Quick answer: Yes, before first use, NGENLA needs to be refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to remain effective. After first use, it can safely stay at room temperature for up to 28 days. Leaving it outside the fridge too long can cause it to break down and expire.
If your child has been prescribed NGENLA for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), keeping the medication safe and effective is a top priority.
You want to do everything right because every dose matters for your child's growth and health. Between school, activities, and everyday life, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the medication is stored correctly or what happens if it isn't.
The good news? Storing NGENLA properly doesn't have to be stressful!
In this article, we're answering the top 7 questions parents ask about keeping NGENLA safe and effective, including tips for home storage, travel, and everything in between.
Related article: How To Keep Medicine Cool While Traveling: Tips and Products That Work
1. Does NGENLA Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes. NGENLA must be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) before first use. This keeps the growth hormone stable and effective.
2. How long does NGENLA last in the fridge?
Before first use: The pen is safe until the expiration date printed on the carton as long as it stays refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
After first use: If you continue to keep the pen refrigerated, it also remains effective until the expiration date.
3. What happens if NGENLA is not refrigerated?
Life happens, and every parent has been there: a pen left out on the counter or taken along on a trip without the right cooling.
The good news is that NGENLA is fairly resilient: after the first use, the pen can safely stay at room temperature for up to 28 days. That said, NGENLA is still a delicate growth hormone medication, and leaving it at room temperature for too long, or exposing it to extreme heat or cold, can cause it to break down, reducing its effectiveness.
Here are the main situations where NGENLA could be at risk:
⚠️ High heat: Leaving NGENLA in a hot car, near direct sunlight, or in a very warm environment
⚠️ Freezing or extreme cold: Exposing the pen to freezing temperatures can permanently damage it
⚠️ Extended room temperature storage: Beyond 28 days at room temperature, the medication may start to degrade, even if it hasn't been exposed to heat or cold extremes.
If there's any doubt about whether a pen has been stored properly, the safest approach is to replace it.
Related article: All You Need to Know About Travel Sharps Containers for Handling Medical Waste and Needles On the Go!
4. What Is the Ideal NGENLA Storage Temperature?
Before first use, NGENLA should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keeping it at this temperature ensures the growth hormone remains stable and fully effective. Avoid freezing or exposing the medication to heat, as either can damage it.
After the first use, the pen can safely stay at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 28 days.
By following these simple guidelines, you can protect your child's medication and make daily dosing easier, whether at home or on short outings.
5. How Should I Store NGENLA at Home?
Proper NGENLA storage at home is simple if you follow a few basic habits:
- Keep the pen in its original carton. The carton protects it from light and minor temperature changes.
- Do not freeze or leave it on a sunny windowsill or near heat sources.
- Remove and safely discard needles after each injection, then replace the pen's cap.
- Regularly check the expiration date, and don't use the pen past that date, even if it seems fine.
These small, consistent steps can prevent wasted medication and give you peace of mind that your child's growth hormone therapy is fully effective.
6. Can I Travel with NGENLA?
Yes, you can travel with NGENLA, but it requires a little planning to make sure the medication stays safe and effective. The key is keeping the pen within the recommended temperature range, whether at room temperature for short trips or refrigerated for longer travel.
Here's how to manage it:
- Use a medical portable fridge to maintain a consistent refrigerated temperature
- Consider cooling pouches for short outings or carrying a single pen while keeping it protected from heat.
- Plan ahead: Track how long the pen has been out of refrigeration.
Traveling by air? Check out these articles to make your trip stress-free:
✈️ "Traveling with Injectable Medications" covers TSA rules, packing tips, and keeping medications safe in carry-on bags.
✈️ "Traveling Internationally with Medication" explains how to prepare proper documentation, handle customs, and ensure your child's medication is accepted abroad.
7. How Should I Store NGENLA While Traveling?
For parents looking for a reliable way to keep NGENLA and other temperature-sensitive medications safe and cool while on the go, 4AllFamily's portable coolers and mini fridges offer a convenient, TSA-approved solution.
Storing NGENLA for short trips (under 28 days)
For short outings or when your child's pen can safely stay at room temperature, you'll want solutions that keep NGENLA cool without needing a full fridge. These are ideal for:
- Day trips to school or activities
- Visits to friends or relatives
- Trips under 28 days
Our recommended solutions from 4AllFamily:
✅ The Chiller Insulated Travel Case
✅ The Companion Insulated Medical Cooler Bag
✅ The Rambler Travel Cooling Case
NGENLA storage on long trips
For longer trips, over 28 days or whenever NGENLA must remain refrigerated, it's essential to use solutions that maintain the 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) range.
4AllFamily offers a range of portable refrigerated storage solutions designed to keep medications safe in these situations.
They have a variety of sizes and cooling methods, from rechargeable mini fridges to biogel ice packs, so you can choose the option that best fits your travel needs.
With these solutions, NGENLA stays at the proper refrigerated temperature throughout your trip, giving you peace of mind that every dose remains effective.
Here are our top recommendations:
✅ The RxCoolers Mini Refrigerated Carrying Case
✅ The RxCoolers Max Portable Fridge
✅ The Explorer Medicine Travel Cooler
Final Tips for Storing Your Child's NGENLA Injections Safely
Storing NGENLA doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With a few simple habits, you can feel confident that every dose is safe and effective.
Remember, you're doing an important job, and these tips can give you peace of mind along the way:
💉 Refrigerate before first use: Keep NGENLA at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) to maintain stability and effectiveness.
⏱️ Room temperature after first use: Pens can stay at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 28 days without compromising the medication.
⚠️ Avoid extreme conditions: Heat, freezing, or leaving the pen beyond 28 days at room temperature can cause it to break down and expire.
✈️ Travel smart: Use insulated cases or portable fridges to protect NGENLA on short trips or long journeys.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You
Have questions about NGENLA storage or traveling with injectable medications? Share your experiences, tips, and tricks with us in the comments section!
