How To Store EpiPens in Hot Weather
Hey there, I’m Corinna!
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Before we get into how to store EpiPens in hot weather, I want to introduce myself.
Our family currently navigates anaphylactic nut and peanut allergies and gluten intolerance, but we have also managed milk and egg allergies.
Our family is from Canada, but we love to travel and have been to Spain, Ireland, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, the Bahamas, all over the US (including Disney World and Disneyland), and all over Canada; much of that travel was before our kids were teens.
I can help you travel and make memories with your family.
After all our experience traveling with food allergies, I decided to become a Food Allergy Travel Advisor using the practical knowledge I’ve learned over many years. When booking with me, I share practical tips and extensive food allergy support to help you feel confident and relaxed as you make family memories (while saving you time and money too).
I’ll help you curate the right vacation destination and support you through the planning process so you can enjoy safer, stress-free travel experiences that your family will never forget.
Want to get started? Just email me at corinna.meckelborg@fora.travel
Now, let’s talk about how to store EpiPens in the hot weather…
Our family in Ireland
How To Store EpiPens in Hot Weather
You may be saying, Corinna, why is it important to keep your epinephrine injectors at the right temperature? Can’t I just bring it with me? Do I have to worry about temperature?
Well, to put it simply, epinephrine is sensitive to extreme heat and cold, but heat is the bigger issue in summer. Heat can cause epinephrine to break down, making it less effective.
Ideal storage temp for epinephrine is between 68°F and 77°F (20–25°C), with some short excursions allowed between 59°F and 86°F (15–30°C).
To do this, consider using a medication cooler pouch like FRIO or Allermates insulated cases. But even if you get one of these, there are a couple of considerations and some surprising facts to think about when you’re choosing which is best for your family. So let’s start with a few thoughts about when to use each type of case.
Frio Case
This cooler pouch keeps EpiPens cool with evaporation. The pouch is filled with tiny dry beads that expand when you soak the pouch in water. Once the beads are soaked for about 15 minutes, the beads are ready to do their job. Just put the Epinephrine injectors into the case and the water evaporates and causes a cooling effect to the item inside the pouch.
A few points to remember:
Get a pouch that is bigger than you think. You’ll need at least double the size because the beads expand so much. I was shocked by this and thought I would be able to store 2 EpiPens in one extra-large case, but realized quickly that only one would fit. Do your measurements carefully and then consider that the beads will expand by about double before ordering.
You need to allow air to circulate around the pouch for evaporation to occur, so don’t keep it packed in tight with a bunch of other items.
Evaporation can’t occur when humidity is too high. So this kind of pouch works best when humidity is less than 50%. If you’re in a location where things are super humid, you’ll want to use a cooler pack instead of the evaporation type of cooler.
Insulated Cooler bags
The second way to store your EpiPen in hot weather is with an insulated cooler bag or carrier. Like the Frio, there are a few things to remember when considering this option.
Here are a few points to remember when it comes to cooler packs and bags.
Ice packs should not touch the epinephrine because you don’t want the epinephrine to freeze or go below the required temperature. The ideal temperature is room temperature, so keep that in mind.
When possible, keep your carrying case out of the sun and in the shade.
If condensation occurs, it can cause your label to come off, so you may want to keep a small towel or fabric around the ice to avoid this.
Remember, we all make mistakes. If you accidentally leave your epinephrine in the heat, talk to your pharmacist to see if it should be replaced. Give them details about where it was, and how hot it might have been, and for how long.
Real-Life Summer Scenarios & How To Store Your EpiPen in Hot Weather
1. Car Travel:
Never store it in the glovebox or center console
Solution: Keep it with you, in your bag or purse—bring it inside when you stop.
2. Beach, Pool & Waterpark Days:
Don’t leave it in direct sun or in a hot bag on the sand.
Keep it under shade, in an insulated pouch with a cold pack—but make sure the pack isn’t directly touching the pen.
Not the best idea to keep it locked in a locker because if you need it, you may not be able to open the locker. Of course, you have to balance this with whether you’re ok leaving it in a case near your towels, because if you carry it with you and you’re going in the water, it’s not a good idea to get it wet. So we usually just hide them under our towels with our other items, and they were ok. You’ll have to think about if that works for you and go from there.
Condensation can also affect the label and make it peel off, so use a towel or barrier.
3. Amusement Parks, Zoos, or Outdoor Events:
Bring a small, crossbody bag that you or your child can wear so that you have epinephrine with you at all times.
Don’t be tempted to store in a locker at the park, it will take too long to get to the epinephrine if you need it. It should always stay with you.
4. Summer Camp or Sleepovers:
Teach kids to carry their epinephrine, and let staff know where it will be.
Ask if they’ll be indoors in A/C or out in the heat all day. If kids are outside, they may need to change ice packs halfway through the day.
Supply them with a case and clear instructions.
Products to Help You Store Your EpiPen in Hot Weather
Here are a few products that will help you store your EpiPen in hot weather. These are not sponsored, just ones I’ve tried or heard work well!
Allermates Insulated Pouch with temperature strips.
FRIO Cooling Wallets and Pouches (works with evaporation—good for dry heat)
MEDBag cases with temp strips
PracMed Cases
Try Amazon since many of these products are sold there and on their website.
Try Etsy.
If all else fails, search for insulin carriers since they may have more options, and some will fit Epinephrine as well.
Conclusion
Keeping epinephrine within the safe temp range means it’s more likely to work when you need it, so you’re NOT overthinking it. This is important!
How do you store your EpiPens in the summer heat? Comment below, or send me a message @friendlypantry on Instagram and let me know!
I’ve helped thousands of food allergy mamas and families travel with food allergies, but I also help with other lifestyle issues like navigating school and even getting over the fear of trying new foods.
Check out my full series of workshops here. You’ll find expert resources based on 18 years of research and practical knowledge from everything from navigating school, to navigating social events and dining out with food allergies.
OR Maybe you want to chat about your next trip?
By booking with me, I share practical tips and extensive food allergy support to help you feel confident and relaxed as you make family memories (while saving you time and money too).
I’ll help you curate the right vacation destination and support you through the planning process so you can enjoy safer, stress-free travel experiences that your family will never forget.
Just email me at corinna.meckelborg@fora.travel to get started!
