What Should I Do If My Refrigerated Medication Shipment Is Delayed or Arrives Warm?
Shipping delays for refrigerated medications may raise concerns about their safety and effectiveness. However, pharmaceutical-grade shipping practices, combined with temperature stability guidelines, ensure that most medications remain safe even in the case of delays. Below, we provide comprehensive guidance to help you handle such situations safely.
General Shipping Stability and Packaging Information
Refrigerated medications are shipped in insulated packaging with cold packs to help protect them during transit and account for normal temperature changes, including unexpected delays.
Based on stability information provided by our partner pharmacies, the formulation has been analytically tested to maintain quality and potency when exposed to elevated temperatures of up to 120°F for up to 7 consecutive days under controlled conditions.
The medication may also tolerate freezing without compromising quality or potency when the vial remains unpunctured. We account for potential temperature fluctuations during shipping and take appropriate precautions to protect your medication while in transit.
What Happens If Shipping Is Delayed?
If your delivery is delayed or the cold packs arrive partially melted or warm, this does not automatically mean your medication is unsafe. Short-term temperature fluctuations can occur during transit, and insulated packaging is used to help reduce the impact of these changes.
Because individual circumstances can vary, visual inspection and proper storage after delivery are important.
Do not use the medication if the solution appears cloudy or discolored, contains visible particles, shows any signs of leakage, or if the vial or rubber seal is damaged, cracked, or compromised in any way.
Refrigerate the medication as soon as possible after delivery and follow the storage instructions included with your prescription.
When To Contact Us
If you have concerns about your delivery or the condition of your medication, contact our Care Team through the Patient Portal so a licensed provider can review your specific situation and advise on next steps.