Humira can stay out of the refrigerator for up to 14 days, as long as the temperature stays at or below 77°F (25°C). After 14 days at room temperature, any unused pen or syringe must be thrown away, even if the printed expiration date hasn’t passed. This rule applies to all Humira formulations, including the citrate-free version.
The 14-Day Room Temperature Window
Humira is normally stored in a refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Once it leaves that range and reaches room temperature, a 14-day countdown begins. The key constraint isn’t just time but also temperature: the environment must not exceed 77°F (25°C) at any point during those 14 days. If your home runs warmer than that, especially in summer or in rooms without air conditioning, the medication may degrade faster than expected.
Keep it in the original carton even while it’s sitting at room temperature. The packaging protects the medication from light, which can break down the active ingredient. Direct sunlight is especially damaging and is listed by the manufacturer as a reason to discard the pen entirely.
Putting It Back in the Fridge Won’t Reset the Clock
A common question is whether you can return Humira to the refrigerator and “restart” the timer. You can’t. AbbVie states clearly that once your pen or syringe has reached room temperature, it must be used within 14 days even if you put it back in the fridge. Refrigerating it again does not extend its usable life. If 14 days pass without using it, discard it regardless of where it was stored in the meantime.
This matters most for people who take Humira on a biweekly schedule. If you pull a pen out of the fridge to let it warm up before injection (which reduces sting) but then don’t inject that day, write the date on the carton so you can track how long it’s been out.
How to Tell If a Pen Has Gone Bad
Before every injection, look through the viewing window on the pen or syringe. The liquid should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if:
- The liquid looks cloudy or discolored. Any yellow tint, haziness, or change from the normal appearance is a sign of degradation.
- You see particles or flakes floating in it. These can form when the protein in the medication breaks down.
- The pen doesn’t appear to contain the full amount of liquid. A partially filled pen should not be used.
These visual checks are your last line of defense, but they won’t catch every problem. A pen that looks fine but has been out longer than 14 days or stored above 77°F should still be discarded. Protein-based medications like Humira can lose effectiveness in ways that aren’t visible.
Freezing Ruins the Medication
If Humira accidentally freezes, it cannot be used, even after thawing. Freezing damages the protein structure of adalimumab in ways that may not be obvious when you look at the liquid. The manufacturer is explicit: do not use Humira if it has been frozen, for any length of time.
This is particularly relevant when using ice packs for travel or storage. Placing a pen directly against a frozen gel pack can freeze the medication. Always keep a barrier (like a cloth or the original carton) between the pen and the ice pack, and avoid storing Humira in the coldest part of a cooler where temperatures can dip below freezing.
Traveling With Humira
The 14-day room temperature allowance makes short trips straightforward. For travel lasting two weeks or less, you can simply bring your Humira at room temperature as long as conditions stay below 77°F. For longer trips, or travel to hot climates, you’ll need a way to keep it cold.
A medical-grade travel cooler or insulated case with fully frozen gel packs is the most reliable option. These are designed to hold temperatures in the refrigerator range for extended periods. If you don’t already have one, AbbVie’s support program (866-848-6472) can provide travel coolers at no cost.
When flying, you can bring your Humira and its cooler through airport security. Place the travel container in the screening bin along with the medication. Carrying a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor can smooth things along, though it’s rarely required for prefilled pens. Never pack Humira in checked luggage, where cargo hold temperatures can swing from well below freezing to well above safe storage range.
What to Do With Expired or Compromised Pens
If your Humira has been out of the fridge longer than 14 days, stored above 77°F, frozen, or exposed to direct sunlight, do not inject it. Call your doctor or pharmacist to arrange a replacement. Dispose of the pen or syringe in a sharps container, not in household trash. If you don’t have a sharps container, many pharmacies will accept used pens for safe disposal.