Quick answer: Ovidrel needs to be refrigerated between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) until use to maintain its shelf life until the expiration date. However, it can also be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for no more than 30 days.
Ovidrel is a brand-name fertility medication containing choriogonadotropin alfa, a synthetic version of the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone.
It plays a key role in triggering ovulation, the release of a mature egg from the ovary, and is commonly used in fertility treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination), or timed intercourse cycles.
Ovidrel is supplied in a single-use, prefilled syringe containing 250 mcg of choriogonadotropin alfa. It is given as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin), usually into the lower abdomen or thigh. Most patients administer it themselves at home, following guidance from their fertility clinic.
If you've been prescribed Ovidrel as part of your fertility treatment, you likely have questions about how to store it safely, whether in our out of the fridge.
In this blog, we'll answer the most common questions patients have and give you our best storage tips to keep your Ovidrel safe and effective at home and on the go!
Related article: How to Travel with IVF Meds: A Complete Guide!
Does Ovidrel need to be refrigerated?
Yes. According to the manufacturer, Ovidrel PreFilled Syringe should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C-8°C) to maintain its full shelf life, up to the expiration date printed on the carton or syringe.
If refrigeration isn't possible, patients may store Ovidrel at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for a maximum of 30 days. After that period, the syringe must be discarded, even if unused.
To protect the hormone and ensure the medication works as intended, here's how to best keep it in your fridge:
✅ Keep it in the fridge until the day of use, whenever possible.
✅ Store on a middle shelf, not in the fridge door, to avoid temperature swings.
✅ Keep in original packaging to protect from light.
❌ Do not freeze Ovidrel. Make sure not to store it near the freezer compartment where it could accidentally get frozen.
✅ Always check the expiration date before use.
When to take Ovidrel out of the fridge
You can remove Ovidrel from the fridge 15-30 minutes before your injection, allowing it to warm to room temperature. This makes the injection more comfortable and reduces the chance of pain or irritation.
💡 Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone so you don't leave it out too long, especially during time-sensitive cycles.
How long can Ovidrel be out of the fridge?
If kept at room temperature (no higher than 77°F or 25°C), Ovidrel is stable for up to 30 days. After that window, the injection must be discarded, even if it hasn't expired yet according to the label.
If your room temperature tends to rise above 77°F, even occasionally, like during summer hot days for example, it's not considered a safe environment for storage. In that case, consider a medical-grade cooling case to store your IVF injections, or keep them in the fridge if possible.
What happens if Ovidrel is not refrigerated?
If Ovidrel is left unrefrigerated for too long, stored above 77°F, exposed to light, or accidentally frozen, the hormone can degrade, making the injection partially or totally ineffective.
This could interfere with ovulation timing and potentially delay your cycle or fertility treatment.
⚠️ Never use Ovidrel that has been left out of the fridge for more than 30 days or exposed to heat. When in doubt, call your fertility clinic or pharmacist to confirm whether it's still safe.
Related article: All You Need to Know About IVF Injection Storage!
Storing Ovidrel At Room Temperature (Out of the Fridge)
Remember: for maximum shelf life, refrigeration is always the safer choice for storing your Ovidrel IVF treatment.
However, when refrigeration is not possible, Ovidrel can be stored at room temperature under certain conditions:
- Room temperature must stay below 77°F (25°C)
- The syringe must be used within 30 days
- It must be kept out of direct sunlight or heat sources
How to Carry Ovidrel When Out or Traveling
So, due to its strict storage requirements, carrying Ovidrel around can bring its own challenges. It all depends on how long you'll be out and about.
- If you will use your Ovidrel syringe within the next 30 days, you do not need refrigerated transport. However, if the outside temperature gets above 77°F (25°C), you'll need to carry your medication in a cooling case to protect it from heat.
In that case, we recommend using one of the following medical-grade travel cooler:
✅ The Chillers Cooling Pouches: These can keep your Ovidrel syringes protected from heat for over 45 hours, using water evaporation cooling technology.
✅ The Rambler Small Cooling Case: Can keep medication cool for up to 14h at a controlled room temperature using Biogel cold packs.
- If you won't use your Ovidrel syringe within the next 30 days, it must stay refrigerated at all times during transport. That means you will need to carry it in a mini medical fridge or a refrigerated cooler case.
In that case, we recommend the following portable medical fridges for your Ovidrel syringes:
✅ The Voyager Portable Travel Fridge
✅ The Nomad Refrigerated Travel Cases
✅ The Newest RxCoolers Max or RxCoolers Mini, depending how many syringes you need to carry.
Extra tips for safe Ovidrel storage & Temperature
🛑 Avoid:
- Leaving Ovidrel out of the fridge for more than 30 days
- Leaving Ovidrel in a hot car or sunny windowsill
- Freezing or exposing it to extreme cold
- Unlabeled or cluttered storage areas that increase the risk of contamination
✅ Do:
- Store in the fridge whenever possible
- Store Ovidrel in a labeled medication organizer
- Use a fridge thermometer to monitor temperature
- Travel with insulated medical pouches or coolers
Final thoughts on keeping your Ovidrel and treatment effective
Ovidrel plays a critical role in your fertility journey, and storing it properly is essential to keeping your treatment on track.
With a little planning and the right cooling solutions, keeping Ovidrel refrigerated (or safely stored at room temperature when needed) doesn't have to be stressful.
Just be sure to remember the important key takeaways:
❄️ Recommended refrigeration: Store between 36°F and 46°F until you're ready to use it.
🕒 Take it out 15-30 mins before injection: Let it reach room temperature for comfort.
🌡️ Room temperature is okay: If you keep it below 77°F for no more than 30 days.
🧳 Travel smart: Use medical coolers for peace of mind when traveling with Ovidrel or other IVF medications.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!
Have a tip, story, or question about how you store your Ovidrel? Drop a comment or contact us, we're here to help and would love to share your tips with the community.
