How to Store Copaxone: Does it Need to Be Refrigerated or at Room Temperature?

Quick answer: Copaxone storage is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness. Copaxone must be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F, but it can stay at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 30 days. Whether at home or traveling, keeping it within safe temperatures ensures it works as intended.

Proper Copaxone storage is critical for maintaining the medication's safety, potency, and effectiveness.

Whether you're at home or on the go, knowing how to store Copaxone correctly ensures it continues to work as intended in managing relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Copaxone is a brand name for glatiramer acetate, a medication used to treat relapsing forms of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), clinically isolated syndrome, and active secondary progressive MS (SPMS). It is not indicated for primary progressive MS.

Like other MS treatments such as Avonex or Kesimpta, Copaxone is administered by injection, specifically, subcutaneous injections (under the skin).

It comes in single-dose, prefilled syringes and is available in two main strengths:

• Copaxone 20 mg/mL, typically injected daily
• Copaxone 40 mg/mL, typically injected three times per week

Your healthcare provider will determine the best dosage and frequency based on your individual needs.

For patients who are uncomfortable with syringes, the Autoject 2 device is available to assist with injecting prefilled glass syringes more easily.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Copaxone storage, including:

• ✅ Recommended storage temperatures
• ✅ Refrigeration guidelines
• ✅ Tips for traveling with Copaxone
• ✅ How to choose the best Copaxone travel kit

Let's dive into this important information on how to keep Copaxone safe at home and on the go!

Related article: How to Use & Store Your Avonex Pens at Home and Traveling

Does Copaxone need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Copaxone must be refrigerated. According to the manufacturer, Teva Neuroscience, Inc., Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) should be stored in the fridge between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) to preserve its effectiveness.

It's important to note:

• Copaxone must not be frozen. Even brief freezing can damage the medication.
• If Copaxone has accidentally frozen, do not use it, even if it thaws afterward.
• Always check the expiration date and avoid using it if expired.

💡Pro tip: Allowing Copaxone to warm to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before injecting is recommended. This can reduce discomfort during the injection process.

Copaxone storage temperature: what you need to know

Copaxone is a temperature-sensitive biologic. That means its storage temperature plays a crucial role in preserving the active drug, glatiramer acetate.

How long can Copaxone stay out of the fridge?

Copaxone can be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F / 30°C) for a single period of up to one month (30 days).

During this time, make sure:

• The medication is kept out of direct sunlight.
• It does not exceed 86°F / 30°C.
• It is not exposed to freezing temperatures. Never use Copaxone that has been frozen.

Can Copaxone be returned to the fridge after being out?

This is a common concern.

Once Copaxone has been taken out of the fridge and left at room temperature, it should not be returned to refrigeration. Returning it to the fridge can compromise its stability.

💡 Important: If you've stored Copaxone at room temperature for more than 30 days, discard any remaining syringes. They are no longer considered safe or effective.

Traveling with Copaxone: tips for safe and effective storage

Whether you're taking a weekend getaway or a month-long trip, traveling with MS and Copaxone requires some preparation to ensure it remains within safe temperature limits.

You should be especially careful when:

• Traveling to hot climates where temperatures exceed 86°F / 30°C.
• Traveling for more than 30 days, when Copaxone can no longer remain at room temperature.

Let's break down how to keep your medication safe under each circumstance.

1️⃣ Short trips (under 30 days) but Warm Weather (Above 86°F / 30°C)

If you're traveling somewhere where temperatures stay below 86°F (30°C) and your trip is less than 30 days, Copaxone can be stored at room temperature.

In warmer destinations, Copaxone must be kept below 86°F even if you're within the 30-day room-temperature window. For this, an insulated cooling bag becomes essential. For hot weather, 4AllFamily offers medical-grade cooling solutions specifically for medications like Copaxone.

In this case, a simple Copaxone travel case cooler, like the Rambler Cooling Case or the Chiller Cooling Bag, is sufficient to protect it from heat.

3️⃣ Long Trips (Over 30 Days or Remote Destinations)

If you're traveling longer than a month or heading to a location without easy access to refrigeration, a refrigeration-capable Copaxone travel kit is essential.

We recommend:

✅ The Voyager Travel Fridge - Works with freeze packs or USB power and keeps Copaxone at refrigeration temperatures for up to 50 hours, even in 104°F / 40°C heat.

✅ The Explorer 3-in-1 Medicine Travel Cooler: Provides up to 52 hours of refrigeration and 72 Hours of cooling below 79°F / 26° with USB & cold pack functions.

Related article: How to Travel With Refrigerated Medications?

Flying with Copaxone: TSA tips and guidelines

Yes, you can bring Copaxone on a plane. All 4AllFamily coolers are TSA-approved, and there are a few key things to remember:

• Bring your prescription or a doctor's note stating your need for Copaxone.
• Keep the medication in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
• Let TSA agents know you're carrying medication and a cooling device.

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

What to include in a Copaxone travel kit

When packing your Copaxone travel kit, make sure it includes:

• Your Copaxone prefilled syringes
• A reliable cooling bag or portable fridge
• Extra batteries or power source (USB cable, car charger, power bank)
• A temperature monitor (optional but helpful)
• Prescription or doctor's letter
• Alcohol swabs and bandages
• An Extra Autoject 2 device, if used

Final tips for Copaxone storage at home and on the go

Storing Copaxone properly is essential for anyone managing relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Whether you're navigating daily injections at home or planning a trip abroad, understanding how temperature affects the medication is key.

If you follow the guidelines we have laid out here, you'll be ready to travel safely and confidently!

Key Take Aways:

💉 Copaxone must be refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F to preserve its effectiveness. Never freeze it.

📦 You can store Copaxone at room temp (up to 86°F) for a single period of up to 30 days but don't put it back in the fridge afterward.

🧊 For hot climates or long trips, use insulated coolers or portable fridges that keep it within the safe temperature range.

📅 Keep track of time and temperature. Once your 30-day room temperature window is up, it's time to discard any remaining syringes.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

 💬 Have you traveled with Copaxone? Do you have your tips for keeping it cool on the go or organizing your injection schedule while traveling? Drop your questions, share your experience, or let us know your favorite Copaxone storage hacks in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you and help others in the MS community feel more confident in their care!