Question

A patient calls the pharmacy and states that their second Humira (adalimumab) pen was left on their kitchen counter overnight after injecting. How would you counsel the patient?

1) Humira is stored at room temperature and this should not be an issue
2) Humira is stored in the refrigerator, however the medication is stable for up to 3 months at room temperature.
3) Humira is stored in the refrigerator, however the medication is stable for up to 14 days at room temperature.
4) Humira is stored in the refrigerator and must therefore be discarded

Answer 1

The correct answer is that Humira should be stored in the refrigerator, but it remains stable up to 14 days at room temperature. If the pen was left out overnight, it is still usable as long as it is put back in the refrigerator afterward.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient has a concern regarding the proper storage of their Humira (adalimumab) pen, which has been left out at room temperature after use. The correct counseling for the patient is that Humira is stored in the refrigerator, however, the medication is stable for up to 14 days at room temperature. Therefore, if the Humira pen was left out overnight and less than 14 days have passed, it can still be used, but it should be put back in the refrigerator to maintain its efficacy for future doses.