Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription injection used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions. These include moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. As a biologic drug, it is highly sensitive to temperature. Heat or freezing temperatures can damage its structure, causing the medication to no longer work or become unsafe to use.
If Dupixent is stored incorrectly, it may lose its potency. This can increase the risk of allergic reactions and cause the medicine to go to waste, which also means higher out-of-pocket costs. A common concern among patients is how long Dupixent can be out of the fridge.
To help address these concerns, this article walks you through how to store Dupixent properly, what to do if it’s accidentally left out, and how to avoid wasting doses.
How Long Can Dupixent Be Out of the Fridge?
According to the official prescribing information from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi, Dupixent may be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for a maximum of 14 days. After this 14-day period, any unused product must be discarded.
Each Dupixent pen or syringe is designed for one-time use only. It comes pre-filled with a full dose, either 200 mg or 300 mg, and is intended to deliver that entire amount in a single injection. Once used, it cannot be reused, even if some liquid remains inside.
However, the pen or syringe is not injected immediately after being taken out of the refrigerator. It must first reach room temperature before use. The waiting time depends on the dose:
-
- 300 mg pen or syringe: wait 45 minutes
- 200 mg pen or syringe: wait 30 minutes
Dupixent Storage Instructions You Need to Remember
Proper storage of Dupixent is essential to ensure the medication stays effective and safe for use. Below are important storage instructions to keep your medicine effective.
1. Refrigeration is Required for Long-Term Storage
You should always store unused Dupixent pens or syringes in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This is the ideal range recommended by the manufacturer to preserve the integrity of the medication.
Store the pens/syringes in the main body of the refrigerator, rather than the door shelves, because the door area is more exposed to temperature fluctuations every time the fridge is opened. Avoid placing Dupixent near the back or freezer section of the fridge, as extremely cold air vents might cause the medication to freeze.
2. Always Keep It in the Original Carton
Dupixent should be stored in its original carton (the outer cardboard box) at all times, whether in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The packaging protects it from light. Exposure to light, especially sunlight or fluorescent indoor lights, can cause the drug to break down gradually. Even if the medication appears clear and unchanged, invisible molecular damage from light exposure may reduce its effectiveness.
Keeping the pen inside the box also minimizes the chance of it being accidentally dropped, mishandled, or exposed to children or pets. It’s best to avoid transferring the pen or syringe to organizers, plastic containers, or travel pouches unless they also block light and keep the temperature controlled.
3. Never Freeze or Overheat the Medication
Dupixent should never be frozen. Freezing the pen/syringe, even once, can destroy the delicate proteins in the medication, making it ineffective. If you accidentally leave it in a freezer, or if it freezes while stored in an over-chilled fridge, it must be thrown away. Similarly, it should never be heated or exposed to sources of warmth, such as heating pads, hot water, or microwaves.
4. Do Not Shake or Agitate the Pen
Shaking may cause the medication to form bubbles or froth, which can affect the way it is delivered under the skin during injection. Additionally, excessive shaking can denature the proteins in the drug, making it less effective or potentially harmful.
Always carry and handle the pen/syringe gently. If the pen has been dropped or handled roughly, check for visible damage or leaks. If you’re unsure, consult a pharmacist before using it.
5. Avoid Direct Light and Sunlight
As mentioned earlier, direct exposure to light can accelerate the breakdown of sensitive biological compounds in the drug, leading to reduced therapeutic effect.
Storing Dupixent During Travel
Here’s a detailed guide on how to store Dupixent while on the go:
How to Dispose of Dupixent
As soon as you finish your injection, do not recap the pen or try to disassemble it. Instead, drop the used Dupixent pen/syringe and its cap into a proper sharps disposal container. These are usually red or yellow plastic containers with a tight-fitting lid designed to hold medical waste like needles and injection pens.
Importantly, do not leave it on counters, tables, or anywhere it can be reached by others, especially children or pets. The needle, although hidden, is still capable of puncturing skin. A curious toddler or a cleaning crew member could get accidentally stuck, which may require post-exposure treatment for infection risk.
If you don’t already have a sharps disposal container, Sanofi and Regeneron, the makers of Dupixent, offer a free sharps container to patients who use the medication.
Simply call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) and press Option 1 when prompted. They’ll ask you for your basic contact information (name, mailing address) and whether you are a Dupixent patient or caregiver. Note that they’re only available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Another alternative is a used household container, but it must meet these exact standards from the FDA:
| Requirement | What You Can Use |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty plastic | A used laundry detergent bottle that is thick enough not to crack easily |
| Puncture-resistant lid | Screw-top lid that closes tightly and must not let needles poke through |
| Stable and upright | Wide base containers, like a bleach bottle, that won’t tip over during use |
| Leak-resistant | Avoid thin plastic jugs or cardboard, as they may spill when tipped |
| Clearly labeled | Write “Sharps, Do Not Recycle” using a permanent marker to help sanitation workers identify risk |
Once your sharps container is about three-quarters full, don’t try to cram in more pens. Overstuffing makes it more likely for someone to get poked when opening or handling it. Check local or state guidelines on how to throw it away safely.
DO NOT place it in the regular trash or recycle bin unless your community’s waste program says it’s okay.
Final Thoughts
Dupixent must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F and kept in its original box to protect it from light. If needed, you can leave it out at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 14 days.
When traveling, use a proper medical cooler with frozen gel packs and monitor the temperature closely. For disposal, use a sharps container. If you don’t have one, you can request one from Dupixent support for free. Don’t throw used pens in the trash unless local rules say it’s allowed. Following these steps will help keep your medication safe and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Dupixent™ (n.d.). https://www.dupixent.com/
