on concentration, pH, temperature, and excipients—factors that underscore the need to respect assigned BUDs and storage temperatures for research materials.[4]
Storage fundamentals for compounded semaglutide in research settings
1) Follow the labeled beyond-use date (BUD)
The BUD on a compounded vial is the controlling date/time for refrigerated storage. USP <797> Category 2 products without sterility testing typically cap at ~10 days refrigerated, while Category 3 (with testing and controls) may justify longer refrigerated periods once validated.[3]
2) Keep within 36–46°F (2–8°C) unless otherwise specified
Most compounded semaglutide labels specify standard refrigeration ranges. Temperature excursions should be evaluated against the pharmacy’s instructions and institutional policies. When in doubt, do not use for research until stability/sterility is confirmed.
3) Minimize temperature cycling
Repeated warm-cold cycling may accelerate peptide aggregation or container ingress risk as reported in research settings; continuous cold chain practices help preserve research integrity.[4]
4) Inspect visually before research use
If a solution becomes discolored, hazy, or shows visible particulates after refrigeration, do not use for research procedures. Defer to your lab’s quality system for disposition.
How we derived the storage guidance (competitive & standards analysis)
We reviewed top pages covering semaglutide storage and “how long does it last in the fridge” queries. Most publisher and manufacturer pages emphasize labeled timelines for brand pens—Ozempic® 56-day in-use window and Wegovy® 28-day room-temperature allowance—while compounding-specific content often provides general ranges without tying them to USP categories.[1, 2]
Gap identified: few consumer pages explicitly map compounded semaglutide fridge time to USP <797> BUD logic (Category 2 ≈ 10 days refrigerated without sterility testing; Category 3 allows longer BUDs if testing and controls are met). This article closes that gap with a standards-first, research-only framing.[3]
Best-practice checklist (research labs & institutions)
- Document receipt temperature and assign a monitored storage location (2–8°C).
- Record the pharmacy-labeled BUD and time of first puncture, if applicable.
- Use sterile technique for each withdrawal; never re-use needles; maintain lot traceability.
- Avoid proximity to freezer plates/cooling elements; do not freeze unless labeling permits.
- Train staff on peptide handling, excursion documentation, and disposal SOPs.
- When the research vial’s BUD elapses, quarantine and dispose per policy.
Access Premium Research Peptides
Shop Research-Grade PeptidesFrequently Asked Questions
How long does compounded semaglutide last in the fridge?
It depends on the compounding category, testing, and label. Many Category 2 compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) without sterility testing are limited to ~10 refrigerated days. Category 3 CSPs with validated testing and controls may justify longer refrigerated BUDs (e.g., 60–90 days). Always follow your vial’s labeled BUD and institutional policy.[3]
Is compounded semaglutide the same as Ozempic® or Wegovy®?
No. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved and can differ in formulation and controls. Manufacturer timelines such as Ozempic®’s 56-day in-use window and Wegovy®’s 28-day room-temperature allowance apply only to those specific labeled products.[1, 2]
What if a compounded vial warms above 46°F (8°C)?
Research settings should document excursions, quarantine if needed, and consult the compounding pharmacy’s instructions. Because peptides can aggregate depending on temperature and concentration, labs should avoid using vials that experienced uncontrolled excursions.[4]
Why do some pharmacies list 28–90 days?
Research indicates BUDs vary with process category, sterility testing, container-closure, and stability evidence. A longer refrigerated BUD should be supported by Category 3 controls and testing per USP <797>—and explicitly reflected on the label.[3]
Conclusion
If your question is “Compounded semaglutide: how long does it last in the fridge?” the research-sound answer is: it lasts until the specific BUD assigned on your vial’s label. That BUD flows from USP <797> category, controls, and when applicable sterility/stability testing. Manufacturer timelines (e.g., Ozempic® 56 days; Wegovy® 28 days at room temp) do not generalize to compounded products.[1, 2, 3]
Maintain cold chain (2–8°C), avoid temperature cycling, and respect the labeled beyond-use date. Research suggests peptide aggregation dynamics further reinforce conservative handling of compounded semaglutide in solution.[4]
References (2020–2025)
- Novo Nordisk. Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection — FDA Prescribing Information (Labeling), storage after first use “56 days.” 2023. Available via FDA. accessdata.fda.gov.
- Novo Nordisk. Wegovy® Quick Start Guide — storage may allow up to 28 days at 46–86°F before use. 2023. wegovy.com.
- USP <797> BUD overview and post-2023 category limits (Category 2 ≈ 10 days refrigerated without sterility testing; Category 3 allows longer BUDs with testing). Summarized by state board/ASHP resources, 2023–2024. USP BUD Fact Sheet; ASHP Key Changes.
- Hamley IW, et al. Semaglutide Aggregates into Oligomeric Micelles and Short Fibrils in Aqueous Solution. ACS Biomacromolecules, 2025. PMC Article.
Editorial note: This page was constructed using a standards-first approach to queries like “compounded semaglutide: how long does it last in the fridge?” to support compliant, research-oriented education.