Key takeaways
- Humira is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and more.
- It can remain unrefrigerated for up to 14 days, as long as the temperature doesn’t go above 77°F (25°C).
- If you haven’t used the drug within that 14-day timeframe, you should discard it.
Humira comes in three forms:
- a single-dose, prefilled injection pen
- a single-dose, prefilled syringe
- a single-dose vial, which your doctor uses if they administer your Humira doses
Humira is administered as a subcutanous injection given under the skin. The drug contains the active ingredient adalimumab.
Humira blocks a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which can lead to inflammation. People with certain inflammatory conditions may have too much TNF in their blood and tissues. Blocking this protein helps to reduce inflammation and lessen symptoms.
Keep reading to learn how long Humira can be left out of the fridge, what happens if it’s unrefrigerated, and more.
To ensure Humira maintains its potency and effectiveness when you’re ready to inject it, you will need to keep it refrigerated. As long as the drug is stored in the refrigerator at the appropriate temperatures, Humira should last until the expiration date listed on the drug’s box or injection device.
Humira storage temperature
Storing Humira in the refrigerator at a temperature range between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) will allow the drug to remain safe and effective to inject as long as it has not past its expiration date. Do not freeze the drug or use medication that has been frozen.
Taking Humira out of the refrigerator
Humira can remain out of the refrigerator for up to 14 days as long as the temperature doesn’t go above 77°F (25°C). Note that you will want to administer your Humira injection within that 14-day timeframe. Once the drug has reached room temperature, 14 days is the maximum number of days the drug will maintain its safety and effectiveness, even if you put it back in the fridge.
After 14 days, if you have not used the injection, you will need to throw the drug away.
If you have questions about Humira’s refrigeration needs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
In order to tell if Humira has gone bad, first you will want to look at the drug’s expiration date. If it is expired, you should not administer the injection. If you inject expired medication, you will not know for sure if the drug can safely and effectively manage your condition.
Additionally, if the liquid in your pen or prefilled syringe shows cloudiness, discoloration, or flakes, you should not inject it. These are indicators that your medication has likely gone bad.
If you have questions or concerns about whether your Humira has gone bad, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine if its safe to take the drug and explain what to do if you need to throw away the drug.
Humira is a brand-name injection used to treat several inflammatory conditions. Storing your injections in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) will help the drug maintain its safety and effectives to manage your symptoms.
Humira can safely be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days. If you haven’t used the drug within those 14 days, you should discard it.