Short answer: Neither goes in the fridge. Progesterone injection in sesame oil (Hikma label) is stored at 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C) in 10 mL multiple dose vials. Testopel testosterone pellets are stored at 77°F (25°C), with excursions permitted to 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C). Neither label says anything about light, and the progesterone label gives no time limit for an opened vial.
Both are hormones usually given in a clinic or by a trained caregiver. Progesterone in oil is a 50 mg/mL injection into muscle; this page uses the Hikma label, and other makers carry their own. Testopel is a 75 mg testosterone pellet placed under the skin.
| Question | Progesterone injection (Hikma) | Testopel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| Excursions | Not stated | 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) |
| Refrigerator | Not stated | Not stated |
| Light | Not stated | Not stated |
| Pack | 10 mL multiple dose vials, individually boxed | One pellet per vial, boxes of 10 and 100 |
| Opened vial time limit | Not stated | Not stated |
| Patient leaflet | Same temperature; do not use after the expiration date printed on the vial label | No patient leaflet |
How Supplied: “Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].” The Patient Information: “Progesterone Injection should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].” and “Do not use progesterone injection after the expiration date which is printed on the vial label.”
Each mL contains 50 mg progesterone and “Benzyl Alcohol 10% as preservative in Sesame Oil.” The vial is labeled multiple dose, but the label does not say how long it lasts after the first needle goes in; ask the pharmacy that dispensed it. Before each dose, the label says to check the liquid for particles and discoloration “whenever the solution and container permit.”
See the progesterone injection dosing schedule, side effects, progesterone injection vs Prometrium and the progesterone page.
How Supplied: “Testosterone pellets each containing 75mg testosterone. One pellet per vial in boxes of 10 (NDC: 66887-004-10) and 100 (NDC: 66887-004-20). Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].” That is the only storage text on the label. Pellets are implanted in a clinic, so storage is usually the clinic’s job.
See the Testopel dosing schedule, Testopel side effects, Testopel vs testosterone cypionate and testosterone pellets.
Progesterone in oil travels at room temperature; the label gives 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C) and no excursion range, so keep it out of hot cars and do not pack it against an ice pack.
More in the travel guide.