Humira, also known as Adalimumab, is prescribed to over 1.4 million people globally. This injection drug helps lessen the pain and discomfort associated with various inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Whether you're using the self-injectable Humira pens or the pre-filled syringes, knowing how to store Humira properly is an important part of your treatment. Just like other injectables used to treat similar conditions, including Enbrel, Actemra, Cimzia, Orencia, and Simponi, Humira needs to be kept at just the right temperature.
Before first use, Humira needs to be refrigerated between 2°C-8°C. Once opened though, it can be stored at room temperature below 25°C for up to 14 days. Get it wrong, and the medicine can break down quickly, losing its effectiveness and becoming unsafe for use.
So let's clear up any confusion about how to store and refrigerate Humira to make sure it does its job just right. In this article, we'll answer common storage concerns from Humira users, such as:
- Why does Humira need to be refrigerated?
- How long does Humira last in the fridge?
- How long can Humira be out of the fridge?
- How long is it good for at room temperature?
- What happens if it gets warm?
- Can it freeze?
- How to keep Humira cool when traveling?
- And more!
If you have doubts about how to store your Humira pens or syringes, always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Prefer watching to reading? Here's our Video on Humira Storage!
Humira Storage Temperatures
According to its manufacturer, AbbVie, Humira needs to be refrigerated between 2°C-8°C and kept in its original container, protected from light until first use.
Once opened, Humira pens and pre-filled syringes can be stored at room temperature not exceeding 77°F, for up to 14 days, provided it remains protected from light.
Exposure to higher temperatures or direct sunlight can rapidly degrade Adalimumab, the active drug in your injections and compromise its effectiveness and safety. Therefore, following the manufacturer's storage instructions is very important. Never use Humira that has been out of refrigeration for more than 14 days, or that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 25°C, even briefly.
Adalimumab, the active component in Humira, is composed of complex biological substances which are very temperature-sensitive. Maintaining the integrity of these biological components requires refrigeration and temperature control, as well as limited light exposure. Refrigerating Humira ensures that it remains stable and active until the expiration date.
When unrefrigerated for too long, Humira begins to deteriorate, leading to a significant reduction in its efficacy. This loss in potency means that the drug may not perform as expected, failing to control the symptoms it was prescribed to manage, and seriously impacting the efficacy of your treatment.
How Long Can Humira Be Out Of The Fridge?
You can safely keep Humira out of the fridge for up to 14 days. After that, it's best to throw it away as it won't be safe to use. A handy tip is to write down the date you take it out of the fridge right on each pen or syringe. This little reminder will help make sure you're using it within its safe usage period and avoid any mix-ups.
Keep in mind that when we say "room temperature" for storing Humira after removal from the fridge, we mean below 25°C. Under no circumstances should Humira be exposed to temperatures above that threshold.
Here are some helpful tips to store your Humira at room temperature in safe conditions:
- Carry Humira in a cooler if the ambient temperature rises above 25°C.
- Always keep Humira out of direct sunlight.
- Never leave your pens or syringe in a car. Temperatures in a parked car can soar quickly!
- Always keep Humira away from heat sources like stoves, chimneys, or barbecues. Heat can cause the medicine to go bad quickly, even in a few minutes.
What happens if Humira gets warm?
If your Humira pens or syringes become warm, it can lead to a reduction in efficacy or safety of the medication. This might occur if you accidentally leave your pen in a car on a hot day, place it near a heat source like a kitchen stove, or leave it in a bag exposed to sunlight.
Exposure to temperatures above 25°C, even briefly, can compromise Humira.
Signs of spoilage from heat may include cloudiness, discoloration, or the presence of particles or flakes within the solution, although such signs might not always be visible.
If you believe your Humira injection has been exposed to excessive heat, discard the pen or syringe, even if it looks normal. Replace it with a new one from your refrigerator or pharmacy to ensure safety.
When unsure about the condition of your medication after exposure to heat, always err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Can you put Humira back in the fridge?
Yes, you can put Humira back in the refrigerator to shield it from excessive heat, particularly when ambient temperatures rise above 25°C and you don't have a cooler.
However, re-refrigerating Humira after it has reached room temperature won't extend its 14-day shelf life. Regardless of whether you put it back in the fridge, once Humira has been at room temperature, it must be used within 14 days.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Feel free to leave a comment below with your questions or share your own experiences with storing Humira!
