What Happens if Humira Freezes?
Humira is a medication that is used to treat a variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. It contains an active ingredient called adalimumab, which works by suppressing the immune system. When this medication is prescribed, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its efficacy. One common question that arises is what happens if Humira freezes? In this article, we will address this question and provide you with useful information about storing your Humira.
What is Humira?
As mentioned earlier, Humira is a prescription medication that contains adalimumab. Adalimumab is a biologic drug that is produced from living cells. It works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which causes inflammation in the body. By blocking TNF-alpha, Humira helps reduce inflammation, joint pain, and swelling associated with certain autoimmune diseases.
Why is Proper Storage Important?
Humira is a temperature-sensitive medication that needs to be stored at the right temperature to maintain its effectiveness. If it’s not stored properly, it can lose its potency, which can result in inadequate treatment outcomes. The manufacturer recommends storing Humira in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once you remove it from the refrigerator, it can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for up to 14 days. However, once it reaches room temperature, it cannot be refrigerated again.
What Happens if Humira Freezes?
If Humira freezes, it can become inactive, which means that it may not work as well as it should. When adalimumab freezes, the protein can denature or break down, reducing its efficacy. Therefore, if you accidentally freeze your Humira, it’s best not to use it and contact your healthcare provider for a replacement.
How to Prevent Freezing?
To prevent your Humira from freezing, it’s important to store it properly in the refrigerator. Make sure that the medication is stored away from the freezer compartment and that the refrigerator temperature is monitored regularly. If you’re traveling with Humira, make sure to use an insulated bag with ice packs to keep it at the right temperature.
In Conclusion
Humira is a medication that needs to be stored properly to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. If it freezes, it can become inactive and may not work as well as it should. To prevent this from happening, store your Humira in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and avoid freezing at all costs. If you have any concerns about your medication, please contact your healthcare provider for advice.