How Long Can Dupixent Be Out of the Fridge?

Dupixent (dupilumab) is used to control symptoms of conditions like atopic dermatitis and asthma. For long-term storage, Dupixent should be kept refrigerated. If necessary, the medicine may be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.

Dupixent contains the active substance dupilumab. Healthcare providers may prescribe it to help manage symptoms of several disorders, including moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and asthma.

Because Dupixent is a biologic drug , it is temperature-sensitive. Biologics are produced from living cells (for example, bacterial or mammalian cells), and exposure to temperatures that are too hot or too cold can change the shape of their molecules. As a result, they may no longer bind  to the appropriate targets in your body, reducing their effectiveness.

Dupixent is supplied as a liquid in prefilled syringes and autoinjector pens for subcutaneous injection. To ensure the medicine works as intended, store it correctly and follow the injection instructions on the label.

This article outlines the recommended storage methods for Dupixent.

Must Dupixent be refrigerated? Can it be left out?

Store Dupixent syringes or pens at the proper temperature and keep them in the original packaging. The package protects the medication from damaging light (for example, each time the refrigerator door is opened) and usually displays the expiration date.

Refrigerated storage

Keep Dupixent in the refrigerator until you are ready to inject a dose. The advised storage temperature is 36°F to 46°F  (2°C to 8°C).

Do not freeze Dupixent syringes or pens. Freezing can damage the medicine and reduce its potency even after thawing.

Use unopened Dupixent that has been refrigerated by the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Storing at room temperature

If refrigeration isn’t possible, Dupixent may be stored at room temperature at or below 77°F (25°C) . It can be kept at this temperature for a maximum of 14 days.

Do not inject the medication if it has been stored above this temperature or left out of the refrigerator for more than 14 days. In those cases, the drug should be discarded because it may no longer be safe or effective.

If a prefilled syringe or pen is removed from the refrigerator, use it within 14 days. Also, once Dupixent has been warmed to room temperature after removal from the fridge, do not return it to refrigeration.

Just before injection

You can take Dupixent out of the refrigerator shortly before injecting. As described above, remove the syringe or pen ahead of time so it can reach room temperature. The following concentrations are given in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).

• 300 mg/2 mL: remove 45 minutes before injection
• 200 mg/1.14 mL: remove 30 minutes before injection

Bringing Dupixent to room temperature before injection helps reduce the discomfort and stinging  that can occur when a cold solution is injected under the skin.

How long is Dupixent usable before it becomes ineffective?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  recommends not using medicines, including Dupixent, past their expiration date.

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe use of Dupixent:

• Administer your Dupixent dose within 14 days after removing it from refrigeration, and keep it at room temperature no higher than 77°F (25°C) during that time.
• Do not inject Dupixent if the liquid looks  cloudy or discolored, or if it contains visible flakes or particles. (Dupixent is normally clear, colorless, or pale yellow.)
• Discard any remaining liquid in a Dupixent syringe or pen after administering a dose. Do not save it for later use.
• Unopened Dupixent that has been refrigerated is safe and effective until the expiration date printed on the package.
• See the “Disposing of Dupixent” section for proper disposal instructions for the drug and its supplies.

Disposal of Dupixent

When Dupixent is expired or no longer needed, place used syringes, pens, needles, and caps into a sharps container. Do not throw Dupixent or these supplies in regular household trash. Also dispose of the medication if it appears altered or if your healthcare provider discontinues treatment.

Dupixent’s prescribing information  offers additional disposal guidance. Follow your local rules for emptying a sharps container.

Summary

Dupixent is a biologic drug that works to reduce inflammation in the body.

Store Dupixent in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Use unopened, refrigerated Dupixent by the expiration date on the package.

After removing Dupixent from the refrigerator, it can be kept at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) and used within 14 days.

Disclaimer: HealthEH has made every effort to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the information provided. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication. Drug information here may change and does not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other details does not imply a drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or suitable for everyone or every specific use.