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
Common questions
What medications need refrigeration?
The label on each medication is the final word, but the usual fridge residents are: insulin (all types until opened, and many types even after), injectable biologics including GLP-1 pens like semaglutide and tirzepatide, some antibiotic liquids mixed at the pharmacy, 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. Semaglutide pens, for example, are labeled for refrigerator storage away from light with the cap on, and many refrigerated injectables allow a limited room-temperature window once in use - the label or your pharmacist gives the exact days. When in doubt about a specific drug, ask the pharmacist when you pick it up, and store fridge medications in the middle of the refrigerator, not in the door or against the back wall where temperatures swing. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can check storage rules for your specific prescription.