What medications need refrigeration?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The label is the final word, but the usual fridge residents are insulin, injectable biologics like GLP-1 pens, some pharmacy-mixed antibiotic liquids, certain eye drops, and a few suppositories. Refrigerated means 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit - cold, never frozen, because freezing destroys most of these products as surely as heat does. Many refrigerated injectables allow a limited room-temperature window once in use; the label states the exact days.
What to do
- Check each label at pickup. Storage instructions sit on the bottle or box; ask the pharmacist to point them out.
- Never freeze a refrigerated drug. A frozen-then-thawed injectable or insulin should be discarded, not used.
- Store mid-fridge. Door shelves and spots against the back wall swing warm and freeze-prone respectively.
- Know the room-temperature window. Many pens allow weeks at room temperature once in use - the label gives the exact limit.
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