Short answer: Refrigerate Humatrope cartridges and their diluent at 36-46°F (2-8°C), before and after mixing, in the carton. A mixed cartridge is stable for up to 28 days refrigerated. The label says do not leave it at room temperature more than 30 minutes per day, and avoid freezing. Let the pen sit 10 minutes before injecting. Source: Humatrope label, sections 2.4 and 16.2.
Section 2.4: “Reconstituted cartridges of HUMATROPE are stable for up to 28 days when refrigerated at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Do not leave at room temperature more than 30 minutes per day. Avoid freezing the reconstituted cartridge. Protect HUMATROPE from light during storage.”
Section 16.2: “Refrigerate cartridges of HUMATROPE and Diluent for HUMATROPE at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C). Avoid freezing Diluent for HUMATROPE. Store in the original carton to protect HUMATROPE from light.”
| Item | Storage | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge and diluent, unmixed | Refrigerator 36-46°F (2-8°C), in the carton | Until expiry |
| Mixed cartridge on the pen | Refrigerator, in the storage case | 28 days; no more than 30 minutes a day out |
| Empty HumatroPen, no cartridge | -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C) | Device storage only |
The Instructions for Use: take the pen out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 minutes before injecting, because cold medicine can sting. Then put it back. “Do not leave the HumatroPen and HUMATROPE cartridge out of the refrigerator for more than 30 minutes a day.”
Do not store the pen with a needle attached; air bubbles can form. Dose math is on the HGH page.
The label says avoid freezing both the mixed cartridge and the diluent. It gives no rule for a cartridge that spent more than 30 minutes out in a day. Ask your pharmacist before using it.
With a 30-minute daily limit, a mixed Humatrope cartridge needs cold storage the whole trip: pen in its case, insulated bag, cold packs that do not touch it, and a fridge on arrival.
More in the travel guide.