What color is semaglutide? Find out why it matters
Key highlights
- The appearance of compounded semaglutide should generally be clear and colorless.
- Sometimes, the medication may appear red or pinkish if the medication contains vitamin B12.
- The color does not affect efficacy. However, patients should be aware of its clear and particle-free appearance for safety purposes.
- Changes in color may indicate degradation or contamination and the medication should not be used.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps to control blood glucose levels and assists in long-term weight loss.
Compounded semaglutide should be clear and colorless, with no particles. In some cases, it may appear red or pinkish, when compounded semaglutide is mixed with B12. Patients need to be aware of the medication’s color for safety.
This article will help guide you on what color semaglutide should be, why it’s a specific color, why it should be clear, and why it may be another color.
What is the normal appearance of semaglutide?
Semaglutide appears transparent, like clear water, free from particles. While it should appear like tap water, the only difference is in the viscosity, as the medication is more viscous than tap water.
Compounded semaglutide comes in pre-filled syringes or a vial with syringes and is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once weekly. It should be purchased from licensed compounding pharmacies that adhere to state and federal guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic, and is a custom-made medication supplied by compounding pharmacies.
It comes in pre-filled syringes or a vial with syringes, and the medication is clear and colorless like tap water, free from particles. It is a customized medication prepared by compounding pharmacies. No rigorous safety or clinical trials are conducted for compounded products.
Sometimes compounded semaglutide may appear reddish or pinkish due to the reddish-cobalt color of B12 added to the medication. Check with your licensed healthcare provider if your medication contains B12.
Ozempic
Ozempic is an FDA-approved subcutaneous injection for lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes along with diet and exercise. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular adverse events like stroke, heart attack, and hypertension.
It comes in a multi-dose pen with a clear window to view the medication inside. The color of the label varies depending on the dosage strength: red (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg), blue (1 mg), and yellow (2 mg).
Patients must always check the medication color through the window to visually inspect for a clear, colorless solution.
Wegovy
Wegovy injection is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management as an adjunct to a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity, for patients with obesity (body max index equal to or greater than 30) or overweight (body mass index equal to or greater than 27) with other weight-related conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.
It comes in a single-dose pen with five different label colors indicating different dosing strengths. The pen is white with a gray cap and there are five different colors on its label: light green (0.25 mg), pink (0.5 mg), brown (1 mg), blue (1.7 mg), and black (2.4 mg).
Always check the pen window before use to verify the medication is clear and colorless like clear water.
Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus)
It is the first oral FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist that maintains low blood sugar for patients with type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. The tablets are available in three dosage strengths. Their appearances are oval-shaped, white to light-yellow colored tablets, with 3, 7, or 14 on one side and “novo” on the other side.
Before taking the medication, you should check the tablets carefully to ensure the correct dose and color of the tablet.
Why color changes matter
As discussed in this article, compounded semaglutide, Wegovy and Ozempic are clear, but compounded semaglutide may have a pinkish or red hue when mixed with B12.
However, there are certain instances when the medication may appear red and it’s important to understand why to avoid potential risks when using the medication.
The medication may also appear red due to improper storage conditions. Compounded semaglutide, Wegovy and Ozempic should be stored in the refrigerator and should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity or direct sunlight.
Another possibility is that the discoloration may be related to the presence of impurities or contaminants in the medication. This may occur during the manufacturing process or if the medication was tampered with after leaving the manufacturing facility. In these cases, the red color may not be related to B12 in the medication, so always verify whether your medication contains B12 so you’ll know if the medication is supposed to be red.
If the medication changes colors during storage, this may be a sign of bacterial growth in the medication. If you are unsure, always speak with your licensed healthcare provider or pharmacist to avoid using a potentially unsafe medication.
Understanding red discoloration
Compounded semaglutide may appear reddish or pinkish due to the addition of vitamin B12 supplements. The red coloration may not imply that the medication is impure. If you notice that the medication was initially clear and colorless, but changed its color during storage, you should consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Understanding pink discoloration
If compounded semaglutide was mixed with B12, a pinkish hue may be present in the solution. If your medicine was bought and stored correctly, there may not be a need for concern. It may also be due to a natural variation in color due to the manufacturing process.
The color may range from light pink to deep red, depending on the quantity of B12 added during the manufacturing process. This color variation may not affect how the medication works in the body.
If you notice any color changes, speak with your healthcare provider and they will be able to clarify details on your specific medication including the color.
When to be concerned about color changes
Semaglutide injections are generally a transparent and colorless solution. However, some injectables may contain different colors due to the manufacturing process or additional supplements such as B12. Therefore, it is always better to check the label and instructions provided with the product and the injection solution inside the vial or pen. However, for any discoloration like yellowing or browning, cloudy appearance, or visible particles in the injection solution, speak with your healthcare provider.
Proper semaglutide storage
Patients should follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions. Semaglutide should be stored in a refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC) until the expiration date. Compounded semaglutide should typically be used within 30 days of opening the vial.
Do not freeze the medication or thaw it out if already frozen. Prolonged exposure to light and extreme temperatures may fade or change the color of the medication and may result in the medication being unsafe to use. Don’t store semaglutide in direct sunlight or in the car.
When traveling with semaglutide, store the medication in a thermal or insulated travel case to keep the drug at its required temperature according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The medication can be kept at a controlled room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) in a dry area, without exposure to excessive heat and direct sunlight. Always store the medication in a dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Always check the expiration date and never use an expired semaglutide. Expired medicine might not change color, but its potency and effectiveness may be compromised.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s storage guidelines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your individual circumstances.
What to do if you notice color changes
Any color changes must be checked thoroughly and you’ll need to determine if the color changes are due to degradation or contamination. Do not use the discolored medication if unsure and contact your healthcare professional for proper guidance regarding any potential concerns and obtain a new prescription if necessary.
Expired semaglutide: shelf life and color changes
You can check specific storage guidelines on the label and instructions provided with your medication, as expiration dates vary for different forms of semaglutide.
The expiration date for Wegovy and Ozempic are listed on the pen where it says ‘EXP’. This is the expiration date for when the Wegovy or Ozempic pens are stored in the refrigerator between 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not use the pens after this date. Ozempic can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 56 days, and Wegovy can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 28 days, when properly stored at room temperature.
Compounded semaglutide typically expires 90 days after the date of preparation and 30 days after the vial is opened when stored in the refrigerator between 36-46°F (2-8°C). The expiration date of the compounded medication is typically listed on the vial where it says ‘BUD’ (beyond-use-date). The beyond-use date may vary by compounding pharmacy.
Expired medication can be less effective or harmful and should be discarded and disposed of safely as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not use the medication if it’s colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles.
Even if compounded semaglutide does not change in color, do not use it after the beyond-use-date listed on the vial as it’s no longer safe or effective to use. Using expired semaglutide has potential risks of unexpected side effects or other serious health problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use semaglutide if it’s slightly cloudy?
No, you should not use it as it may be a sign of degradation.
What if my Rybelsus tablet is a slightly different shade of pink?
You have to check the label and instructions properly to verify the correct color of the tablet. For further clarification, discuss with your licensed healthcare professional.
How long does semaglutide last before it expires?
Ozempic has an expiration date of 56 days and Wegovy has an expiration of 28 days, once removed from the fridge and stored at room temperature.
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Ozempic and Wegovy will expire on the expiration date listed next to ‘EXP’ on the pen. Check the expiration date on the pen before every use.
The expiration date for compounded semaglutide varies by compounding pharmacy. Always check the beyond-use date on the vial before using it. Typically, it expires 90 days after prepared by the pharmacy, or 30 days after the vial is opened.
Where can I dispose of discolored or expired semaglutide?
You can dispose of the medication in a sharps disposal container or as instructed by your healthcare provider. FDA-approved sharps disposal containers are generally available at local pharmacies, medical supply companies, or your doctor’s office.
What does semaglutide look like?
Semaglutide looks like transparent and colorless pure water free from any particles. The solution is slightly viscous. Compounded semaglutide mixed with B12 may appear red or pinkish.
Are the pens or tablets color-coded by dose?
Yes, the brand name pens have different colored labels for doses, whereas the tablets are debossed with different dose strengths.
Can the medication color vary between brands?
Yes, the medication color can vary between brands. Mostly, the medication is clear and colorless, but compounded semaglutide may be red or pink based on manufacturing processes and added supplements.
Bottom line
Semaglutide injections generally have a clear water-like appearance when stored and handled properly. Color changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure there’s no degradation or contamination in the solution.
Always check the expiration date or beyond use date on the vial before using the medication to ensure it’s still safe and effective.
