What Does an Empty Ozempic Pen Look Like? A Visual Guide

What Does an Empty Ozempic Pen Look Like?

Ozempic is a popular injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and decreasing glucose release. Ozempic comes in a multi-dose pen that patients use to self-administer the weekly injections.

But what does the Ozempic pen look like when it's empty? Here is a guide to the Ozempic pen and how to identify when it's time to dispose of an empty Ozempic pen and get a refill.

About the Ozempic Pen

Ozempic comes in a prefilled, multi-dose injection pen that contains 4 doses (1.34 ml). It is injected once weekly under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

The Ozempic pen is a thin, plastic disposable pen about 6 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. It contains a small hidden needle that is replaced with each use.

The pen is colored teal and has a turning dose selector on the end. Each new pen has a yellow label on it to indicate it’s a new, sealed pen.

Ozempic Dosing

Ozempic pens contain 4 mg/ml of the active medication semaglutide. The starting dose is 0.25 mg injected weekly. This goes up to 0.5 mg after 4 weeks, then the maximum dose of 1 mg.

Each dose is dialed in using the dose selector on the end of the pen. A full 1 mg dose uses 80% of the pen's contents.

Appearance of a New, Unused Ozempic Pen

When you first get a new prescription of Ozempic, the pen will appear factory sealed.

Characteristics of a new, unused Ozempic pen include:

The yellow start label is attached around the middle of the pen
The dose selector is set to 0 mg
You can see the Ozempic name printed on the label
The medication inside looks clear and colorless
A plastic cap is on the end where the needle comes out

Removing the Pen Cap and Priming

Before using a new Ozempic pen for the first time, you must:

Remove the yellow start label
Pull off the outer pen cap and save it
Check the Ozempic name on the inner label
"Prime" the pen by turning the dose selector to 0.5 mg and tapping the cartridge until you see a drop of medication come out the needle tip

This primes the pen and removes any air bubbles. After priming, put the outer cap back on until you are ready to inject your dose.

What the Pen Looks Like After Initial Use

After taking off the yellow start label, removing the cap, and priming the first time, the Ozempic pen will look slightly different:

No yellow start label
Dose selector turned to 0.5 mg from priming
You can see the needle under the cap
The medication is still clear with no air bubbles

Taking Ozempic Doses

To take your prescribed Ozempic dose, you will:

Remove the pen cap
Turn the selector to dial your dose (0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg)
Inject the dose by inserting the needle and pressing the selector
Hold for 6 seconds then remove the needle
Return the selector to 0 mg
Replace the pen cap

After taking your weekly Ozempic doses, the pen will look used:

Dose selector turned back to 0 mg
Needle is hidden under the cap
Medication level is lowered from use

Appearance as the Pen Empties

Each pen contains 4 full doses of Ozempic. As you use up the medication, the pen will look less full and the medication color may darken slightly to a pale yellow.

Characteristics as the Ozempic pen empties:

Medication level drops in window
Liquid color changes from clear to a light yellow/straw color
The pen feels lighter when shaken
Dose selector moves easier due to less resistance

Identifying an Empty Ozempic Pen

Once you have injected the 4th and final 1 mg dose, the Ozempic pen should appear empty. Here's how to identify an empty pen:

Dose selector turns easily with little resistance
No medication can be seen in the cartridge window
Shaking the pen does not produce a sloshing sound
The pen feels very lightweight

The dose selector will still turn and click but no medication will come out. Always check the window before injecting to ensure medication is still present.

Disposing of Empty Ozempic Pens

Once a pen is completely empty, follow these steps for proper disposal:

Put the pen cap back on
Remove the needle by unscrewing it from the pen
Dispose of pen and needle in a sharps container
Ask your pharmacist about safe sharps disposal options in your area
Begin using your new pen

Never attempt to reuse Ozempic pens. Used pens and needles should be safely thrown away in a sealed sharps container to prevent contamination or accidental needle sticks.

When to Refill Your Ozempic Prescription

Make sure to refill your Ozempic prescription once your pen is on the last dose or empty. You should never miss a weekly dose, so get your refill before running out.

Aim to refill about 2 weeks before you take the last dose so you have the new pen in time for your next scheduled injection.

Storing Ozempic Pens

Unused Ozempic pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36-46°F until first use. After first use, pens can be stored at room temperature below 86°F for up to 6 weeks.

Do not freeze Ozempic pens or expose them to excessive heat or sunlight. Always keep the pen cap on when not injecting a dose.

Tips for Using Ozempic Pens

Following proper storage and usage recommendations helps ensure you get the full use out of each Ozempic pen. Tips include:

Inspect the pen before each use and do not use if damaged or expired
Only use each pen for up to 6 weeks after first use
Always prime new pens before injecting your first dose
Rotate injection sites with each use
Throw away pens after use - never share or reuse them
Manage refills so you never run out of medication
Contact your doctor if you experience any pen issues

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Ozempic pen last?

Each Ozempic pen contains 4 doses of 1 mg. Used as prescribed, one pen will last 4 weeks. The medication expires 6 weeks after first use.

Can you reuse an Ozemp

FAQs

How many doses are in one Ozempic pen?

Each Ozempic pen contains enough solution for 4 doses of 1 mg. The total volume in one pen is 1.34 ml.

What should I do if my Ozempic pen looks damaged?

Do not use an Ozempic pen if it looks cracked, broken, or damaged. Contact your pharmacist for a replacement pen.

Can I reuse or share my Ozempic pen with someone else?

No, Ozempic pens are for single-patient use only. Never share or reuse pens due to infection risk.

How do I know if my Ozempic pen has expired?

Check the printed expiration date on your Ozempic pen label. Do not use if this date has passed.

How should I store my Ozempic pen?

Store new, unused pens in the refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until first use. After first use, store at room temperature below 86°F.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

What Does an Empty Ozempic Pen Look Like? A Visual Guide