Quick answer: Many IVF injections need to be refrigerated before or even after opening to maintain their effectiveness. However, some can be stored at room temperature for a short or longer period of time. Always follow the storage instructions specific to your medication.
Starting your in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey is a powerful step toward growing your family, full of hope, anticipation, and thoughtful planning.
As you prepare for your cycle, there's a lot to organize, from appointments to medications. One important (but often overlooked) detail is understanding the ins and outs of proper IVF storage to keep your injections and medications safe and effective.
You probably have lots of questions.
In this article, we'll answer them, giving you the confidence to handle your IVF medications with ease. We'll also share our best tips for finding the right convenient, portable cooling options, like medical fridges and IVF medication cooler bags, to keep your fertility treatments cool anywhere life takes you!
Related article: How to Travel with IVF Meds!
Why IVF storage matters
Storing your IVF medication properly isn't just a detail; it's a critical part of your treatment.
Unlike over-the-counter meds, IVF injections are often highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Incorrect storage can cause these medications to lose potency, something you want to avoid when you're investing thousands of dollars and putting your body through a complex medical protocol.
Common mistakes to avoid when storing IVF Injections
If you're traveling, commuting to appointments, or just living in a warm climate, keeping your medications cool and protected becomes even more important.
We all make mistakes from time to time, but when it comes to IVF, no one wants to accidentally compromise the effectiveness of their treatment.
Here are some common mishaps to watch out for:
❌ Letting your injections get too warm or freeze
❌ Injections that require refrigeration left out too long
❌ Storing your injections in the fridge door, where temperatures fluctuate
Do IVF injections need to be refrigerated?
The majority of IVF injections need to be refrigerated before use, but many can be kept at room temperature for a limited time once removed, after which they must be discarded.
That is because many of these medications contain sensitive ingredients that can lose potency or become ineffective if not stored within a safe temperature range, usually between 36°F to 77°F.
How long can IVF medication stay out of the fridge?
The need for refrigeration depends entirely on the specific medication and its manufacturer's storage guidelines. Some require constant refrigeration, while others are more flexible.
Here are a few common IVF injections and their specific storage instructions:
● Gonal-f: Before use, store it in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F or at room temperature (below 77°F) until its expiration date. Once in use, Gonal-F can be stored in either of these methods for up to 28 days.
● Cetrotide: It should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F. However, if refrigeration is unavailable, it can be stored below 86°F for a single period of up to three months, after which it should be discarded.
● Menopur: Unmixed vials of Menopur (menotropins) powder can be stored at room temperature (below 77°F) or in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F). Once the medication is mixed, it should be injected immediately.
● Follistim: Unopened Follistim needs to be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F. Alternatively, unopened cartridges may be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months. However, once opened, Follistim must be used within 28 days.
● Novarel: Novarel needs to be refrigerated after it's mixed. Before mixing, it can usually be stored at room temperature (below 77°F), but once reconstituted, it needs to stay between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to remain effective.
● Ovidrel: In general, it should be stored in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F). Before use and within its shelf life, the Ovidrel pre-filled pen can be stored at temperatures below 77°F for up to 28 days, as long as it remains in its original packaging and is protected from light.
● Luveris: Store it refrigerated or at room temperature (between 36°F and 77°F) in its original packaging. Do not expose to temperatures above 77°F.
💡 Pro tip: Always check the instructions provided by your clinic or pharmacy, or refer to the medication insert. When in doubt, call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for advice.
Which IVF medications need to be refrigerated?
So far in this article, we've mostly focused on IVF injections. However, those aren't the only types of medications you might be prescribed during fertility treatment. Many people undergoing IVF also take oral or vaginal medications alongside their injections.
Some commonly prescribed IVF medications that are not injections include:
- Estrogen tablets (e.g., Estrace)
- Progesterone suppositories or capsules
- Oral antibiotics
- Doxycycline, Medrol, or baby aspirin
These medications generally do not require refrigeration, but they should still be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always kept in their original packaging unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do you need a designated IVF fridge or storage box?
You may be wondering if you really need a separate IVF fridge. While a household fridge technically works, here's why many IVF patients opt for dedicated medical coolers or fridges:
- More consistent temperature control
- Less risk of contamination from food or spills
- Peace of mind knowing your meds are stored correctly
- Ease of access during early-morning or late-night injections
If you live in a shared household or are storing medications alongside kids' snacks and leftovers, having a separate IVF medication fridge ensures your fertility meds stay safe and hygienic.
While having a designated fridge at home is incredibly helpful, these portable cooling solutions become even more essential when you're on the go.
How to keep IVF injections cool on the go
Planning to travel during your IVF cycle? We've got you covered.
4AllFamily's line of portable medical fridges, cooling pouches, and insulated bags is designed specifically to help you travel with confidence. Whether you need hours of cooling or full refrigeration on the road, we offer smart, compact solutions that fit easily into your lifestyle.
You can explore our complete guide to traveling with IVF injections and medications, but for now, here's a quick look at some of the best portable cooling solutions to keep your meds safe and effective while you're on the go.
- For reliable room-temperature IVF storage (heat-protection), we recommend:
✅ The Chillers Cooling Pouches for Medication
⚠️ Remember: While the Chiller and the Rambler help keep medication at room temperature, they are not refrigerated travel cases.
- For traveling with refrigerated IVF medications, we recommend:
✅ 4AllFamily's range of Mini-Fridges for Medications, including the Voyager, Nomad, or the newest RxCoolers Max & Mini depending on how many IVF injections you need to carry!
Related article: How to Travel with Injectable Medications
Final tips to store your IVF Meds Right!
Proper storage is one of the simplest yet most important ways to protect your IVF medications and your investment in this journey.
Whether you're keeping injections at home or taking them on the go, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your treatment stays safe, effective, and stress-free.
Let's recap the essential information:
📦 Storage Matters: Many IVF injections need to be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F to stay effective. Always check the label and instructions carefully.
🌡️ Room Temp Limits: Some injections can safely stay below 77°F for short periods, but exceeding that window can affect potency.
🧊 Dedicated Fridge or Cooler: A separate IVF fridge or travel cooler can offer peace of mind, reduce contamination risk, and help you stay organized.
✈️ Travel Smart: Use portable medical fridges or insulated bags to keep your IVF meds safe while commuting or traveling.
We'd love to hear from you!
💬 Have a question about IVF medication storage? Tried a cooling method that worked well for you? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below. We'd love to hear how you're navigating your IVF journey and help however we can.
