Is Frozen Testosterone Still Safe To Use?

Answer

If your testosterone cypionate solution for injection accidentally froze, you should not use it since it has been stored outside the required storage conditions for the drug.

The prescribing information for testosterone cypionate states the drug should be stored as follows:

Store at 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F). Store product in carton to protect contents from light.

Although I couldn't find any specific information regarding testosterone, studies have shown that medications in a liquid dosage form that have been frozen (and aren't intended to be) can degrade and/or be altered. This could potentially lead to serious side effects and a loss of effect.

One type of drug where this has been demonstrated is with insulin. One study showed that when certain types of insulin are frozen and thawed, there is evidence of drug degradation and "particle clumping".

Another example is with protein-based drugs, where freezing and thawing can produce 'shearing' forces on the drug molecules, rendering them ineffective. One such study stated the following:

During thawing, additional damage to proteins is caused by recrystallization process. Recrystallization exerts additional interfacial tension or shear on the entrapped proteins and hence causes additional damage to the latter.

A number of studies have also shown that several vaccines can be made ineffective by inadvertent freezing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even provided guidance on how to avoid this.

What To Do If Your Testosterone Has Frozen

If the drug you are taking has accidentally frozen or was otherwise stored outside of the required storage conditions, you should discard the medication and not use it. This is the case for testosterone cypionate injection.

Even when we don't have specific information on a particular drug and how freezing could affect it, it should not be used. It could be ineffective or increase the risk of side effects if it were used.

Manufacturers base their storage requirements on stability tests, and if we don't know how a drug could be affected when stored outside the requirements, it is best not to use it. When it comes to using medication, it is important they are safe and effective, something that can't be guaranteed if the medication wasn't stored properly.

Be sure to work with your doctor and pharmacy regarding how to get a replacement vial.

Final Words

Thanks for reaching out!