Quick Answer: Xolair syringes should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C in their original packaging and protected from light. They can only stay at room temperature for 48 hours and always below 25°C.
If you or your child has been prescribed Xolair for asthma treatment, you might be feeling unsure about how to handle its specific storage needs.
Your doctor or pharmacist has likely explained that Xolair prefilled syringes must be stored in the refrigerator and can only remain at room temperature for a maximum of 48 hours.
Keeping the right storage temperature is vital to ensure your asthma medication works as intended.
So, how exactly should you store your Xolair prefilled syringes at home? What are the best practices for preserving its maximum efficacy? How to keep Xolair cool when travelling or out for the day? And many more questions answered here!
If you’re someone who finds videos easier to follow, don’t worry! We’ve included a video below to help summarise the key points of storing Xolair properly:
What is Xolair?
Xolair is a medicine commonly prescribed in the UK for moderate to severe allergic asthma, chronic hives, and nasal polyps, among other conditions.
Its active ingredient, omalizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the effects of IgE. This protein can trigger asthma and allergic reactions when present in high levels.
Unlike traditional asthma treatments, Xolair is not inhaled. It is administered via subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin). Depending on your prescription, this might be done every 2 or 4 weeks.
In the UK, Xolair is available as prefilled syringes for self-injection at home or as lyophilised powder that must be prepared and administered by a healthcare provider.
Remember that Xolair is a prescription-only medicine, so always follow your doctor’s and pharmacist's guidance.
Storage Instructions for Xolair
The active ingredient in Xolair, omalizumab, is a type of biological medication. Biological medicines (or biologics) are created using living cells. These medicines, including Xolair, are extremely sensitive and can become ineffective if not stored correctly. Refrigeration is key to maintaining their stability.
Related article: How long can Dupixent remain unrefrigerated?
Refrigerating Xolair
The manufacturers of Xolair recommend that prefilled syringes be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C, kept in their original packaging, and shielded from light.
Ensure the syringes are never frozen, as freezing can damage the medication. If a syringe has been frozen, even briefly, it should not be used.
Related article: What temperature should refrigerated medications be kept at?
To make injections more comfortable, you may allow the syringe to reach room temperature for about 20 minutes after taking it out of the fridge, but never use any heat sources to warm it up.
How long can Xolair be out of the fridge?
Xolair prefilled syringes can only remain at room temperature for a maximum of 48 hours (unlike Dupixent, which has a shelf life of up to 14 days unrefrigerated).
If a syringe has been out of the fridge for more than 48 hours, it must be discarded. Room temperature refers to any temperature below 25°C. Exposing Xolair to higher temperatures could cause the medicine to deteriorate quickly, potentially rendering it ineffective.
And, this leads us to the next question: how can you keep Xolair syringes cool while away from home?
How to Keep Xolair Cool When Travelling?
If your or your child’s next Xolair injection is scheduled during a holiday or time spent away from home, it’s essential to transport the syringes under appropriate conditions.
Here are two common scenarios:
- The injection is due within 48 hours.
In this case, refrigeration isn’t strictly necessary, though it’s still recommended. If the temperature exceeds 25°C, you must protect the syringes from heat.
A small cooling bag, like the Companion Medical Cool Bag or the Chillers Cooling Pouches from 4AllFamily UK can be an excellent solution.
- The injection is due in more than 48 hours.
In this scenario, the syringes must remain refrigerated. A portable medical-grade travel fridge is necessary, and models like The Voyager Mini Travel Fridge, the Explorer Travel Cooler or the Nomad Refrigerated Travel Cases are excellent and reliable choices.
Related article: How to travel with refrigerated medication?
How to Tell if Xolair Has Gone Off?
The liquid in a Xolair syringe should be clear or pale brownish-yellow. If it appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, it may no longer be safe to use. When in doubt, dispose of the syringe and use a new one.
Never use Xolair after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Are you or your child using Xolair injections for your asthma treatment? Do you have any experiences, tips, or questions about its storage conditions?
