Ozempic pens have built-in counters and windows to help you know when your pen is empty. An Ozempic pen typically contains four doses, and you should always store it under certain conditions.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication for people with type 2 diabetes. It helps to manage your blood sugar levels and lower the risks of some complications. Doctors prescribe Ozempic alongside lifestyle and diet changes.
They may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss or management. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Ozempic for these purposes. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe medication for purposes other than those it’s approved for.
You inject liquid Ozempic under your skin using a prefilled disposable pen. The pen has a counter and a window to help you know if it is working and show you how many doses are left.
This article discusses how many doses are in an Ozempic pen and how to know if it is empty. It also discusses what to do if your Ozempic pen still looks full and when to safely dispose of it.
Typically, Ozempic pens contain four doses. However, your first Ozempic pen can supply up to six doses.
When you start Ozempic, your doctor will prescribe an initiation dosage. This is normally 0.25 milligrams (mg), once per week for 4 weeks. This dosage allows your body to get used to Ozempic. It does not affect your blood sugar levels.
After the first four doses, doctors will increase your dosage to 0.5 mg once per week. After at least 4 more weeks, they may change your dosage to 1 mg or 2 mg per week.
Your first Ozempic pen will deliver the first four 0.25-mg doses and then two 0.5-mg doses. After this, each pen will contain four doses. Each pen is labeled and color-coded with the dose it delivers:
- Red label: 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg
- Blue label: 1 mg
- Yellow label: 2 mg
Your doctor will recommend the correct Ozempic dosage for you. Always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes. The
- abdomen
- thigh
- upper arm
You should change the injection site with every injection. Always use a new needle for every injection.
The dose counter on your Ozempic pen can show you if the pen is empty or how many doses are left.
The dose counter is located on the side of your pen, near the bottom. It shows how much medication the pen contains. The dose selector is next to the dose counter, between the counter and the dose button on the end of the pen.
Turn the dose selector on the pen until the dose counter stops:
- If the counter shows 0.25: There is at least 0.25 mg left in your pen. If the counter stops before 0.25, there is not enough Ozempic left for a full dose of 0.25 mg.
- If the counter shows 0.5: There is at least 0.5 mg left in your pen. If the counter stops before 0.5, there is not enough Ozempic left for a full dose of 0.5 mg.
- If the counter shows 1: There is at least 1 mg left in your pen. If the counter stops before 1, there is not enough Ozempic left for a full dose of 1 mg.
- If the counter shows 2: There is at least 2 mg left in your pen. If the counter stops before 2, there is not enough Ozempic left for a full dose of 2 mg.
If not enough Ozempic is left in your pen for a full dose as prescribed, use a new pen instead.
Do not use your Ozempic pen without first receiving professional training from a doctor. Ensure that you know how to take Ozempic correctly before starting your treatment.
Typically, Ozempic pens are disposable and cannot be refilled.
Ozempic pens may contain some leftover medication that is not enough for a full dose. The medication may be visible through the pen’s window, located under the cap when the pen is not in use.
Do not use a pen without enough medication for a full dose. Use a new Ozempic pen instead.
After you use your Ozempic pen for the first time, you can store it for 56 days as follows:
- at a controlled room temperature of 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), or
- in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C)
You should then safely dispose of the pen using an approved sharps container, even if it still contains Ozempic. Do not freeze Ozempic or use Ozempic that has been frozen.
You should only use an Ozempic pen if the medication in the pen window looks clear and colorless. If the medication in the window looks cloudy or contains particles, do not use the pen. Safely dispose of it.
Do not use an Ozempic pen past its expiration date. If you keep new, unused pens in a refrigerator, you can use them until the expiration date on the label.
Typically, Ozempic pens contain four doses. However, your first Ozempic pen will contain four 0.25-mg doses and two 0.5-mg doses.
Each pen is color-coded and labeled with the dose your doctor prescribes. You can use the pen counter and window to check that the pen has enough medication for the correct dose. It’s possible for your pen to contain leftover medication, but it may not have enough medication for a correct dose. In this case, you will use a new Ozempic pen.
It is important to store Ozempic pens according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.