Enbrel is a medical injection that is prescribed in the UK to manage several chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), plaque psoriasis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Its active ingredient, etanercept, works by targeting inflammation to alleviate pain and other symptoms of these conditions.
As with many other injectable treatments, such as Humira, Actemra, Cimzia, Orencia, Simponi, Taltz, Kevzara, and Cosentyx, Enbrel is very temperature-sensitive. It requires specific storage conditions.
If Enbrel is part of your treatment plan, you might wonder how to store it correctly. Here’s a FAQs style article focusing on the storage and refrigeration of Enbrel pens and syringes at home.
Related article: 8 Great Tips for Travelling with Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Enbrel is typically taken weekly and can be administered either by a healthcare professional or at home. It is available in several forms, such as pre-filled syringes, SureClick pens, or single-dose cartridges.
Prefer videos to reading? Watch our detailed tutorial on how to store Enbrel at home:
Enbrel Storage Temperature Instructions
According to Immunex Corporation, the manufacturer, Enbrel should be stored in the fridge at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C. Keeping it within this range ensures the medicine remains effective up until its expiry date.
How Long Can Enbrel Be Out of the Refrigerator?
When removed from the fridge, Enbrel can be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) for no longer than 30 days. During this time, it should be kept away from heat sources or direct sunlight. For instance, if you're travelling or the weather is particularly warm, a reliable medical cooler is essential to protect it from external heat.
After 30 days outside the fridge, any unused Enbrel pen or syringe should be discarded, as it is considered expired and no longer safe to use.
For anyone relying on temperature-sensitive medication, staying organised and using quality storage solutions can provide peace of mind, whether at home or on the go.
Related article: Tips for Travelling with Enbrel + Enbrel Travel Bag
What Happens if You Put Enbrel Back in the Fridge?
According to the manufacturer, once Enbrel has been brought to room temperature, it should not be refrigerated again: "Once ENBREL has reached room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator".
That's mainly because temperature fluctuations aren't good for the stability of biologics like Etanercept.
What Happens if Enbrel Gets Frozen?
Freezing Enbrel can permanently damage its protein structure, rendering it unusable. Even if thawed, previously frozen Enbrel should not be used under any circumstances.
To avoid freezing, follow these tips:
- Don’t leave Enbrel in a car overnight during freezing weather.
- Avoid placing it near the freezer section of your fridge.
- In cold climates, keep Enbrel in an inner pocket to use your body heat for insulation.
If you suspect your medication has been frozen, discard it immediately and use a fresh supply.
What Happens if Enbrel Gets Too Warm?
Exposing Enbrel to temperatures above the recommended range (25
Always protect your Enbrel injections from heat above
How Long Does Enbrel Last?
Provided Enbrel has been consistently refrigerated, it remains safe to use until the expiry date on the label.
Enbrel is a clear liquid. While small particles are normal, avoid using the medication if it appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains large flakes. When in doubt, it’s always safer to use a fresh dose.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
We hope this guide helps you feel confident about storing Enbrel. If you have further questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to assist!
