Which IVF Medications Need to be Refrigerated?

As part of the treatment plan, fertility medication is prescribed in many cases. We’d like to tell you a little more about it.

After the exploratory fertility examination, a treatment plan can be drawn up. In many cases, fertility medication will be prescribed. For example, medication may be prescribed to temporarily stop your menstrual cycle, promote egg maturation, or induce ovulation. Several types of medication are available for different purposes. This can be in pill form, but also as a vaginal insertion agent and liquid to be injected into the skin. At the bottom of this page, you will find an overview of the most prescribed fertility medications.

Fertility Medications & Storage Information

Does Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron) Need to be Refrigerated?

• Store the “Leuprolide Acetate/Lupron 2 Week Kit” in the refrigerator between 36ºF – 46ºF (2°C – 8°C). Do not store it in the freezer. Store it below 77ºF (25°C) for a maximum of 14 days after the first use. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet or throw them in the trash. Ask your pharmacist what to do with medicines that are no longer needed. They should be disposed of responsibly and not enter the environment.

Does Ganirelix Need to be Refrigerated?

1. Room temperature storage: Ganirelix should be stored at room temperature, between 59ºF – 86ºF (15°C – 30°C). Heat, moisture, and light should all be avoided.
2. Store in the original container: This helps protect it from exposure to light and moisture.
3. Refrigerate: The efficacy of the medication may be impaired by freezing.
4. Keep Ganirelix away from children and pets: Ganirelix should be keep away from children and pets. Accidental ingestion may cause severe injury.
5. Do not take medicines whose expiration date has passed: Before taking Ganirelix, the person should ensure that the product is not past its expiration date. Medications whose expiration date has passed should not be used because they may be less effective.
6. Disposal: Ganirelix should be discarded if it is no longer used or has expired. (Product: fastivf.com/product-category/ganirelix/)

Does Follitropin Alfa (Gonal-F) Need to be Refrigerated?

• Gonal-F uses pre-filled pens of 300, 450 and 900 IU. These pens are ready to use. Store Gonal F at a temperature of 36ºF – 46ºF (2°C – 8°C) in the refrigerator.
• The Gonal-F injection should be administered once a day at a set time between 6 p.m. and midnight.
• Take the Gonal-F® pen out of the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature (maximum 30 minutes)

Does Fostimon Need to be Refrigerated?

• Fostimon ® is available by prescription only and can only be prescribed by gynecologists.
• It comes in a package of one piece and is available in dosages of 75, 150, 225, and 300 IU.
• You can store Fostimon 150 IU injections in the refrigerator or at room temperature for three months or until the expiration date
• Do not store above 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius)!

Does Menopur Need to be Refrigerated?

• Menopur 75 IU should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature range of 36ºF – 46ºF (2°C – 8°C).
• It should not be stored in the freezer!
• Store it in the original container to protect it from light
• The maximum storage time for Menopur 75 IU is 28 days at a temperature of 77ºF (25°C).

Does Merional Need to be Refrigerated?

• Merional 75 IU and 150 IU injections should be stored below 77ºF (25°C).
• Always store in original packaging to protect from light.

Does Cetrotide (Cetrorelix) Need to be Refrigerated?

• Store between 36ºF – 46ºF (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. Store in the refrigerator.
• Protect from light.
• The shelf life of this product is 2 years. (Cetrotide 0.25)

Tips for Self-Injection!

Certain medications require administration via a syringe under the skin, a process known as subcutaneous injection. You can perform this procedure yourself as the hospital provides necessary instructions. Additionally, it’s crucial to read the instructions included in the medication’s package insert. Naturally, self-injection can be quite daunting, particularly if it’s your first time. To help make this process a bit easier, we’d like to offer a few tips:

• Remove the medication that needs to be kept cool from the refrigerator half an hour in advance. This makes the liquid less cold, which is more comfortable for administration.
• You can rub an ice cube on the spot where you are going to insert the syringe beforehand, thus numbing the skin a little.
• If you are apprehensive about injecting yourself, ask someone you trust (your partner, for example) to administer the injection. This way, you involve them more in the process.
• Is the syringe ready? Be proud of yourself, you’ve just done it!

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Procedure & How It Works

With the diverse types of medication used in fertility treatments, timing is very important, so you need to follow the instructions carefully. Clinics do not all use the same medication schedules, so make sure you apply the correct info from your clinic.

IVF Side Effects:

Depending on the medication you are prescribed, side effects may occur. Read the package insert beforehand so you know what to expect. Slight skin reactions (redness, sensitivity, swelling or itching) may occur with all types of medication that is injected. It is important to report this to your doctor, though. Sometimes it may be better to switch to another drug. Severe allergic reactions are rare.

If you are hypersensitive to certain substances, antibiotics, or painkillers, it’s crucial to inform your doctor before the start of treatment so that this can be taken into account.

We often hear from fellow sufferers that they suffer from mood swings, as one of the side effects of hormones. This side effect is not listed in the information leaflets, because there is probably no way to prove that it is due to these drugs. Of course, it is not nice when during such an exciting time you also must deal with the feeling that you are not yourself. This is also sometimes challenging for your partner.

Do you have any side effects listed in the medicine leaflet that concern you? If so, contact your treating doctor immediately. For more, visit: fastivf.com/ivf-side-effects/