If you have asthma, eczema, or other allergic and inflammatory conditions, your doctor may have prescribed Dupixent (dupilumab). This injection is a cornerstone treatment for many patients, but it must be stored correctly to remain effective.
Dupixent should be kept in the fridge and can stay out for a maximum of 14 days. To ensure your treatment works as intended, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Dupixent storage:
- Does Dupixent need to be refrigerated?
- How long can Dupixent be out of the fridge?
- What happens if Dupixent is left out or gets too warm?
- Can it be returned to the fridge?
- How to identify if Dupixent has gone bad?
- And much more!
Related article: How to travel with Dupixent by Plane or Internationally?
Dupixent Refrigeration & Storage Temperature
Dupilumab, the active ingredient in Dupixent pens and syringes, is a biologic medication derived from living cells. Unlike traditional medicines, biologics are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, especially temperature and light. For this reason, refrigeration is essential to maintain their stability and effectiveness.
According to both Dupixent manufacturer and the British Association of Dermatology, Dupixent pens and syringes must be stored refrigerated at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
Once taken out of the fridge, Dupixent can remain at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 14 days.
When you collect Dupixent from the pharmacy, place it in the fridge immediately upon arrival. If it is left out for several hours, you must use it within the 14-day limit to ensure safety and efficacy.
If, during this time, temperatures exceed 25°C, the medicine’s quality may deteriorate. If you’re travelling or storing Dupixent in warm conditions, it’s essential to use a portable medicine cooler to maintain the right temperature.
How Long Can Dupixent Stay in the Fridge?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, Dupixent remains effective until its expiry date, which is printed on its packaging and syringe. Always check this date before using the medication, and regularly confirm that your fridge is functioning properly.
How Long Can Dupixent Be Out of the Fridge?
As per Sanofi and Regeneron, the manufacturer, Dupixent can stay out of refrigeration for up to 14 days as long as the temperature doesn’t exceed 25°C.
During this time, avoid exposing Dupixent to direct sunlight or fluctuating temperatures, as these can reduce its effectiveness.
Storing Dupixent at Room Temperature
Here are some tips for keeping Dupixent stable at room temperature:
- Keep it cool: Ensure the storage area remains below 25°C, as even brief heat exposure can damage the medicine.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Always store Dupixent away from windows and strong light sources.
- Minimise temperature fluctuations: Keep it in a stable environment and avoid frequent temperature changes.
- Track the 14-day period: Mark the date you remove it from the fridge on the syringe or a calendar to ensure you don’t exceed the limit.
Can You Put Dupixent Back in the Fridge?
No, Dupixent shouldn’t be re-refrigerated once it’s been at room temperature. If it has been out of the fridge for less than 14 days and maintained below 25°C, it remains stable and safe for use within that period but should not be re-refrigerated afterwards.
What Happens if Dupixent Gets Warm?
Temperatures above 25°C can cause Dupixent to denature, rendering it ineffective. Common scenarios where this might happen include:
- Leaving it in the car: Vehicles can heat up quickly, especially when parked in the sun. Even on a moderately warm day, the interior temperature can soar and rise well above the recommended limit of 25°C for Dupixent storage.
- Placing it near the stove or other heat sources: Kitchens can have fluctuating temperatures, especially near ovens, stoves, or heating appliances. Always store Dupixent in a stable, cool environment away from these heat sources.
- Exposing it to direct sunlight: Perhaps you've placed Dupixent near a window or in an area where it's exposed to direct sunlight, which can raise the temperature significantly and well above its safe range.
- Forgetting it in a non-air-conditioned room: If your air conditioning fails or if you leave your Dupixent pen or syringe in a room without climate control during hot summer weather, it might become too warm too.
If you suspect Dupixent has been exposed to excessive heat, discard it and get a replacement.
Related article: How to travel with Dupixent by Plane or Internationally?
Prefer videos? Watch our guide to storing Dupixent:
Additional Storage Tips for Dupixent
Protect Dupixent from Light
Exposure to light can degrade Dupixent. Keep it in its original container when refrigerated and ensure it’s shielded from sunlight when travelling.
Do Not Freeze Dupixent
According to the manufacturing laboratory, Dupixent should not freeze. Do not use Dupixent if it has frozen, even if it has thawed afterward.
To prevent Dupixent from freezing, always store it away from the freezer compartment in the refrigerator. If you use a DIY medical travel cooler with ice, always wrap your pens or syringes in a cloth so they’re not in direct contact with ice.
Additionally, never leave Dupixent in the car overnight when temperatures might get below 0°C. In extremely cold temperatures, slip it into an inside pocket. Your body's warmth should be enough to prevent it from freezing.
Related article: How to travel with refrigerated medications?
How to Tell if Dupixent Has Gone Bad
Check the expiration date on the syringe or pen.
There's a viewing window on the syringe that lets you see the liquid inside. Before use, always check that your medicine looks clear and colorless. Visual signs that Dupixent has gone bad include a pale-yellow color, discoloration, cloudiness, bumps, or strings inside.
When in doubt, discard your injection device and get a new one from the refrigerator or the pharmacy.
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