fridge problems - did my enbrel go bad? | Arthritis Information

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Hi Everyone,

 
Ok, so I have 5 shots and I can't replace these b/c I'm in b/w doctors and insurance.  Last night my fridge started to get warmer going up to 50 degrees.  I called a friend and asked if I could take my meds to her house. 
 
I packed the boxes in the purple pouch w/ an ice pouch and temp gauge.  During the 20 minute trip, I saw it was 61 degrees.  I don't know why it was so high.
 
So she took the meds and put in her fridge, but didn't know what the temp was.  Just '6' b/w 1-9.  I asked her today what it was.  She said 37.  (the range for Enbrel is 36-46).  I said, wow that was close.  She said that she had to increase the temp of her fridge for my meds.
 
Which means....my meds must have been in a fridge that was colder than 36 overnight.
 
Does anyone have any opinion on if these shots might have made it through the rough night?  I'm worried, but it's either these shots or none.  My first RD appointment isn't until May 26th.
 
My landlord is buying a new fridge.
 
Nori

last summer I forgot and left my enbrel out of the fridge for about a day and a half.  I was told that it could stay out of the fridge at under 72 degrees (I think) for a few days.  You can call your pharmacist though.  If he/she can't tell you, they'll give you the number of someone who can.  I think it should be ok though.

Thank you for the reply.  I am wondering if these biological drugs are heartier than the 36 - 46 degrees the packaging says.
 
Last year my parent's fridge got too cold and the temp went below 32.  I was told my shots were no good.
 
I don't know what my friend's fridge was last night, and it concerns me.
Well, then I'd say call your pharmacist.  That's what I did and they gave me a number for Enbrel quick assist.  Or maybe it wasn't quick assist, but it was a line for enbrel help.  Or, look on the paper that comes tucked inside the box, it's all in there too, I think. http://www.arthritisinsight.com/archives/test223.htm

Read comment by LU
Bodak2009-04-27 19:24:32No, Lu is wrong about that.  2 hours?  Enbrel people told me mine was good for days, 4, I think.  Maybe she was refering to the kind you have to mix yourself.  It doesn't have preservatives in it.  The pre-filled syringes and the sure-click pen do.Call the manufacturer.  They undoubtedly have a help line, and I'm sure you're not the first person in this predicament.  If it is determined that your supply has been compromised, they will probably send you replacements free of charge.  Other folks here have had medications replaced by the manufacturer when the pens broke or something else happened to them.  No sense fretting about it; give them a call and explain your situation.  If you don't have insurance coverage right now, you may also qualify for one of the pharma assistance programs.

Best of luck!

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