If you're dealing with asthma, eczema, or other allergic and inflammatory conditions, you might have been prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab). This injection is a key part of many patients' treatment but comes with specific storage requirements due to its high sensitivity to temperature. Proper storage is critical as it helps maintain the drug's effectiveness.
Typically, Dupixent must be refrigerated and can stay out of the fridge for only 14 days. To help you get the most out of your treatment and keep your Dupixent injections as effective as they should, we’ll explore several important aspects of Dupixent storage:
- Does Dupixent really need to be refrigerated?
- How long can Dupixent be out of the fridge?
- Can you put it back in the fridge?
- How to Travel With Dupixent injections?
- And much more!
Dupixent Storage Temperatures
Dupilumab, the active drug in your Dupixent pens and syringes, is a biologic medication, a category of drugs derived from living cells. Unlike traditional chemically synthesised medications, biologics like Dupixent are produced using components from living organisms, making them particularly sensitive to environmental conditions, especially temperature and light. This sensitivity is why refrigerating Dupixent is not just recommended but essential.
According to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme, the manufacturers of Dupixent, Dupixent must be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C.
Once removed from the refrigerator, your Dupixent pens or syringes can remain at room temperature, but not exceeding 25°C, and for up to 14 days only.
How Long Can Dupixent Be Out Of The Fridge?
As mentioned above, according to the manufacturers, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi, Dupixent can be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 14 days without compromising its efficacy.
During this period however, Dupixent should never be exposed to temperatures above 25°C. This storage guideline is vital because biological antibodies like Dupilumab are highly sensitive to temperature variations and high temperatures.
When you store your Dupixent at room temperature, make sure to follow these guidelines:
- Keep it cool. Ensure the storage area never exceeds 25°C. Even brief exposure to heat can accelerate the degradation of dupilumab.
- Avoid direct light. Always store Dupixent pens and syringes away from direct sunlight and other strong light sources as light can degrade the biologic components too.
- Minimize temperature excursions. Try to keep Dupixent in an environment where the temperature remains stable. Frequent changes in temperature can also affect the medication's effectiveness. Only take it out with you when you need it.
- Keep track of the 14-day period! Make sure to keep track of how long your Dupixent pen or syringe has been out of the fridge. A simple method is to mark the date on the pen or syringe itself or a calendar when you first remove it from the fridge.
Can you put Dupixent back in the fridge?
No, Dupixent shouldn’t be re-refrigerated once it’s been at room temperature. If it has been out of the fridge for less than 14 days and maintained below 25°C, it remains stable and safe for use within that period but should not be re-refrigerated afterwards.
Traveling with Dupixent
Despite these strict storage requirements, traveling with Dupixent doesn't have to be a hassle! Here a important tips about keeping Dupixent cool, international and air travels with Dupixent!
Dupixent Travel Kits and Coolers
For shorter trips under 14 days, especially during warmer months, use a medical-grade cooling case to keep your Dupixent pens and syringes at the right temperature and protected from heat.
If you're planning to be away for longer than 14 days, you’ll need a refrigerated travel case. These cases are great because they can either function off-grid with freeze packs or connect to car adapters or run on batteries, ensuring your Dupixent stays cool no matter where your travels take you.
4AllFamily specializes in medical-grade cooling cases for refrigerated medications like Dupixent. Feel free to check our catalog and contact us if you need any personalized guidance!
Flying and Traveling Internationally with Dupixent
Traveling internationally with medications like Dupixent requires some preparation and possibly documentation. Dupixent is a widely recognized medication, which typically eases the process of crossing borders or passing through airport security. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Dupixent, as a liquid injectable medicine, raises questions about air travel. Airport regulations exempt medicines from the usual liquid restrictions, allowing you to carry as much as you need on the plane.
Always pack Dupixent in your carry-on luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and pressures in the cargo hold. While not required to be in a plastic bag, keeping it in its original container with clear labels facilitates security screening.
For flights within Europe or the USA, you typically do not need to present a prescription at the airport, but having Dupixent in its labeled original container is advisable for easy identification by security.
However, for international travel, it is prudent to carry:
- A letter from your doctor.
- A copy of your medical prescription.
- Documentation from your pharmacy.
- A medical health card.
While these documents are generally acceptable in English, translating them into the official language of your destination may be necessary in some cases. Always verify the specific requirements with the destination country’s authorities before departure.
If you're more of a visual learner, here's our video about good storage practices for your Dupixent injections:
More About Dupixent Storage & Temperatures!
Dupixent must be protected from light
Exposure to excessive light can also deteriorate your Dupixent pen or syringe. When stored in the fridge, keep your injections in their original container, so they’re protected from the refrigerator lights.
If you need to take Dupixent with you, ensure it remains in a bag or container that shields it from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
Do not freeze Dupixent
According to the manufacturing laboratory, Dupixent should not freeze. Freezing temperatures deteriorate biological drugs. Do not use Dupixent if it has frozen, even if it has thawed afterward.
To prevent Dupixent from freezing, always store it away from the freezer compartment in the refrigerator. If you use a medical travel cooler with ice, always wrap your pens or syringes in a cloth so they’re not in direct contact with ice. Additionally, never leave Dupixent in the car overnight when temperatures might get below 0°C. In extremely cold temperatures, slip it into an inside pocket. Your body's warmth should be enough to prevent it from freezing.
How to tell if Dupixent has gone bad?
Dupixent may go bad in two cases: if the expiration date has passed or if it has not been stored properly. You can find Dupixent expiration date on the single-dose prefilled syringes or pens. Passed that expiration date, the medicine inside isn't safe for use anymore. It may go bad and its efficiency and safety may be compromised.
There's a viewing window on the syringe that lets you see the liquid inside. Before use, always check that your medicine looks clear and colorless. Visual signs that Dupixent has gone bad include a pale-yellow color, discoloration, cloudiness, bumps, or strings inside.
When in doubt, discard your injection device and get a new one from the refrigerator or the pharmacy.
Share Your Insights With Us!
Feel free to comment below and share your experiences or ask any questions you might have about storing Dupixent. Your insights can help others too!
