How Long Can Dupixent Be Out Of The Fridge? Storage Tips!

Welcome to Your Comprehensive Guide on Dupixent Storage!

If you're dealing with asthma, eczema, or other allergic and inflammatory conditions, you might have been prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab). This FDA-approved 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. However, while it may seem simple to just keep Dupixent in your fridge, over 80% of people using similar biologics are not storing them correctly[1].

So, 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?
• What happens if Dupixent is left unrefrigerated or gets warm?
• Can you put it back in the fridge?
• How to tell when your Dupixent injection has gone bad?
• And much more!

Related article: How to travel with Dupixent by Plane or Internationally?

Why Does Dupixent Need to Be Refrigerated?

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 synthesized 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.

Related article: What drugs are refrigerated? A list of medicines that require refrigeration.

Dupixent storage temperatures 

According to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme, the developers of Dupixent, Dupixent must be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). 

Once removed from the refrigerator, your Dupixent pens or syringes can remain at room temperature, not exceeding 77°F (25°C), for up to 14 days.

In other words, you must immediately store your Dupixent prefilled syringes or pens in your refrigerator upon returning from the pharmacy. If a syringe or pen is opened or left out of the refrigerator for more than a few hours, it must be used within the 14-day period to ensure safety and effectiveness.

If during these 14 days, the temperature exceeds 77°F (25°C), the integrity of the medication may be compromised. Particularly when traveling or when an injection is scheduled away from home in warmer conditions, it is essential to use a portable medicine cooler to keep your Dupixent pens or syringes cold.

What happens if Dupixent isn’t refrigerated? 

Biological medications like Dupixent (dupilumab), derived from living cells, are inherently sensitive to temperature variations.

When Dupixent is not refrigerated (between 36°F and 46°F or 2°C and 8°C), the medication can undergo irreversible changes, known as denaturation. This process affects the structure of the medicine, leading to a loss of biological activity and efficacy.

Additionally, Dupixent that has been unrefrigerated for too long, and particularly if exposed to elevated temperatures, risks not only a reduction in effectiveness but also, though rarely, contamination. These changes can render the medication unsafe for use and potentially harmful. 

Related article: How to Store Xolair for Maximum Efficiency?

How long can you keep Dupixent in the fridge?

The good news is that when stored properly in the fridge, Dupixent can be kept right up to its expiration date. This date is clearly labeled on each package and pen or syringe itself, and as long as the medication has been continuously refrigerated and the cold chain has not been interrupted, you should be able to use it without any concern for its efficacy up until this date.

Typically, the official expiration date for Dupixent, as labeled by the manufacturer, is approximately one year from the purchase date. But always check the expiration date before using your Dupixent pen or syringe! Also,  conducting routine checks to verify that your refrigerator is functioning correctly can help making sure everything is all right!

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 77°F (25°C). This storage guideline is vital because biological antibodies like Dupilumab are highly sensitive to temperature variations and high temperatures.

Related article: Does Asthma Affect Travel Insurance?

Storing Dupixent at room temperature

So, while Dupixent can stay out of the fridge for up to 14 days, temperature fluctuations and exposure to light can still significantly impact its stability and effectiveness. 

When you store your Dupixent at room temperature, make sure to follow these guidelines:

• Keep it cool. Ensure the storage area never exceeds 77°F (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 77°F (25°C), it remains stable and safe for use within that period but should not be re-refrigerated afterwards.

What happens if Dupixent gets warm?

If Dupixent gets warm and exposed to temperatures higher than 77°F (25°C), it may undergo irreversible changes that affect its potency and safety. High temperatures can cause the proteins in Dupixent to denature very quickly, meaning they lose their structure and function.

Dupixent getting accidentally warm happens more than you’d think! Here are a few common scenarios where your injection could end up warmer than recommended:

• Leaving it in the car: Vehicles can heat up quickly, especially when parked in the sun. Even on a moderately warm day, the interior temperature can soar and rise well above the recommended limit of 77°F (25°C) for Dupixent storage. 

• Placing it near the stove or other heat sources: Kitchens can have fluctuating temperatures, especially near ovens, stoves, or heating appliances. Always store Dupixent in a stable, cool environment away from these heat sources. 

• Exposing it to direct sunlight: Perhaps you've placed Dupixent near a window or in an area where it's exposed to direct sunlight, which can raise the temperature significantly and well above its safe range. 

• Forgetting it in a non-air-conditioned room: If your air conditioning fails or if you leave your Dupixent pen or syringe in a room without climate control during hot summer weather, it might become too warm too.

If you suspect your Dupixent pens or syringes has gotten too warm, it is safest to discard it and get a new one from the refrigerator or the pharmacy.   

How to keep Dupixent cool when traveling? 

Despite these strict storage requirements, traveling with Dupixent doesn't have to be a hassle!

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!

Related article: How to travel with Dupixent by Plane or Internationally?

If you're more of a visual learner, here's our video about good storage practices for your Dupixent injections: 

More Storage Instructions for Dupixent

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 32°F (0°C). In extremely cold temperatures, slip it into an inside pocket. Your body's warmth should be enough to prevent it from freezing.

Related article: How to travel with refrigerated medications?

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. 

Related article: Is the beach good for eczema and dermatitis?

Can you inject cold Dupixent straight from the fridge?

It’s recommended to let Dupixent reach room temperature before injection to ensure comfort and optimal drug absorption. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. But do not attempt to speed up this process by heating Dupixent; always let it warm up naturally to avoid any degradation of the medication. 

Related article: Safety Tips for Traveling with Mild or Severe Asthma

We’d Love to Hear From You!

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!

Article Last Updated on June 5, 2024

[1] [1] Santin, G., da Silva, M.M.M., Villarreal, V.A. et al. Home storage of biological medications administered to patients with rheumatic diseases. Adv Rheumatol 60, 30 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42358-020-00131-x