Quick answer: Before opening, Gonal-F needs to be refrigerated or stored at room temperature (below 77°F). After opening, keep it at room temperature or in the fridge, but use within 28 days, and avoid extreme temperatures to keep the medication effective.
If you're going through IVF, you may have been prescribed Gonal-F, a hormone injection used to stimulate the ovaries. Like many other fertility medications, storing this medication properly is critical.
In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to store Gonal-F before and after opening, how long it can stay at room temperature, and what to avoid to make sure it stays safe and effective!
Related article: All You Need to Know About IVF Injection Storage!
How to store Gonal-F: Does it need to be refrigerated?
To maintain its effectiveness, Gonal-F must be stored correctly from the time you receive it until your final dose.
Gonal-F injection storage before opening
You can store unopened Gonal-F vials or pens in two ways:
- In the refrigerator: Between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date
- At room temperature: Between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) until the expiration date
💡Pro tip: Once stored at room temperature, the medication should not be returned to the refrigerator.
Gonal-F storage after opening
Once you've used a vial or pen and still have medication left, follow these guidelines to store it until your next injection:
- Store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the fridge OR
- Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) at room temperature
- In both cases, use the rest within 28 days
- Discard any leftover medication after 28 days, even if there's some left.
📌 Pro tip: Write the open date on the pen or vial so you don't lose track of time.
Related article: How to Travel with IVF Meds
How long can Gonal-F be out of the fridge?
How long Gonal-F can be out of the fridge depends if it's been opened or not:
- Before opening: Gonal-F can be unrefrigerated until its expiration date, but must stay below 77°F.
- After opening, if you choose to store opened Gonal F at room temperature (between 68°F to 77°F), you can do so for up to 28 days. After that, even if there's medicine left, it must be thrown away.
⚠️ Do not store opened Gonal F above 77°F. This can cause the drug to degrade and lose potency.
Can Gonal-F be stored at room temperature?
Yes, but only under specific conditions.
- Unopened: Up to the expiration date if stored at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
- Opened: Up to 28 days under the same room temperature range
- Never expose it to heat, direct sunlight, or temperatures above 77°F
Why does Gonal-F storage temperature matter so much?
Gonal-F is a delicate, temperature-sensitive medication. Like many fertility drugs, it contains recombinant hormones-biological substances that can break down if exposed to the wrong conditions. This means that if your Gonal-F gets too hot, too cold, or fluctuates frequently in temperature, it may no longer work as intended, even if it looks the same.
Improper Gonal-F storage can result in:
- Loss of effectiveness
- Wasted medication
- Potential disruption of your IVF cycle
- Additional emotional and financial stress
All of these outcomes are avoidable with proper knowledge and planning.
Gonal-F Should Never Freeze
Freezing Gonal-F can permanently damage the active ingredients. If your medication has been exposed to temperatures below 36°F (2°C), even briefly, it could lose potency, and you won't be able to tell just by looking at it.
Overheating Is Just as Harmful
High temperatures can also break down the hormones in Gonal-F. If the medication is stored above 77°F (25°C), especially for prolonged periods, it can become ineffective. This is particularly risky during summer months or while traveling, when cars, bags, and rooms can heat up quickly.
💡 Pro tip: If you live in a warm climate, using a mini medical fridge or a medical travel cooling case can prevent accidental overheating.
Traveling with Gonal-F: Meet 4AllFamily's Medical Travel Coolers!
When you're taking Gonal-F on the go, you have two safe options:
✅ Keep it refrigerated (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C)
✅ Store it at room temperature (68°F to 77°F / 20°C to 25°C)
At 4AllFamily, we offer cooling solutions for both needs, from portable fridges that maintain precise refrigeration to insulated medical-grade travel cases designed to keep your medication cool and protected from heat.
Every cooler from 4AllFamily, whether refrigerated or not, is TSA-approved, making flying with IVF injections easier than ever!
🧊 Whether you're flying, driving, or heading to a clinic, our products give you the peace of mind that your Gonal-F is stored exactly as it should be with no stress or guesswork.
Final tips for Gonal-F storage
Storing Gonal-F correctly is essential to ensure it works as intended throughout your IVF cycle.
Whether you choose refrigeration or controlled room temperature, protecting your medication from heat, freezing, and temperature swings is key. With the right tools, like medical-grade coolers and portable fridges, you can confidently store your injections at home or while traveling.
Be sure to remember these important tips:
🧊 Refrigerate or room temperature: Gonal-F can be safely stored unopened in the fridge or at room temperature (68°F-77°F) until the expiration date.
📅 28-Day rule: Once opened, use within 28 days, then discard any leftover medication, even if unused.
🌡️ Avoid heat or freezing: Never store above 77°F or below 36°F, as it can damage the hormones.
🧳 Travel prepared: Use mini medical fridges or insulated cooling pouches to safely store Gonal-F on the go.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You
Have questions about storing Gonal-F during IVF? Been through this process and have tips to share? Drop a question, comment, or message us! We love hearing from readers who've navigated fertility treatments and can offer real-world advice and encouragement to others!
