How to Store Follistim AQ: Fridge, 3 Months, 28 Days
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[Storage · Follistim AQ]

How to store Follistim AQ Cartridge (follitropin beta)

Quoted from the US label · Unopened vs in use · Travel · Sources · Reviewed

Short answer: Keep an unused Follistim AQ Cartridge in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C) until it expires, or at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months or until it expires, whichever comes first. After first use, keep it at 36-77°F (2-25°C) and throw it away after 28 days. Keep it in the carton, away from light, and do not freeze it. Source: Follistim AQ label, section 16.

What does the Follistim AQ label say?

Section 16, patient storage: “Store unused cartridge refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date, or at room temperature at up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months or until expiration date, whichever occurs first. After first use, store at 36°F to 77°F (2°C to 25°C) and discard after 28 days. Store in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze.”

Follistim AQ Cartridge US prescribing information, section 16, and Patient Information.
StageWhereLimit
At the pharmacyRefrigerator, 36-46°F (2-8°C)Until dispensed
At home, unusedRefrigerator, 36-46°F (2-8°C)Until the expiration date
At home, unusedRoom temperature up to 77°F (25°C)3 months or the expiration date, whichever comes first
After first useRefrigerator or room temperature, 36-77°F (2-25°C)28 days, even if medicine is left
Any timeIn the original carton, away from light; not frozen-

How do you handle the cartridge in the pen?

  • Patient Information: take the cartridge out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature before injecting; injecting cold medicine can cause discomfort.
  • If medicine is left for more injections, put the pen cap back on and store the Follistim Pen in the refrigerator (not the freezer) or at room temperature.
  • Never store the Follistim Pen with a needle attached: the medicine could leak out and there is a risk of contamination.

Cartridges come in 300, 600 and 900 international unit sizes, used with the Follistim Pen. See Follistim AQ side effects, the Follistim AQ dosing schedule and Follistim vs Gonal-f.

How do you travel with it?

An unused Follistim AQ Cartridge can sit at up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months, and an in-use one at 36-77°F (2-25°C), so a short trip at room temperature is within the label. Keep it below 77°F and do not let it freeze against an ice pack.

  • TSA allows medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz in carry-on bags; declare them at the checkpoint for inspection.
  • Unused syringes and pen needles are allowed when they travel with the injectable medicine.
  • Ice packs and gel packs that keep medicine cool may go through frozen, partly frozen or melted.
  • Keep medicine in your carry-on, not checked luggage, where you cannot control the temperature. Do not let it touch an ice pack directly, since most labels say do not freeze.

More in the travel guide.

Quoted from the current US label on DailyMed, not personalized advice. Labels change; the leaflet in your own carton, your pharmacist and your prescriber are the final word on how to store it.
Gonal-fFridge or up to 3 months at 68-77°F; 28 days after first injection. MenopurPowder at 37-77°F, fridge or room temperature; use right after mixing. OvidrelFridge until expiry, or up to 30 days at room temperature up to 77°F. Traveling with injectablesTSA rules for liquids, syringes and ice packs, plus the label temperature limits to plan around.

Frequently asked questions

Does Follistim AQ need to be refrigerated?+
Not always. An unused cartridge can be refrigerated until it expires, or kept at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for 3 months or until it expires, whichever comes first.
How long is a Follistim AQ Cartridge good after first use?+
28 days, stored at 36-77°F (2-25°C). Throw it away after 28 days even if there is still medicine in it.
Can Follistim AQ be frozen?+
No. The label says do not freeze.

Sources

  1. Follistim AQ Cartridge (follitropin beta) injection US prescribing information, DailyMed
  2. TSA: Liquid medications
  3. TSA: Unused syringes
  4. TSA: Gel ice packs

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