Does Heparin Sodium Injection require refrigeration?

Heparin sodium injection is recommended to be stored under refrigeration.

As an anticoagulant medication, the stability and efficacy of heparin sodium injection are affected by environmental temperature. According to the drug’s package insert and pharmacopoeia standards, heparin sodium injection should be stored at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C, i.e., in a refrigerator’s cold compartment, to maintain the stability of its active ingredients. High temperatures or exposure to light may cause the medication to decompose, reducing its efficacy or producing harmful substances. Heparin sodium injection is prone to degradation during storage when exposed to elevated temperatures, which may affect its therapeutic effectiveness. Refrigeration can significantly slow down the rate of drug degradation, thereby ensuring optimal effectiveness when used. Therefore, unopened heparin sodium injection should be stored strictly according to the storage conditions specified in the package insert. Once the vial is opened and the medication is in use, it should be administered immediately to avoid prolonged exposure to room temperature, thus ensuring medication safety and efficacy. If the drug’s package insert does not specifically indicate the need for refrigeration, storage under normal conditions may be acceptable provided the environment is clean and dry. However, no medication should be stored for prolonged periods to avoid expiration.