Humira (Adalimumab) Storage at Room Temperature
Humira can be safely stored at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) for up to 14 days without losing effectiveness or potency, as long as it is protected from light.
Storage Guidelines for Humira
Recommended Storage Conditions
- Humira should primarily be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F) to maintain maximum potency and shelf life 1
- When refrigeration is not possible, Humira can be kept at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F) for up to 14 days 1
- The medication should always be protected from light exposure, regardless of storage temperature 1
Temperature Stability Considerations
- More concentrated medications generally maintain potency better than diluted ones when exposed to temperature variations 1
- Biologics like Humira have undergone extensive stability testing by manufacturers to establish safe storage parameters 1
- Temperature excursions outside the recommended range can accelerate degradation and potentially reduce effectiveness 1
Evidence Supporting Room Temperature Storage
Manufacturer Testing and Guidelines
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers conduct rigorous stability studies exposing their products to various temperature conditions to establish safe storage parameters 1
- These studies include testing medications under different environmental conditions to determine how long they maintain potency 1
- The 14-day room temperature allowance for Humira is based on these manufacturer stability studies 1
Practical Considerations
- Room temperature storage can help reduce injection discomfort that sometimes occurs with cold medication 1
- Once Humira has been stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the refrigerator 1
- Any medication stored beyond the recommended time periods or temperature ranges should be discarded 1
Important Precautions
Visual Inspection
- Before administration, always inspect Humira visually for particulate matter or discoloration 1
- Clear medications should remain clear, and cloudy formulations should maintain uniform cloudiness 1
- Any changes in appearance may indicate reduced potency or contamination 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Exposing Humira to extreme temperatures (below 2°C/36°F or above 25°C/77°F) can rapidly degrade the medication 1
- Allowing the medication to freeze will destroy the biological structure and render it ineffective 1
- Forgetting to track how long the medication has been at room temperature can lead to using potentially degraded product 1
Practical Storage Recommendations
- Keep track of when the medication was removed from refrigeration by marking the date on the package 1
- Store Humira in its original container to protect from light 1
- When traveling, use appropriate cooling containers to maintain recommended temperature ranges 1
- Discard any medication that has been exposed to temperatures outside the recommended range for unknown periods 1