My Fridge Struggles: How Long Can I Keep Cimzia Out?
As people living in the digital age, it's so easy to get stuck in a routine, relying on takeout, delivery, and frozen food for most of our meals. Taking the time to actually plan and prepare a meal might not always be practical, especially when you need to stick with a tight schedule.With that same logic, why bother prepping and cooking something from scratch if you can just grab something from the fridge and heat it up in a matter of minutes? Little did I know that popping something out of the fridge and leaving it out longer than expected can create a whole slew of problems. It wasn't until I suddenly noticed the expiration date on that pack of Cimzia that I realized I had made a mistake. Of course, now I'm paying the price. I started asking around: 'How long can Cimzia be out of the fridge?'
Is Refrigeration Necessary?
My initial hunt for answers led me to the Cimzia drug label and some conflicting instructions. In some parts, it's indicated that Cimzia should always be stored in a refrigerator – between 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 8°C). In others, the indication is that for up to 24 hours – or less in warmer climates – Cimzia can be kept outside the fridge at temperatures between 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 25 °C). As much as I was hoping for a clear answer, I could see the confusion on my doctor's face when I asked him about it. After making some calls and doing some research, he advised me to treat it like an immunosuppressant medication, because it belongs to the same class of biopharmaceuticals.Any other drugs belonging to the same class should be stored in the refrigerator, even if the label states that it can be stored at room temperature.
Storing Cimzia Properly
To be safe, any injections and infusions of Cimzia should be kept in the refrigerator to keep it from changing in potency, lowing its effectiveness, or even becoming contaminated with bacteria. If the medication is taken out of the fridge, it should be kept cool at room temperature for no more than 24 hours at the most. If you're travelling with Cimzia, you should always take it in an insulated bag with a cool pad to avoid overheating. Make sure to keep it from direct sunlight, because the Cimzia can easily break down from light and warm temperatures. Finding a cool place away from the windows and the car's exposed seatbelt can also help keep your Cimzia protected.
Using Cimzia Safely and Properly
Cimzia is an incredibly effective medication, but understanding how to use it safely and responsibly is key to getting the best out of it. Store your Cimzia properly to make sure that it stays as effective as possible. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have, and make sure you follow the storage instructions indicated on the drug label. Above all else, pay attention to the expiration date and follow all the safety guidelines. Taking a few extra minutes to handle and store your Cimzia responsibly can make a world of difference.
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