If you receive Wegovy through the post, your next delivery might look a little different. Following updated guidance from Novo Nordisk, the way Wegovy can be packaged and shipped has changed, and for most people that means lighter, more convenient deliveries! I This article will walk you through what has changed, why it is good news, which pens it applies to, and the storage rules that stay the same.
What has changed?
Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a once weekly injection used for weight loss and like many injectable medicines, it needs to be kept cool. Until now, that meant every delivery arrived with ice packs to keep the medication within safe temperature ranges while in transit.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Novo Nordisk have now confirmed that the Wegovy FlexTouch pen can be safely transported at temperatures below 30°C for up to 48 hours. In practice, this means online pharmacies like E-surgery will no longer include ice packs in every delivery.
Why is this good news for you?
Removing the ice packs makes each parcel smaller and lighter which brings a few everyday benefits.
- Your delivery is more likely to fit through the letterbox, so there is less chance of a missed delivery or a delay in receiving your parcel.
- Packaging is less bulky and easier to recycle or dispose of.
- There is more flexibility in how your medication is shipped, without changing anything about the way you use it.
Who does this apply to?
The update applies to the following Wegovy® FlexTouch® pens across the following doses:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1.0 mg
- 1.7 mg
- 2.4 mg
- 7.2 mg (if delivered as three 2.4mg doses)
This DOES NOT apply to Wegovy 7.2 mg Single dose device once it launches. The storage details for that device will be set out separately in its own product information, so always check the leaflet that comes with your medication. If you’re wondering if this applies to your Wegovy prescription, feel free to use our free Ask- a-Pharmacist service.
IMPORTANT: No ice pack does not mean no fridge:
Removing the ice packs only affects how Wegovy travels to you. It does not change how you need to store it once it arrives.
If you’re not going to be home to receive your delivery, please let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable delivery time. Once received, please transfer your medication to the fridge straight away.
Your storage instructions stay the same as before, when your delivery arrives, transfer your Wegovy to the fridge straight away.
As a quick reminder of the storage rules:
- Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
- Never freeze Wegovy and do not use it if it has been frozen.
- Keep the pen cap on when you are not using it to protect the medication from light.
- Once a pen is in use, it can be kept for up to 6 weeks.
What happens in hot weather?
Temperature above 30°C are still a concern, so we will keep an eye on the forecast. If temperatures are expected to climb above 30°C around the time of your delivery, we will add ice packs back in as a precaution. So, if you do still receive a delivery with an ice pack during the warm weather, there is nothing to worry about. It is simply us taking precautions!
What about Mounjaro?
If you take Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) rather than Wegovy, there is no change in your packaging at this stage. For now, Mounjaro deliveries continue to use packaging designed to keep the medication within its required 2°C to 8°C for up to 48 hours from dispatch. As always move it to the fridge as soon as it arrives.
A quick reminder about your delivery
To help your delivery arrive smoothly:
- If you know you will not be home to receive your parcel, let us know in advance so we can arrange a suitable time.
- As soon as your medication arrives, move it to the fridge.
- If anything about your delivery does not look right, get in touch before using your medication.
Conclusion:
This is a small change that should make receiving your Wegovy a little easier, with lighter parcels and fewer missed deliveries, while keeping your medication just as safe. The golden rule stays the same: whether your delivery includes an ice pack, get your Wegovy into the fridge as soon as it arrives.
If you have any questions about this change, your Wegovy prescription or how to store your medication, our team is here to help, you can reach us through our ask-a-pharmacist service, or find out more on the official Wegovy website.
