Some medicines include the storage instruction “Do not freeze.”
This means the medicine should not be exposed to freezing temperatures because freezing may affect the product’s stability, consistency, or quality.
Why Can Freezing Be a Problem?
Some liquid medicines and other formulations are designed to remain stable within a specific temperature range.
If a product freezes, its physical properties may change. Depending on the medicine, this can affect how the product looks, mixes, or performs.
That is why certain FDA-approved labels specifically state that the medicine should not be frozen.
Does “Do Not Freeze” Mean the Medicine Must Be Refrigerated?
No.
“Do not freeze” and “refrigerate” are different instructions.
Some medicines labeled “do not freeze” are actually intended to be stored at room temperature.
For example, current DailyMed labeling for lacosamide oral solution directs storage at about 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and separately states not to freeze the product.
What If the Medicine Accidentally Freezes?
Do not automatically assume that the medicine is still usable.
The safest next step depends on:
- The specific medicine
- How long it was frozen
- Whether it completely froze
- How it was thawed
- The manufacturer’s storage requirements
Contact a pharmacist or the manufacturer before continuing to use a medicine that was accidentally frozen.
Should You Thaw It and Use It?
Not unless the product instructions or a qualified healthcare professional confirm that it is appropriate.
A medicine may look normal after thawing but still have been affected by the temperature exposure.
Appearance alone is not enough to determine whether the product remains suitable for use.
Which Medicines May Have “Do Not Freeze” Instructions?
This instruction can appear on different types of products.
Examples include some:
- Oral solutions
- Oral suspensions
- Injectable medicines
- Reconstituted products
- Other temperature-sensitive formulations
Storage instructions are product-specific, so the label for one medicine should not be applied to another.
What About Medicines Stored in a Refrigerator?
Even refrigerated medicines can sometimes be damaged if they are placed too close to a freezer compartment or cooling element.
If a medicine requires refrigeration, store it according to the exact instructions and avoid locations where it may accidentally freeze.
Can You Tell If Freezing Damaged the Medicine?
Not always.
Some medicines may show visible changes such as separation, cloudiness, or changes in texture.
Others may not look different even if storage conditions were inappropriate.
MedlinePlus advises patients to pay attention to storage conditions because heat, moisture, air, and other environmental factors can damage medicines.
When to Ask a Pharmacist
Ask a pharmacist if:
- Your medicine was accidentally frozen
- You are unsure whether it should be refrigerated
- The storage instructions are unclear
- The medicine looks different after temperature exposure
- You are unsure whether the product can still be used
Bottom Line
“Do not freeze” means the medicine should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Because the effect of freezing depends on the specific product, do not rely only on how the medicine looks after it thaws.
If a medicine has frozen accidentally, check the product instructions or ask a pharmacist or manufacturer before using it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Storing Your Medicines.
- DailyMed — Lacosamide Oral Solution labeling, revised 2026.
- DailyMed — Risperidone Oral Solution, Instructions for Use.