How Long Can Xolair Be Out of the Fridge? Best Xolair Storage Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Quick answer: Proper Xolair storage is crucial for its effectiveness. It should be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Xolair prefilled syringes can be out of the fridge and stored at room temperature (below 77°F or 25°C) for up to 48 hours. After that, the medication must be discarded.

If you or your child has recently been prescribed Xolair injections for asthma or another allergic condition, you might feel overwhelmed by its strict storage instructions. As your doctor or pharmacist likely emphasized, maintaining the right temperature is crucial to ensuring the medication stays effective.

In this article, we'll answer common questions about Xolair storage and offer tips for keeping your syringes safe at home or while traveling.

Related article: Safety tips for traveling with mild or severe asthma.

Not in the mood to read? No worries! We've made a short video that covers all the key info from this article!

What is Xolair and How Does it Work?

Xolair is a monoclonal antibody and an FDA-approved drug used to treat:

✅ Moderate to severe allergic asthma

✅ Chronic hives

 ✅ Nasal polyps

 ✅ Other allergic conditions

Its active ingredient, omalizumab, works by targeting and neutralizing IgE, the antibody responsible for triggering allergic responses in the body.

Unlike most asthma medications that are inhaled, Xolair is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Depending on your individual needs, your doctor may prescribe Xolair every 2 to 4 weeks.

There are two forms of Xolair:

• Prefilled syringes for self-injection at home
• Lyophilized powder for reconstitution (administered by a healthcare professional)

⚠️ Xolair is a prescription drug only. Never use it without your doctor's advice.

Related article: 4AllFamily Syringe Travel Cases and Coolers for Medicines

Xolair storage guidelines

Omalizumab, the active ingredient in Xolair, is a biological drug. Also known as a biologic or biopharmaceutical, because it's made from living cells, specifically immune system cells in the case of Xolair.

These types of medications are extremely delicate and can quickly become unstable if not stored properly. Refrigeration is essential to preserve their effectiveness, as it helps stabilize the fragile proteins and ensure the medicine remains safe and effective until use.

What is the recommended Xolair storage temperature?

According to the co-manufacturers of Xolair (Novartis and Genentech), prefilled syringes must be:

• Stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C)
• Kept in their original packaging
• Protected from light
• Never frozen

Freezing Xolair can destroy its structure. Even if the syringe thaws afterward, do not use it.

Related article: TSA: Traveling with Injectable Medications, Needles, and Syringes

Can I inject Xolair straight from the fridge?

Technically, yes, but injecting cold medication may cause pain or discomfort at the injection site. It's best to let the syringe sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before injecting.

How long can Xolair be out of the fridge?

Xolair prefilled syringes for self-administration can only be left at room temperature (below 77°F or 25°C) for a maximum of 48 hours.

If the syringe has been out of the fridge for longer than that, even if it still looks normal, you must throw it away and use a new one.

💡 Pro Tip: Always keep track of how long your syringe has been out of the fridge, especially while traveling.

How to tell if Xolair has gone bad

Before every injection, inspect the liquid in your syringe. Xolair should appear:

👍 Clear to pale-brownish yellow

If you notice cloudiness, discoloration, or particles, don't take any chances; throw it away and use a new syringe.

🚨 Never use Xolair after its expiration date, even if it's been properly stored.

How to keep Xolair safe while traveling

Going on a trip and need to take your Xolair injection with you? Storage can get a bit trickier when you're away from your refrigerator, but it's still totally manageable with a little preparation.

Here are two common scenarios you might encounter while traveling with Xolair, plus the best storage solutions for each one:

1. The Injection Will Occur Within 48 Hours

If you're within the 48-hour window, you don't have to keep the syringe in the fridge, but you must ensure it stays below 77°F (25°C).

➡️ Use a cooling bag, like the Chillers Cooling Bags from 4AllFamily, to keep your syringe cool and protected.

1. The Injection Will Occur After 48 Hours

If more than 48 hours will pass before your next injection, you must refrigerate your Xolair during travel.

➡️ Our medical-grade travel fridges, like the Voyager or the RxCoolers Mini, are your best bet to ensure the medication stays stable.

4AllFamily specializes in travel cooling solutions for drugs like Xolair. Contact us if you're unsure which product is best for your trip!

Related article: How to travel with refrigerated medication?

Quick summary: How long does Xolair last?

Xolair's shelf life depends on proper storage. When kept refrigerated and in its original packaging, Xolair can last up to its expiration date, which is printed on the packaging.

But once it's out of the fridge, the countdown begins:

• At room temperature: use within 48 hours
• After 48 hours: discard it, even if it looks okay

Related article: Does asthma affect Travel Insurance?

Final thoughts on keeping your Xolair safe

Proper storage of Xolair is not just a recommendation-it's essential to ensuring the medication stays safe and effective. Whether you're at home or on the go, understanding the time limits, ideal temperatures, and visual checks for deterioration helps protect your health or your child's treatment. With the right prep and tools, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your Xolair is in good hands.

Key Take Aways: 

Remember these important tips:

💉 48-Hour Limit: Xolair can only stay out of the fridge for up to 48 hours at temperatures below 77°F (25°C).

❄️ Cold Chain Matters: Always store Xolair between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and never let it freeze.

🧊 Travel Smart: Use cooling bags or medical-grade portable fridges to keep Xolair safe while traveling.

👀 Check Before You Inject: Discard if the liquid looks cloudy, discolored, or has particles-even if within the time limit.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

💬 Do you have Xolair storage tips or clever tricks for keeping your medication cool at home and on the go? We'd love to hear from you! Share your questions, experiences, or advice in the comments below. Your insight could help someone else stay safe and stress-free!

📆 Article Update History:

✅ Updated: April 23, 2025

Originally Published: February 20, 2023