Keeping your cholesterol injections properly stored is essential for their effectiveness. Whether you use Praluent (alirocumab), Repatha (evolocumab), or Leqvio (inclisiran), understanding their storage requirements helps ensure they work as intended.
In this guide, we'll break down the best storage practices for these medications, whether at home or travelling, how long they can be kept at room temperature, and what to do if they've been left out of the fridge.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Your Injections
Cholesterol injections like Repatha, Praluent, and Leqvio are sensitive to temperature changes. If stored incorrectly, they may lose effectiveness, which could impact your cholesterol management and increase the risk of heart-related complications.
Proper storage ensures the medication maintains its potency, allowing it to work as intended in lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
How Temperature Affects Cholesterol Injections
These injections contain delicate proteins that can degrade if exposed to excessive heat, cold, or fluctuating temperatures. Storing them under the right conditions prevents the risk of denaturation, which could render the medication ineffective.
Many patients unknowingly compromise their cholesterol injections by making mistakes such as:
- Storing them in a fridge that is too cold, potentially freezing the medication.
- Leaving them out for too long at room temperature without tracking the time.
- Placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which can alter the composition.
- Putting them back in the fridge after being left out, which can cause instability.
- Keeping them in travel cases without proper insulation when on long trips.
- Forgetting to check expiration dates before administering doses.
To avoid these mistakes, always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and seek advice from a healthcare professional if unsure. Below is a breakdown of the storage recommendations for Praluent, Repatha, and Leqvio, the three most commonly prescribed cholesterol injections in the UK.
Related article: Helpful Tips and Best Practices for Transporting Medication That Needs to be Refrigerated!
How to Store Praluent
Praluent (alirocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower LDL cholesterol levels in patients who do not respond well to statins alone. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected just under the skin using a pre-filled pen or syringe.
It is typically prescribed for individuals with high cholesterol, particularly those at risk of cardiovascular disease.
The injection is usually given every two weeks, although some patients may receive it once a month depending on their prescribed dose.
Always inspect the solution before injection. If it appears cloudy or contains particles, do not use it.
Does Praluent Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Praluent must be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Keeping it at the correct temperature ensures it remains effective for lowering your cholesterol. Always check the expiration date before use.
How Long Can Praluent Be Stored at Room Temperature?
If needed, Praluent can be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 30 days. After this period, it should be discarded.
Once Praluent has been removed from the fridge, it should not be put back in. This can affect the medication's stability. If you're unsure whether it's still safe to use, consult your pharmacist.
Related article: What's the Ideal Fridge Temperature Range for Refrigerated Medication?
How to Store Repatha
Repatha (evolocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor designed to lower LDL cholesterol levels, particularly for patients who cannot achieve their cholesterol goals with statins alone. It is delivered as a subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled autoinjector or syringe.
It is prescribed to individuals with high cholesterol or those at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Typically administered every two weeks or once a month, depending on the doctor's recommendation.
Does Repatha Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Repatha should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C to maintain its effectiveness. When stored in the fridge, Repatha has a shelf life of approximately two years. Always check the expiration date on the packaging.
How Long Can Repatha Be Unrefrigerated?
Repatha can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum of 30 days. If it's been left out for longer, it should be discarded.
Once Repatha has been removed from the refrigerator, it should not be placed back inside. Always try to plan ahead if you need to travel with it.
How to Store Leqvio
Leqvio (inclisiran) is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy that helps lower LDL cholesterol by reducing the production of PCSK9 proteins in the liver. Unlike Praluent and Repatha, it works through a different mechanism and is administered only twice a year after the initial doses.
It is prescribed for patients with high cholesterol who need additional support beyond statins.
The injection is administered by a healthcare professional, meaning patients do not need to store it at home.
Does Leqvio Need to Be Refrigerated?
Unlike Praluent and Repatha, Leqvio has different storage guidelines. It can be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C, with allowable excursions at 30°C.
How to Travel with Your Cholesterol Injections
Travelling with cholesterol injections like Praluent or Repatha requires careful planning to ensure they remain effective. Here are some essential tips and best practices:
🧊 Use a Medical Travel Cooler: If you're going on a long trip, consider using a temperature-controlled medical travel cooler to maintain the recommended storage conditions.
🌡️ Monitor Temperature Ranges: Keep a small digital thermometer inside the storage bag to monitor temperature fluctuations.
🚫 Avoid Extreme Conditions: Never leave your injections in a hot car, under direct sunlight, or in freezing conditions.
Related article: Tips for Travelling with Refrigerated Medication: Packing, Cold Storage, Air Travel Compliance, and More!
Air Travel with Cholesterol Injections
🛄 Carry Medication in Hand Luggage: Checked baggage is exposed to extreme temperatures, so always keep your injections in your carry-on.
📜 Have a Doctor's Note: A letter from your healthcare provider explaining why you need the medication can be useful during airport security checks, especially when flying abroad.
✈️ Check Airline Regulations: Some airlines may require prior notification if you are carrying liquid medications.
🧳 Use an Insulated Travel Case: This provides additional protection against temperature variations during the journey. Make sure your travel cooler is approved for air travel, like the ones from 4AllFamily UK.
Related article: All You Need to Know for Flying with Needles, Syringes, and Medical Injections from the UK and Abroad!
Road Trips and Daily Travel
🚗 Keep Your Medication in a Cooler Bag: If travelling by car, store your injections in an insulated cooler bag, ensuring it stays within the safe temperature range.
❄️ Use Ice Packs with Caution: If using ice packs, ensure they do not directly touch the medication to prevent freezing.
🏨 Plan Storage at Your Destination: If staying in a hotel, request a fridge for medication storage, but avoid hotel minibars, as they can be too cold.
What to Do If Your Medication is Exposed to Incorrect Temperatures
📖 Check the Manufacturer Guidelines: Each brand provides specific instructions on temperature exposure limits.
👨⚕️ Consult Your Pharmacist or Doctor: If unsure whether your medication is still safe to use, seek professional advice.
🚮 Do Not Attempt to Re-Refrigerate Medication: If your injection has been left at room temperature beyond its safe limit, discarding it is recommended.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your cholesterol injections remain effective even while travelling. Always plan ahead, and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Properly storing your cholesterol injections is key to keeping them effective. Whether you use Repatha, Praluent, or Leqvio, always follow storage guidelines and check expiration dates.
Need to travel? Plan ahead with a a reliable, medical-grade travel cooler and store your medication safely. If you ever have doubts, always ask a healthcare professional for advice. By taking care of your medication, you're taking care of your health!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
💬 Have you had any experiences storing or travelling with cholesterol injections? Do you have any tips or questions? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! Your insights can help others who are navigating the same challenges.
