Biologic medications prescribed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis have special requirements for storage and transport.
Concerning the temperature requirements which is the most sensitive: The ideal temperature range for storage of a biological medication is 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36°F-46°F) which is the typical temperature of the refrigerator.
When it is time to use your biologic medication, get it out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before you inject it.
Note: Do not shake vials or pre-filled syringes
If you are traveling, you will need to carry your biological medication in a travel cooler to make sure you maintain the same storage temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). If you are traveling by plane, you are allowed to carry your travel cooler with you on the plane. Do not put your biologic medication in your “checked” luggage. Make sure you have a prescription from your rheumatologist just in case you are asked for this at the security check at the airport.
How about higher temperatures (room temperature) and lower temperatures (freezer)?
Room temperature: If you get your biological medication (whether pre-filled syringe or pen or vial) out of the refrigerator, you can store them at room temperature (between 20°C and 25°C or 68°F and 77°F) for a maximum period of 14 days. You will have to use them within those 14 days even if they are returned back to the refrigerator. If you don’t use them within 14 days, you will need to discard them.
Freezer: NEVER freeze a biological medication. If you freeze a biological medication, do not use it again even if it has been defrosted.
Concerning light requirements: Biologic medications should be kept in their original box till the time of use to protect them from light.
Do not use a biological injection if:
One: It has been frozen
Two: The expiry date has passed
Three: The liquid of the vial or syringe is not clear (cloudy) or is discolored, or you can see particles in it.
References:
Source: https://www.humira.com/global/frequently-asked-questions
Source: https://www.cimzia.com/assets/pdf/025127_ucbcp_psa_faq_dwnld_lo7.pdf
Source: https://www.enbrel.com/support/storage-and-travel/
Source: http://www.simponi.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/get-support/treatment-support/travel-pack
Source: http://www.orencia.bmscustomerconnect.com/orencia-faqs
Source: https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/actemra_prescribing.pdf
Source: https://www.stelarainfo.com/common-questions
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This post was prepared and published by Dr. Hatem Eleishi. Dr. Hatem Eleishi is a professor of rheumatology at Cairo university (Egypt) and is especially dedicated to supporting arthritis patients with online educational videos and articles about arthritis causes and treatment. He also runs a rheumatology clinic in Cairo and a center for www.tabibakom.com/en that, in addition to providing online rheumatology consultations, also provides online medical consultations in several different medical specialties by expert consultants from Egypt, Canada and the United States.
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