FRIO Wallet FAQ

Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding the FRIO wallets below. If you question is not available feel free to contact us directly and we will help.

How long is In-use Insulin safe in a FRIO®? When do I 'top-up'/'re-activate' my FRIO?

28 days (one month) - this is the life of most* in-use insulin.
* Check your manufacturer's information leaflet for your specific medication, noting that Novo Nordisk states 6 weeks for some brands but it is essential that you check the leaflet.

Please read the full explanation below:

The FRIO® travel wallet is an evaporative cooling unit, purposely designed to keep in-use insulin cool within safe temperatures of 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) for 45 hours minimum, even in a constant environmental temperature of 37.8°C (100°F). The wallet can be 're-activated'/'topped-up' to provide continuous safe storage conditions for subsequent periods of 45 hours minimum for up to 28 days (one month).

Note: 28 days (one month) is the life of in-use insulin. The wallet is re-useable.

Note: insulin must be at the manufacturer's recommended temperature before being placed in the FRIO® wallet. Please check the manufacturer's information leaflet for your specific medication.

For continuous safe storage, the FRIO® inner wallet should be re-immersed in water every 45 hours or sooner if the quantity of gel reduces and starts to return to its crystal form, i.e. crystals can be felt in the panels. When in continuous use, subsequent immersion periods will be shorter as the crystals will be continuously in gel form, i.e. 2-4 minutes will suffice (depending on the size of the wallet).

What temperature does the FRIO® maintain?

The FRIO® wallet maintains the required temperature range (18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F)) - for in-use insulin. Please note that it is not a 'fridge alternative.

In-use insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. The FRIO wallet maintains 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) for 45 hours minimum, even in a constant environmental temperature of 37.8°C (100°F). The wallet can be kept continuously activated for up to one month - simply re-activate every 2 days.

Many other 'in-use' medications can be stored or transported at room temperature - check your manufacturer's information leaflet for your specific medication or, for further advice, call our Customer Support team on 01437 741700.

If you would like to check the storage conditions of your medication on-line, please refer to the website www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/ or click on the link where you can access the electronic medical compendium.

What is the FRÍO®'s average life span?

The FRÍO® has a manufacturer's guarantee of 12 months.

Meanwhile, many of our customers have advised us that their FRÍO® has lasted for several years, but this will depend on how often it is used and how well it is cared for.

Due to varying climatic and environmental conditions around the world, a FRÍO® will respond differently and age accordingly. If activated and used sensibly it will continue to respond to your needs over a long period of time. With age, the length of immersion time will increase but as long as the crystals expand into a gel it will function properly. When the crystals fail to expand, it is time for a replacement.

Note: the FRÍO® is re-usable; the life of 'in-use' insulin is one month.

Can a FRÍO® be used for other medication?

Yes, FRÍO® wallets can be used for other medications that can be stored at room temperature. We strongly recommend that users of medication other than insulin ask their GP, pharmacist or the medication's manufacturer for the safe travel data/safe travel allowance of their medication.

Note: the wallet does not keep medication as cold as a 'fridge would (2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F)), but it does keep medication cool within safe temperatures of 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) for 45 hours minimum, even in a constant environmental temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).

If you would like to check the storage conditions of your medication, please refer to the website www.medicines.org.uk/EMC/ or click on the link where you can access the electronic medical compendium.

Care of Wallet: Drying-out, Cleaning and Storage

Drying Out, Cleaning and Storage

When not in use, remove the inner wallet from the outer cover and allow to completely dry out naturally until the gel returns to crystal form. To keep the crystals separate, give the wallet an occasional shake whilst drying out. Note: the drying out period can take 2-4 weeks depending on the environmental climate.

To accelerate the drying out period, various methods can be used: 1) place near a heat source such as a radiator or in an airing cupboard; 2) hang the wallet on a clothes line if the weather is suitable; 3) leave on a window sill in a sunny position; shaking at intervals will help. DO NOT PLACE THE FRIO® WALLET IN A TUMBLE DRYER!

The outer cover of the wallet can be washed in warm water using a very mild detergent. The inner wallet can be spot cleaned by using a soft bristle brush (i.e. soft toothbrush or nail brush): dip the brush into slightly soapy water and spot clean the wallet. You can then rinse the wallet under running water without damaging the crystals inside. Alternatively, you can use a non-bleach anti-bacterial cleaning spray or an anti-bacterial kitchen or baby wipe to clean your wallet. DO NOT PLACE THE FRIO® WALLET IN A WASHING MACHINE!

Store your FRÍO® wallet in a dry place until you next wish to use it.

These instructions are only a guide. Due to varying climatic and environmental conditions around the world, FRIO® wallets will respond differently according to location. If activated and used sensibly they will continue to respond to your needs over a long period of time. With age, the length of immersion time will increase but as long as the crystals expand into a gel the wallet will function properly. When the crystals fail to expand, the wallet will need to be replaced.

Does a FRIO® wallet prevent insulin from freezing?

We cannot advise you on the use of FRÍO® travel wallets in cold and freezing or other extreme conditions because tests in these conditions have not been carried out.

Any customer testimonials we have received on the use of FRÍO® products in cold and freezing and other extreme temperatures are from individuals who have simply reported back on their experience using the wallets in these conditions.

We can only refer you to our customer Testimonials section and to the UK FRIO blog where customers have shared their experiences.

Whilst positive feedback has been received on the functionality of FRIO wallets in freezing conditions our recommendation is that you consult the manufacturer of your medication for advice on insulating insulin and other medication against freezing temperatures.