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 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C). Once opened though, it can be stored at room temperature below 77°F (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.
Related article: 4AllFamily Humira Travel Case: Traveling with Humira made easier!
Prefer watching to reading? Check out the video version of this article at the end of the page!
Humira Storage Temperatures & Refrigeration
According to its manufacturer, AbbVie, Humira needs to be refrigerated between 36°F-46°F (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 25°C (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 (77°F), even briefly.
Related article: What Happens If Enbrel Is Left Unrefrigerated?
Why does Humira need to be refrigerated?
Humira, like other biologics such as Enbrel, Actemra, Cimzia, Orencia, or Simponi, is critical in the treatment of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. These conditions are driven by excessive inflammation, linked to an overproduction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein in the immune system. Humira functions as a TNF-blocker, effectively reducing inflammation by inhibiting the activity of TNF.
Adalimumab, the active component in Humira, is composed of complex biological substances which are inherently 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.
The recommended storage temperatures by AbbVie, the manufacturer of Humira, are based on extensive stability testing. These guidelines are designed to ensure that the medication retains its therapeutic properties and is safe for use throughout its shelf life. Proper refrigeration of Humira is not just about prolonging its shelf life but is essential for preserving its safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Related article: 8 Great tips for traveling with Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis!
What happens if Humira is not refrigerated?
Laboratory tests indicate that Humira remains stable for up to 14 days when not refrigerated, providing it's never exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C). When unrefrigerated for too long, adalimumab 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.
Besides, exposure to high temperatures can also accelerate chemical reactions within Humira, potentially leading to the growth of bacteria or other harmful pathogens. This contamination can pose serious health risks upon injection.
So, always make sure your Humira pens and syringes are stored properly. When in doubt, do not use it, and ask for your doctor or pharmacist's advice before administering it.
Related article: Simponi Storage Temperatures: How to prevent Simponi from going bad?
How long does Humira last in the fridge?
When properly stored in the fridge at temperatures between 36°F-46°F (2°C-8°C) and protected from the light (kept in its original container), Humira lasts until the expiration date labeled on the pen or syringe. However, once removed from the fridge or opened, its shelf life is limited to 14 days.
Can Humira freeze?
No, Humira should never be frozen. According to AbbVie, the manufacturer, Humira loses its effectiveness and safety once frozen-even if it thaws afterward.
To prevent your Humira pens and prefilled syringes from freezing, avoid placing them too close to the freezer compartment in your refrigerator.
When living in or traveling to very cold areas, always keep your medicine close to your body warmth. Never leave Humira in a vehicle overnight in freezing conditions. If using a portable medicine cooler to keep Humira cool while traveling, ensure it is equipped with an anti-freeze security, like the ones from 4AllFamily.
Related article: 10 Great Anti-inflammatory Snacks for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
How Long Can Humira Be Out Of The Refrigerator?
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.
Storing Humira at room temperature
Keep in mind that when we say "room temperature" for storing Humira after removal from the fridge, we mean below 77°F (25°C). Under no circusmtances 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 77°F (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.
Related article: 10 Useful Tips for Traveling with Crohn's Disease and IBD!
What happens if Humira gets warm?
There are many situations where your Humira pens or syringes could accidentally get warm. Maybe you left your pen in the car on a sunny day, or placed it too close to a kitchen stove, or perhaps it was tucked in a purse that was left in the sun for a few hours. If Humira gets to wam, even briefly, it can become less effective or unsafe to use.
Signs of heat damage might include cloudiness, discoloration, or the presence of flakes or particles within the solution. However, these changes are not always visible. If you suspect that your Humira has been heated above 25°C (77°F) for more than an hour or so, it's safest not to use it. In such cases, dispose of your pen or syringe, even if it appears normal, and get a fresh one from the refrigerator or the pharmacy.
When in doubt, always prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare provider on the appropriate steps to take.
Related article: Travels with Orencia: How long is Orencia stable at room temperature?
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 77°F (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.
How to keep Humira cool when traveling?
When traveling with Humira, you need to manage its storage temperature to maintain its efficacy on the go. Humira typically requires injections once a week or every other week. So, if you need to carry your injections during holidays or travels, make sure they're not left unrefrigerated for more than 14 days and kept away from temperatures exceeding 25°C (77°F).
For reliable temperature control, consider investing in a medical-grade travel cooler, such as those offered by 4AllFamily. These travel cases are designed specifically for temperature-sensitive medications like Humira, and provide the necessary cooling to keep your medicine within the safe temperature range, whether it's at room temperature or refrigerated depending on models you choose.
Related article: Humira Travel Case: How to travel with Humira?
How to Store Humira: Video!
Check out the video below for a quick recap of this article. It's packed with essential tips on how to safely store your Humira pens or syringes, whether you're at home or on the go.
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!
Article Last Updated On May, 24, 2024
Comments
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Don Beckett,
There is no official study on that matter, but it is understood that the main risk is to miss a dose of your treatment as your injection may lose its effectiveness.
Warm regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
4AllFamily Customer Care Team said:
Dear Val,
Apologies for such a late reply… The main risk with injecting Humira that hasn’t been handled properly and at the right temperature is that it may not work or work only partially, therefore providing a lower dose o no dose at all of your treatment.
Best regards,
4AllFamily Customer Care Team
Don Beckett said:
What are the results if I unknowingly inject Humira that has not been properly refrigerated. Will I get sick, cause damage to my body? Nobody answers my question as to what the results might be. The answer must be out there???
Val said:
What if you are unsure if Humira was always kept at the right temperature. It deteriorates and loses effectiveness, but if you don’t know, and take one that has been mishandled, is it harmful or just not helpful to your condition.