A Guide to Safe Ig Therapy Storage

Nurse administering infusion therapy at home.

Knowing how to store your immunoglobulin (Ig) medication properly is an important part of your IVIg or SCIg treatment. Proper storage helps ensure medication remains safe and effective until it’s time for the infusion.

Storage recommendations vary depending on the medication you’re prescribed, but there are a few general guidelines every patient and caregiver should know. In this blog, we’ll explain how to store IVIg and SCIg, when refrigeration may be required, and what to do if your medication is exposed to the wrong temperature

How Should IVIg and SCIg Be Stored?

Proper Ig therapy storage begins as soon as your medication shipment arrives at your home. Following the storage instructions provided by your specialty pharmacy with your medication helps protect its quality and ensures it’s ready when it’s time for your infusion. If you are unsure how to store the medication, call your specialty pharmacy.

Although storage requirements vary by manufacturer, there are several best practices that apply to most IVIg and SCIg medications.

Keep your medication in its original packaging until it’s time for your infusion
Store your Ig medication according to the instructions provided with your specific medication
Keep medication away from direct sunlight, heat, and excess moisture
Store your medication where children and pets cannot access it
Avoid storing medication in places where temperatures change frequently, such as inside a vehicle or near windows and heating vents
Do not shake medication
Check the expiration date on the medication packaging before each infusion

Before your infusion, take a moment to inspect your medication. If you notice cracked vials, damaged packaging, discoloration, or anything that looks unusual, contact your specialty infusion pharmacy before using it.

Does IVIg or SCIg Need to Be Refrigerated?

While some immunoglobulin products require refrigeration, others can be stored at room temperature for a period of time. Because every product is different, it’s important to follow the storage instructions included with your medication rather than relying on general recommendations. Remember to call your specialty infusion pharmacy with any questions you have.

No matter if Ig medication is left at room temperature or placed in the fridge, Ig medication shouldn’t be frozen unless specifically instructed. Frozen IVIg or SCIg medication should not be used unless your specialty infusion pharmacy or manufacturer confirms it’s safe. If your medication needs to be brought to room temperature before your infusion, allow it to warm naturally according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using a microwave, hot water, or other heat sources to warm your medication.

If you’re ever unsure how your medication should be stored, your specialty infusion pharmacy is your best resource. They can answer questions specific to your treatment and help you avoid accidentally damaging your medication.

What Should I Do If My Medication Is Stored Incorrectly?

If you think your medication may have been stored incorrectly, don’t use it until you’ve spoken with your specialty infusion pharmacy. Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can happen. A power outage, travel delay, or medication accidentally left on the counter can leave you wondering whether it’s still safe to use. Storage recommendations vary between products, and your specialty infusion pharmacy can help determine whether your medication can still be used safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ig Therapy Storage

Does Ig therapy need to be refrigerated?

Some IVIg and SCIg products require refrigeration, while others can be stored at room temperature. Your specialty infusion pharmacy can explain the storage requirements for your medication.

What should I do if my Ig medication gets too warm?

Contact your specialty infusion pharmacy before using the medication if it gets too warm. They can review what happened and determine whether your medication is still safe to use.

Can I travel with IVIg or SCIg?

Yes, many people continue IVIg or SCIg therapy while traveling. Before your trip, talk with your specialty infusion pharmacy so you have enough medication and supplies and understand how to safely store your medication while you’re away from home.

For more information, read our blog on how to travel with IVIg and SCIg therapy.

Safe Ig Therapy Storage with CSI Pharmacy

Receiving Ig therapy at home involves more than scheduling your infusion. Proper medication storage is an important part of your treatment and understanding how to properly store your Ig medication can help you avoid unnecessary delays or interruptions.

At CSI Pharmacy, our pharmacy team is available to answer questions about medication storage, shipments, travel planning, and every other part of your infusion journey. Whether you’re receiving IVIg or SCIg, we’ll help you understand your medication’s storage requirements so you can feel confident caring for it at home.

If you have questions about storing your medication or preparing for an upcoming infusion, contact the CSI Pharmacy team. We’re here to help you stay on track with your treatment.

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