Short answer: Keep Forteo in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C) at all times, taking it out only to inject and putting it back right after. The label gives no room-temperature allowance. Do not freeze it, and do not use a pen that froze. Throw the pen away 28 days after first use, even if medicine is left. Source: Forteo label, section 16.2.
Section 16.2: “Store FORTEO under refrigeration at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) at all times except when administering the product.” Also: recap the pen when not in use to protect the cartridge from damage and light; minimize time out of the fridge and inject right after taking it out; do not freeze, and do not use Forteo if it has been frozen; throw away the device 28 days after first use.
| Question | Label answer |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Refrigerated, 36-46°F (2-8°C), at all times except when injecting |
| Room temperature allowance | None given |
| Freezer | Do not freeze; do not use if frozen |
| After first use | Discard 28 days after first use, even if medicine is left |
| Pen | 28 daily doses of 20 mcg (section 3) |
Medication Guide: inject Forteo right away after taking it out of the refrigerator, then remove the needle, recap the pen and put it back in the refrigerator right away. The User Manual adds: do not store the pen with a needle attached, because air bubbles may form in the cartridge, and store it with the white cap on.
The User Manual has a space to write the first-use date and the throw-away date. Teriparatide is covered on the teriparatide page; for a missed day, see missed a Forteo dose.
Left out: the User Manual says that if the pen has been left out of the refrigerator, do not throw it away. Place it back in the refrigerator and call Eli Lilly at 1-800-545-5979.
Frozen: if the pen has been frozen, the User Manual says throw it away and use a new one.
Forteo has no room-temperature allowance, so it travels cold, in an insulated bag with a cold pack that does not touch the pen. If it ends up out of the fridge, the User Manual says put it back and call Lilly rather than throwing it away.
More in the travel guide.