Proper storage of any medication plays an important role in preserving its intended chemical stability. Environmental factors—such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure—can affect a medication’s formulation over time, potentially impacting its integrity. This is particularly relevant for compounded medications prescribed for conditions where precise dosing and formulation matter. The following guide outlines recommended storage practices for Trimix injections, based on pharmacy standards and provider guidance.
An Overview of Trimix Injections
Trimix injections contain alprostadil, which has been FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Additionally, they contain papaverine and phentolamine. These agents are known to promote increased blood flow when administered as directed by a licensed provider. Trimix injections are prepared by a compounding pharmacy based on a provider’s prescription and are not commercially available or FDA-approved as a combination product.
Because Trimix is individually formulated, it allows for tailored dosing to meet a patient’s specific needs. Like all medications, proper storage of Trimix is essential to help preserve its chemical stability and integrity over time.
Factors Affecting Trimix Sensitivity
Trimix injections, like many compounded medications, are sensitive to environmental factors that may affect their chemical stability over time. These factors include:
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Temperature and Light Exposure: Exposure to heat and light can lead to degradation of the ingredients in Trimix. Overexposure may alter the compound’s composition, which could impact its intended use. Trimix should be stored between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and protected from direct light to help maintain its stability.
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Air and Moisture Sensitivity: Contact with air and humidity can contribute to oxidation, which may affect the chemical integrity of the preparation. To minimize this risk, Trimix should be stored in airtight containers and kept in low-humidity environments, as directed by your pharmacy.
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Shelf Life Considerations: Trimix injections are assigned a beyond-use date (BUD) by the compounding pharmacy. It is important to follow these instructions and avoid using the medication after the BUD has expired. Always refer to the pharmacy label for guidance.
Importance of Proper Storage for Injection Effectiveness and Safety
Proper storage of Trimix injections supports the preservation of their chemical integrity. Exposure to inappropriate environmental conditions may lead to changes in the preparation over time. Compounded medications should always be used before their assigned beyond-use date (BUD), as determined by the compounding pharmacy. Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist with any questions about storage or use.
Best Practices for Storing Trimix Injections
To support the stability of Trimix injections, the following storage practices are recommended:
Maintain Recommended Temperature and Light Protection
Store Trimix injections in a cool, dark place—ideally between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C)—away from heat sources and direct light. Proper temperature and light control can help preserve the chemical stability of the preparation.
Use Airtight and Moisture-Resistant Containers
Trimix should be stored in airtight, moisture-resistant containers to reduce exposure to air and humidity. Whenever possible, use the original container provided by the compounding pharmacy.
Protect Storage Areas from Light and Humidity
Keep storage locations enclosed and away from light or environmental fluctuations. Reducing exposure to such conditions may help limit degradation over time.
Refrigeration and Freezing Guidelines
Refrigeration is recommended for short-term storage. For longer storage, freezing may be an option based on pharmacy or provider instructions. Once thawed, Trimix injections should not be refrozen. Always follow specific handling instructions provided with the prescription.
Storage During Travel
If travel is necessary, contact your compounding pharmacy about a travel kit designed to maintain proper refrigerated conditions.
Stock Rotation
Use the oldest Trimix injections first and track the beyond-use date (BUD) on each vial to avoid using expired medication. Do not use any compounded medication past its assigned BUD.
Monitoring Storage Conditions
If the medication changes in appearance, consistency, or smell, consult your healthcare provider before use. Patients with questions about Trimix storage or usage should speak with their pharmacist or prescriber.
Why Opt for a Reputable Pharmacy When Sourcing Trimix
Trimix is a compounded medication, meaning it is prepared by a licensed pharmacy based on a provider’s prescription to meet an individual patient’s specific needs. It is not FDA-approved, and therefore, it is important to source it from a pharmacy that demonstrates a commitment to quality and compliance. Here are key considerations:
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Quality Control Standards
Reputable compounding pharmacies follow rigorous quality assurance protocols, including compliance with applicable USP guidelines (such as USP <795>, <797>, and <800>). These practices help support the consistency and quality of compounded medications like Trimix. -
Personalized Formulations
Compounded medications are tailored according to a licensed provider’s prescription. This customization allows for formulation flexibility when a commercially available option is unsuitable or unavailable. -
Specialized Expertise
Compounding requires specialized training. Pharmacies experienced in this practice maintain qualified staff, calibrated equipment, and validated procedures to support high-quality preparations. -
Facility and Shipping Standards
A reputable pharmacy will have controlled storage environments and shipping protocols designed to help maintain the chemical integrity of temperature-sensitive medications during transit and storage.
Our Approach to Storing Trimix Injections
At MediVera Compounding Pharmacy™, we recognize that proper storage is essential to help maintain the quality and integrity of compounded medications such as Trimix. We align our pharmacy practices with established industry standards through the following safeguards:
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PCAB Accreditation
MediVera is proud to be accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB), a designation that reflects our adherence to quality assurance procedures, ethical practices, and compliance with USP, FDA, and state board pharmacy standards. -
Facility and Equipment Standards
Our facilities are engineered to meet applicable ISO and USP requirements. We operate ISO-7 cleanrooms and ISO-5 sterile hoods in accordance with USP <795>, <797>, and <800> guidelines for sterile and non-sterile compounding. -
Pharmacist Training
Our compounding pharmacists are extensively trained in sterile and non-sterile compounding and follow continuing education practices to stay current with evolving pharmacy standards. -
Ongoing Quality Verification
MediVera invests in routine internal assessments and third-party testing to verify the consistency of our compounding processes. This includes monthly investments in analytical testing to support quality assurance.
Our Commitment to Quality in Compounding
At MediVera Compounding Pharmacy™, we are committed to pharmacy practices that prioritize quality control, individualized formulations, and provider collaboration. Trimix injections are compounded based on a licensed healthcare provider’s prescription and are prepared in facilities that follow USP and PCAB standards for sterile and non-sterile compounding.
Our focus is on maintaining the integrity of compounded medications through robust quality systems, specialized training, and third-party verification. For patients seeking customized therapies, MediVera works closely with providers to support a personalized care experience.
Note: Trimix is a compounded medication prepared by prescription and is not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Always consult your provider before starting or modifying any treatment plan.
References
- Trost L, McNicholas T. Erectile dysfunction: current management and future trends. F1000Research. 2016;5(F1000 Faculty Rev):1870. Published 2016 Aug 31. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5030877/
