Quick Answer:
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a prescribed medication approved for treating various autoimmune conditions, including Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and more.
Like many injectable medications for autoimmune diseases (Humira, Enbrel, Actemra, Orencia, Simponi, Taltz, Kevzara, and Cosentyx), Cimzia is very sensitive to temperature changes.
Because of this, Cimzia requires specific storage conditions, which can make travelling with its prefilled syringes more complex. Let’s explore how to safely store and transport Cimzia while on the go.
Related article: 8 Practical Tips for Travelling with Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Cimzia Storage Temperature
Cimzia is either self-injected at home or administered by your healthcare provider. For home use, it is provided in single-dose prefilled syringes for subcutaneous injection.
According to Medicines.org.uk, Cimzia syringes must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. They may be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a single period of up to 10 days if stored in its original packaging to protect it from light.
Once Cimzia has been removed from the fridge or has reached room temperature, it should not be returned to refrigeration.
What happens if Cimzia isn’t refrigerated?
The active ingredient in Cimzia, certolizumab pegol, is a biologic drug, meaning it is derived from living cells.
Unlike synthetic drugs, biologics are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions. If Cimzia is left out of the fridge for longer than the recommended 10 days period, it can lose its efficacy and may even become unsafe to use.
Never inject Cimzia that has not been stored according to the guidelines. When in doubt, dispose of the syringe and use a fresh one from your refrigerated supply.
How long can you leave Cimzia out of the fridge?
Cimzia’s room temperature stability is limited. The medication can only be unrefrigerated for up to 10 days, provided it's kept below 25
Choosing the Best Travel Cooler for Cimzia
These strict storage requirements make travelling with Cimzia a bit tricky, but with the right equipment and preparation, it can be done safely and conveniently.
After the initial doses, Cimzia is typically administered either once every two weeks or once a month. If your next injection is scheduled during your travels, you’ll need a reliable travel cooler case to keep it at the right temperature:
- For trips longer than 10 days, a refrigerated cooler is essential to maintain refrigeration.
- For shorter trips, a medical travel cooler that protects the medication from heat may suffice.
Related article: Tips for Travelling with Enbrel
4AllFamily’s Medical Travel Kits & Coolers
4AllFamily offers a range of portable medical-grade coolers designed to suit various lifestyles and travel needs. Whether you’re hiking, flying, or heading out for a day at the beach, there’s a solution for you.
Our top-performing travel coolers can keep Cimzia syringes refrigerated (2°C - 8°C) for up to 32 hours using biogel packs and indefinitely when connected to a power source, even in temperatures as high as 35°C.
Our travel cooling kits work with either biogel packs or USB-powered cooling. The biogel option is ideal for situations where electricity isn’t available, such as flights or camping trips. The USB-powered models can be plugged into household outlets, car chargers, or even portable solar panels.
All 4AllFamily coolers are approved for air travel across the UK and beyond, so you can fly with peace of mind, knowing your medication is safely stored at the correct temperature and on board with you.
If you’re unsure which Cimzia travel kit is best for your needs, contact our team for expert advice.
Related article: Flying with Arthritis: How to Prepare for Long-Haul Flights
Travelling with Refrigerated Medications Like Cimzia
Travelling with refrigerated medicines can feel daunting, but with good preparation and the right travel kits, it’s entirely manageable. Millions of people travel with refrigerated medications every year, within the UK and all around the world, and you can too.
Here are some general tips to ensure your Cimzia syringes stay safe, cool, and compliant during your journey:
- Use a medical-grade travel cooler.
- Keep your medication in the shade whenever possible.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- Monitor temperatures using a thermometer.
- Keep your medication in its original packaging.
- Always carry your medication in your hand luggage when flying.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
We hope this guide has answered your questions about storing and travelling with Cimzia. If you have further queries, feel free to contact us or leave a comment below!
