Is there a list of drugs that require cold storage?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2024.
Any specific storage instructions will be printed on the medicine label or package insert so it's a good idea to check. Your pharmacist should also point out any special storage recommendations.
Some medicines must be stored in a fridge. Ensure they are stored at the back of the fridge, out of sight of children.
Common medicines requiring refrigeration include:
1. Eye and ear drops:
Most eye/ear drops can be kept at room temperature for 28 days after opening. Example include:
- Chloramphenicol
- Cyclopentolate
- Latanoprost
- Latanoprost/Timolol
- AzaSite
2. Reconstituted Antibiotics:
Once reconstituted most need to be discarded after 1 to 2 weeks. Examples include:
3. Tablets:
4. Injections:
- All insulin: Vial in use may be kept at room temperature for 1 month.
- Interferons: eg. Pegasys, Forteo, Rebif
- Byetta: Device in use can be stored at room temp for up to 28 days.
- Victoza: Device in use can be stored at room temp for up to 28 days.
- Vaccines
- Caverject
- Botox
- Humira
- Epogen
- DDAVP
- Aranesp
- Enbrel
- Neupogen
- Procrit
- Sandostatin
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5. Other:
- Pulmozyme Nebuliser solution
- MUSE urethral application - can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.
- Rapamune
- Miacalcin Nasal
- Phenergan Suppositories
- Regranex
Note: This list is not exhaustive. It is important that medicines are stored correctly so that they don’t degrade and lose their effectiveness.
Important Storage Tips:
- Medications that require refrigeration should be stored in the back of the fridge, away from children’s reach.
- Avoid storing medicines in places exposed to extreme temperatures, light, or moisture, such as bathrooms, windowsills, or above the stove.
- Most medications should be kept at room temperature (up to 75–85°F). Store them in a closet or on a shelf, out of reach of children.
Correct storage is essential to prevent degradation and ensure medications remain effective.
Read next
Can Trulicity be used with insulin?
Trulicity can be used with insulin, but because the combination of Trulicity and insulin increases the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), the dosage of insulin may need to be reduced. Continue reading
Is Trulicity a form of insulin?
Trulicity is not a form of insulin, it mimics the effects of GLP-1 a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion. Trulicity is only suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who still have functioning insulin-producing cells in their pancreas. Continue reading
What are the different types of insulin?
Insulins are usually grouped as fast-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting. Within these groups, they can be further classified as human insulin and human insulin analogs. An insulin analog is a human insulin that has one or two amino acids changed which affects how quickly it is absorbed after injection and how fast or slow it acts. Insulin analogs are usually given within 15 minutes of a meal or at the same time as food. Continue reading
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