How to store Enbrel

For people with certain types of arthritis and autoimmune conditions, the injectable drug Enbrel (etanercept) helps relieve painful symptoms, prevents joint damage, and increases range of motion. Enbrel is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

To take Enbrel, you will need to use either an autoinjector pen or prefilled syringes that you obtain from the pharmacist. Pay close attention to the correct way to store it. “Enbrel is a type of medication called a biologic, which is made from living material,” says Erika Gray, Pharm.D., cofounder of Toolbox Genomic, which makes it especially susceptible to spoilage from temperature changes and microbial contamination.  

“Enbrel must be refrigerated at a temperature between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit in order for the medication to remain stable until its given expiration date,” she says. “Keeping Enbrel at elevated temperatures for a prolonged time or freezing Enbrel can lead to changes in the protein structures and degradation of the medication, meaning Enbrel will no longer be effective.”

Here’s what you need to know about proper storage of Enbrel, including how long it can be left out of the refrigerator and how to safely travel with it.

Enbrel (etanercept) storage guidelines

While most prescription pills, tablets, and capsules can be safely stored at room temperature, some liquid medications and many injectable medications should be maintained at a stable and cool temperature. This makes your refrigerator the perfect place for most of these medications since it’s generally cool enough to prevent spoilage. More importantly, the refrigerator provides a consistent temperature regardless of the weather outside or conditions inside your home.

As an injectable medication, Enbrel is one of the drugs that should be stored in the fridge. It comes in a few different formulations: two different autoinjector pens, the AutoTouch and the SureClick, pre-filled syringes, and a single-dose vial. In every case, the medication should be kept at a temperature between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. 

“There are some exceptions. You can take your dose out of the fridge and allow it to warm up for 30 minutes before injecting it, and you can also temporarily store Enbrel at room temperature for up to 30 days without affecting its integrity,” Dr. Gray says. The drug’s manufacturer, Amgen, says that room temperature is considered to be anything between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your medication has come to room temperature, you should not put it back in the fridge. Any doses left at room temperature for more than 30 days should be discarded.  

It’s worth noting that if you’re using the AutoTouch® injector pen, specifically, you should only refrigerate the mini cartridge containing the actual dose of medication and not the entire device. The AutoTouch® is a reusable autoinjector device that should be stored separately at room temperature and not refrigerated, says Brian Staiger, Pharm.D., of HelloPharmacist. It’s electronic, so you’ll want to avoid exposing it to temperature changes and excess moisture that could interfere with its function. 

How long does Enbrel last in the fridge?

If you’re keeping your Enbrel in the fridge, it can be stored there until the expiration date printed on the package, Dr. Staiger says. After that date, he says you shouldn’t use Enbrel even if it’s been properly stored in the fridge for the entire time you’ve had it. “Expired medication can lose its effectiveness and may not provide the intended therapeutic effects.”  

If your dose has expired, you should dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps container (or acceptable replacement). If you aren’t sure how to dispose of Enbrel, you’ll need to find the guidelines for your town or state. The FDA directs consumers to an online and telephone directory where you can check the guidelines for your community. 

How long can Enbrel be at room temperature?

Enbrel can be stored at room temperature for 30 days, but there are some guidelines to follow. Dr. Staiger says the temperature in the room should stay between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and the medication should be protected from direct light and heat sources.

Unfortunately, if you haven’t used a dose after 30 days at room temperature, you will need to dispose of it. You can’t place it back into the fridge at that point, and—similar to the effects of using expired medication—a dose of Enbrel that hasn’t been stored properly long-term could interfere with your disease management.

“Exposing Enbrel to inadequate storage conditions can affect the stability and sterility of the medication, so it may not work as well for your condition,” Dr. Gray says. “While using Enbrel after inappropriate storage may not harm you, it can have little to none of the desired effect for which it has been prescribed.”

How do you keep Enbrel cold while traveling?

For short trips, Dr. Gray says that Amgen offers free travel packs to help keep Enbrel cold. If your dose has been refrigerated and you want to keep it that way until use, these packs (as well as any type of standard ice pack or insulated medication carry case) can help you travel short distances while keeping your medication cold.

If you’re planning to fly on a plane with Enbrel, Dr. Gray suggests keeping it with you as part of your carry-on luggage. Check with your airline, though, about the documentation needed.

“Have a signed Enbrel prescription and a letter from your healthcare provider to explain why you are carrying sharps and gel packs,” Dr. Gray advises. “This letter should contain details of the medication, including that it is for personal use, as well as a statement detailing that ice packs are required to maintain appropriate storage.”

For longer travel, the easier option may be to carry a room-temperature dose of Enbrel. Since it can be stored this way for 30 days, this approach eliminates the need to keep Enbrel cold during a long trip. But make sure your travel conditions are conducive to keeping Enbrel at a relatively stable temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re traveling somewhere particularly hot or cold, you may need to consider other options.

And again, remember: Once Enbrel has been brought to room temperature, it should not be placed back in the fridge.