Do/did you refrigerate your IVF Meds?

jds0521

So, all my meds came in today - I have Lupron, Menopur, Gonal-F, Endometrin, Estradiol, Novarel & Azithromycin. My DH was there to get the shipment, he said it was like 5 boxes, so he left them all by the door for me.

I got the "official" directions on how to store the meds, but with some he said they could be refrigerated, but could also be kept room temp. Did you refrigerate any prior to using them - if so, why? Are there advantages one way or another?

DinaLINY

I know that Gonal F has to be refrigerated. Lupron only after the first use. Menopur and Novarell do not. not sure about the rest.

nikinikinine

If you got directions from the pharmacy on how to store your meds, please follow that. It doesn't matter what anyone else does. Do what the directions say.

Both of my pharmacy sent storage instructions (Caremark Mail Order and Freedom Pharmacy) with the boxes. 

sescms2004

I only refrigerated Follistim (same as Gonal F).  Everything else stayed room temp.

ginger67

They are all different. Gonal f or follistim has to be refrigerated, unless you know you will use it within the month. Expensive stuff! I would read every label sooo carefully!

yodasmistress

Most everything is supposed to be kept below 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  So I just refrigerated it all so I didn't have to worry about it. 

jds0521

sescms2004:

I only refrigerated Follistim (same as Gonal F).  Everything else stayed room temp.

Ok, b/c he told me that Gonal-F can be refrigerated or left at room temp. Maybe I should call my nurse?

jds0521

nikinikinine:

If you got directions from the pharmacy on how to store your meds, please follow that. It doesn't matter what anyone else does. Do what the directions say.

Both of my pharmacy sent storage instructions (Caremark Mail Order and Freedom Pharmacy) with the boxes. 

Gotcha - I mean, he gave me options on most saying they can be refrigerated or they can be kept at room temperature, so I was jw if there was a reason why someone stored them in the fridge versus them being kept @ RT or vice versa.  But I'm definitely not defying what the pharmacist told me to do at all.

*Willis*

jds0521:

sescms2004:

I only refrigerated Follistim (same as Gonal F).  Everything else stayed room temp.

Ok, b/c he told me that Gonal-F can be refrigerated or left at room temp. Maybe I should call my nurse?

Once you open the gonal f, it can be kept at room temperature; however, it must be used in 28 days.  I refrigerate my unopened cartridges because in case I don't use it, the refrigerated unused/unopened meds can last until the expiration date.

svp1537

When you open the boxes of med, each individual med will say if it should be refrigerated or not... often, there is a little sticker on the box/bottle saying "Please Refrigerate"... That information comes straight from the pharmacy and is the the information you should follow.

ccbanana

I refrigerated my Gonal-F and Menopur

dianne2007

I refrigerated my reserve gonal-f boxes until I was ready to use them. Once I used a pen I left it at room temp since it has to come to room temp before you inject yourself. Probably doesn't matter either way as long as you follow instructions.

bmagsgirl

I refrigerated my Gonal-F, Menapor, and Lupron.  I just read what the side of the boxes said. 

Now, my meds for my Frozen transfer don't need to be refrigerated.  

It all depends on what you have!

ChiTown Bridget

DinaLINY:

I know that Gonal F has to be refrigerated. Lupron only after the first use. Menopur and Novarell do not. not sure about the rest.

This