Key points
- When the power is out for a day or more, throw away any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug's label says otherwise.
- If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, use them only until a new supply is available.
- Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.
Script
Available Media
This is an important message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Some drugs require refrigeration to keep their strength, including many liquid drugs. When the power is out for a day or more, throw away any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug's label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, use them only until a new supply is available. Replace all refrigerated drugs as soon as possible.
To learn more, call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO.
Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: February 8, 2024
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.