How Long Can Enbrel Be Out of the Fridge? Safe Storage Tips

Quick answer: Enbrel can be out of the fridge for up to 30 days as long as it's stored at room temperature (68°F-77°F). After that, or if exposed to heat above 77°F (25°C), it must be discarded, even if it looks fine.

Enbrel is a prescription drug used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), plaque psoriasis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Its active ingredient, etanercept, reduces inflammation to help control symptoms such as joint pain and swelling.

Just like many other injectable medications used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, Enbrel needs to be stored properly to remain safe and effective.

If you've been prescribed Enbrel, you might be wondering how to properly store and handle it at home. This guide covers frequently asked questions about Enbrel storage and refrigeration.

Keep reading to learn how to handle your medication like a pro!

Or if you're in a hurry, check out this quick video guide that breaks down how to properly store Enbrel at home!

Related article: 8 Great Tips for Traveling with Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Is Enbrel a biologic?

Yes, Enbrel is a biologic drug, also known as a biopharmaceutical. That means it's made from living cells and is highly sensitive to temperature, light, and time.

Biologics differ from traditional chemical medications because their large, complex structures are more fragile. Heat, freezing, or mishandling can denature the proteins, making the medication less effective or even harmful.

Other examples of biologics include:

• Humira
• Insulin
• Ozempic
• Mounjaro
• Saxenda
• Wegovy
• And many others!

Just like Enbrel, all these medications have strict temperature and storage requirements.

Enbrel storage: the basics

How should you store Enbrel at home?

• Keep Enbrel in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until you're ready to use it.
• Store it in the original carton to protect it from light.
• Do not freeze Enbrel, and don't store it near the freezer section of your fridge.
• If accidentally frozen, Enbrel should be thrown away-even if it's thawed later.

How long can Enbrel be out of the fridge?

According to the manufacturer, Enbrel can be kept out of the fridge for up to 30 days, as long as it is stored at room temperature between 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F).

After that time, it must be discarded, even if it looks fine.

Once Enbrel has been removed from refrigeration and has reached room temperature, you should not return it to the fridge. Doing so may compromise the medication's safety and effectiveness.

💡 Quick Tip: Always write the date on the box when you first take it out of the fridge. That way, you'll know exactly when the 30-day countdown begins.

How long can Enbrel be unrefrigerated?

The terms "out of the fridge" and "unrefrigerated" are often used interchangeably. In both cases, the rule remains the same:

Enbrel can stay unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at room temperature as long as the temperature does not exceed 25°C (77°F). After 30 days or if exposed to higher temperatures, it must be discarded.

If you accidentally leave Enbrel out on the counter overnight, and your home temperature remains within the approved range, it's still safe to use, just count that as Day 1 of your 30-day window.

What is the best temperature for Enbrel storage?

How long can Enbrel be at room temperature?

Room temperature typically means between 20°C and 25°C (68°F-77°F). Within this range, Enbrel can stay out of the fridge for 30 days maximum.

If temperatures rise above 25°C (especially in summer or in warm climates), you'll need to use a medical-grade cooler when transporting or storing your Enbrel outside the fridge.

Designed specifically for temperature-sensitive medications like Enbrel, 4AllFamily's medical travel coolers keep your meds safely within range, even on the hottest days. Whether you're at home, on the go, or traveling abroad, they make it easy to protect your medication without stress.

💡 Tip for Travelers: Don't leave Enbrel in a hot car or suitcase. High heat can spoil the medication faster than you think.

Related article: Tips for traveling with Enbrel + Enbrel travel bag

What happens if Enbrel gets too warm?

If Enbrel is exposed to temperatures above 25°C (77°F) for any period of time, its effectiveness may be reduced. Even short-term exposure to high heat can cause the active protein (etanercept) to break down.

You should not use Enbrel if:

• It was left in a hot car, direct sunlight, or an overheated room.
• It has been out of the fridge for more than 30 days.
• The liquid appears cloudy, discolored, or contains large flakes or particles.

When in doubt, dispose of the dose and use a new one.

What if Enbrel freezes?

Freezing is just as harmful as overheating. Frozen Enbrel should never be used. Freezing can damage the protein structure, rendering the medication useless or unsafe.

Ways to avoid accidental freezing:

• Never store Enbrel near your fridge's freezer compartment.
• Don't leave Enbrel in your car overnight in cold climates.
• When traveling in freezing conditions, keep Enbrel close to your body (like in an inside coat pocket) to use your body heat as insulation.

Does Enbrel expire?

Yes. If stored continuously in the refrigerator and not taken out, Enbrel remains safe to use until the expiration date on the box or pen.

However, once it's been at room temperature, the 30-day rule overrides the expiration date. Even if the expiration is months away, if it's been out for 31+ days-it must be discarded.

Check before use:

• Is the solution clear and colorless?
• Are there only small particles, if any?
• Does the pen or syringe look damaged?

If anything seems off, it's safer to dispose of the dose and get a new one.

Related article: 10 Great Anti-inflammatory Snacks for Rheumatoid Arthritis!

Storing Enbrel safely: final tips to remember

Your Enbrel pen or syringe is more than just medication, it's a vital part of your health routine.

Key Take Aways: 

To keep it working as it should, remember the following when you store it:

💉 Enbrel is a biologic: Like other injectable biologics, it's sensitive to heat, cold, and light-so proper storage is crucial.

❄️ Refrigerate until use: Keep Enbrel between 36°F and 46°F in its original carton. Never freeze it.

📆 30-day room temp rule: Once out of the fridge, Enbrel can stay at room temperature for up to 30 days (max 77°F), then must be thrown out.

🚫 Watch for signs of spoilage: Discard Enbrel if it looks cloudy, discolored, or has flakes-when in doubt, don't use it.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

💬 Have questions about storing Enbrel at home? Or maybe you have some tips and tricks that have made storing Enbrel easier? We'd love to hear what's worked for you! Share your thoughts, tips, and questions in the comments section. Your experience could help someone else feel more confident, too.

📆 Article Update History:

✅ Updated: April 30, 2025

Originally Published: April 25, 2022