Quick answer: 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.
Whether you're preparing for IVF, undergoing ovulation induction, or following another type of fertility treatment, storing your IVF medication properly is essential to protecting your results.
One of the most commonly prescribed injectable fertility drugs, Follistim (follitropin beta), is especially sensitive to temperature changes, making proper storage a key part of your treatment plan.
If you've been prescribed Follistim, understanding how to store it correctly can make all the difference in maintaining its potency and ensuring each dose works as intended.
But does Follistim need to be refrigerated? What if it gets too warm, too cold, or stays out longer than it should?
In this guide, we'll answer all your questions about storing Follistim and explain how our medical portable fridges and travel coolers can give you confidence and convenience should you need to carry your IVF injections out for the day or during travel.
Related article: How to Travel with IVF Meds: A Complete Guide!
Does Follistim need to be refrigerated?
Yes, according to the manufacturer, Organon Pharmaceuticals, in order to preserve its potency until the labeled expiration date, Follistim should be refrigerated before its first use between 36°F to 46°F.
However, if refrigeration before use is impossible or unavailable, it can also be stored at room temperature (below 77°F) for up to 3 months.
Once opened (when the rubber inlay of the FOLLISTIM AQ Cartridge has been pierced by a needle) the medication can be stored in the fridge or at room temperature (between 36°F to 77°F), but must be used within 28 days.
That said, maintaining the right temperature at all times can be challenging, especially if you're traveling, on the go, or simply trying to manage your treatment schedule while living a busy life.
That's where proper storage methods are so important.
Related article: All You Need to Know About IVF Injection Storage!
Why should you keep Follistim refrigerated?
Proper refrigeration ensures that the active ingredient (follitropin beta) remains stable and effective. Exposure to temperatures outside the recommended range can degrade the medication and reduce its ability to stimulate the ovaries, potentially affecting your treatment outcome.
For this reason, many fertility specialists and pharmacists recommend storing unused Follistim in the fridge, even if it's technically allowed to be kept at room temperature for up to 3 months (if not opened).
It's always better to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment, especially when dealing with such a sensitive and expensive medication.
What happens if Follistim is not refrigerated?
This depends on how long Follistim is left out and how hot it gets. If the medication is left out at room temperature (below 77°F), it's still safe to use if it's within the three-month use period (or 28-day period for opened cartridges).
However, if it is exposed to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, its effectiveness can degrade quickly.
How long can Follistim stay out of the fridge?
It depends if it's opened or not:
- Before opening, Follistim can stay out of the fridge for up to 3 months, provided it's kept below 77°F.
- After opening, Follistim can stay out of the fridge for up to 28 days, as long as it's kept at or below 77°F.
If you're not sure how warm your environment might get, especially during summer months or travel, it's best to keep it cool using a medical cooling case.
Follistim Storage FAQ's
Proper storage is essential to keeping Follistim safe and effective, especially if you're juggling a busy schedule or traveling during treatment.
Below are the most common questions we hear about storing Follistim, plus tips on how to keep it cool and protected on the go.
How long is Follistim good for?
Unopened and refrigerated, Follistim is good until the expiration date printed on the packaging. Once opened, it must be used within 28 days, regardless of whether it's stored in the fridge or at room temperature.
To be safe, many users choose to continue refrigerating it between uses, especially in warmer climates. If you need to store Follistim while traveling, check out 4AllFamily's medical travel coolers which are designed to keep your medication at the right temperature on the go.
What happens if Follistim freezes?
Freezing ruins Follistim. The medication's structure becomes damaged, rendering it ineffective or even unsafe. If your medication has been frozen, it should be discarded immediately.
To avoid this, don't place Follistim too close to the freezer compartment in your fridge. And when traveling, avoid using traditional ice packs, which can become too cold. Instead, use a temperature-controlled cooler or medical-grade pouch to maintain a safe range.
What happens if Follistim gets warm?
If Follistim is exposed to temperatures above 77°F, its potency can begin to degrade. Just a couple of hours in a hot bag, glove compartment, or sunny windowsill can cause irreversible damage.
Whether you're commuting or traveling long distances, we strongly recommend storing your medication in a reliable portable cooler or thermal medical pouch to shield it from heat and temperature spikes.
Final Advice to Keep Your Follistim Injections Safe!
Storing Follistim correctly is a small but crucial step in protecting your fertility treatment. From refrigeration to room temperature guidelines, staying within the safe range ensures every dose works as intended.
Whether you're at home or on the go, reliable storage solutions give you one less thing to worry about.
Always keep these key takeaways in mind:
🧊 Refrigerate before use: Unopened Follistim should be kept in the fridge between 36°F-46°F to keep its potency until the labeled expiration date.
⏳ Opened = 28 days: Once opened, Follistim can be stored at room temperature but must be used within 28 days.
🌡️ Avoid extremes: Heat and freezing can damage the medication; use cooling gear to maintain stability.
🧳 Travel smart: Portable fridges and insulated pouches are the safest way to store Follistim on the go.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You
Have questions about Follistim storage? Faced challenges keeping your medication cool while traveling? Share your experience, ask a question, or let us know your best tips for staying organized during fertility treatment. We're here to support you every step of the way!
