Managing a chronic condition like psoriasis or arthritis involves more than just taking your medications—it also includes ensuring they are correctly stored, ready, and safe to use whenever needed.
Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a temperature-sensitive drug that requires refrigeration and can only stay at room temperature for a short time. Maintaining its effectiveness through proper storage, both at home and while traveling, is essential for your treatment’s efficacy.
So, how can you ensure your Cosentyx pens and syringes are stored correctly? How can you keep them cold while traveling or on the go? Here are practical and easy-to-follow tips on how to store Cosentyx in all situations!
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What is Cosentyx?
Cosentyx is the brand name of secukinumab, a prescription drug used to treat various conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
It belongs to a class of drugs known as interleukin inhibitors. More specifically, it inhibits interleukin-17A, a protein called a cytokine. In the above-mentioned autoimmune conditions, the immune system is overly active and produces too much IL-17A. This can lead to inflammation, causing symptoms like red, scaly patches on the skin in plaque psoriasis, joint pain and stiffness in psoriatic arthritis, and chronic pain and stiffness in the spine in ankylosing spondylitis.
By blocking the action of IL-17A, Cosentyx helps reduce this overactive immune response and the inflammation it causes. Ultimately, it helps manage symptoms, slow the progression of these conditions, and improve the quality of life for patients.
How is Cosentyx administered?
Cosentyx is administered by subcutaneous injection (under the skin). It is self-injected by the patients in the comfort of their homes after proper training by a healthcare professional.
The medicine comes in various easy-to-use prefilled injector devices, including:
- Cosentyx single-dose UnoReady pen (300 mg/2 mL)
- Cosentyx single-dose Sensoready pen (150 mg/1 mL)
- Cosentyx single-dose prefilled syringe (75 mg/0.5 mL)
It is typically administered once a month after an initial weekly dosing schedule for 5 weeks. Dosage and frequency may vary according to your situation and doctor's recommendations.
Cosentyx is only delivered with a medical prescription. It should always be used under your doctor's supervision. Never use Cosentyx without having been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Like all medications, it can cause undesirable side effects.
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Cosentyx Storage Instructions
According to Novartis, the manufacturer of Cosentyx, secukinumab must be refrigerated at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C until it’s time to use it. Additionally, it should be kept in the original packaging to protect it from light.
However, before injecting your medicine, you can allow Cosentyx to reach room temperature, making the injection more comfortable. This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. But never try to warm the medication by heating it in a microwave or hot water; this could destroy its active ingredient. Instead, simply let it warm naturally to room temperature.
Do not freeze Cosentyx, and avoid shaking the prefilled syringe or pen. If the medication has been frozen or shaken, it might not be effective, and you should contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
As for any medication, Cosentyx storage instructions are located on its packaging. Read these instructions or ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need clarification.
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How long can Cosentyx stay out of the fridge?
Fortunately, there’s some flexibility to store Cosentyx. Laboratory tests have shown that its active ingredient (secukinumab) is stable for up to 4 days at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C.
Therefore, Cosentyx can be left out of the refrigerator for up to 4 days when refrigeration is not possible.
The manufacturer adds, "if unused and not stored above 30°C, Cosentyx Sensoready pen or Cosentyx prefilled syringe may be returned to the refrigerator”.
However, any Cosentyx pen or syringe that’s been left out for over 4 days or exposed to temperatures above 30°C, even briefly, must be discarded. It isn’t safe for use anymore.
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What happens if Cosentyx is not refrigerated?
When Cosentyx is not refrigerated, it can degrade or change over time, affecting how well the medication works.
Secukinumab (the active drug) is a biological component that is highly sensitive to temperature. Refrigeration allows it to maintain its structure and function so that the medication can work effectively when you take it.
But if Cosentyx is left out of the fridge for too long (over 4 days), its molecules can start to break down, just like an apple starts to rot. This can make the medication less effective, and in some cases, it may not even work at all.
Cosentyx Travel Kits
Cosentyx’s strict refrigeration and storage temperature conditions are quite easy to follow at home. However, it becomes a bit more challenging when traveling with your injections, as you may not always have easy access to a refrigerator or even electricity!
A medical-grade travel cooler is an absolutely essential item for anyone traveling with refrigerated drugs like Cosentyx.
Related article: How to Travel with Refrigerated Drugs?
Travel fridges (fridge temperature)
4AllFamily offers various mini travel fridges for refrigerated drugs, fantastic choices for individuals traveling with Cosentyx injector pens or syringes. They can maintain an internal fridge temperature range of 2°C - 8°C for several hours running on battery and multiples days when plugged into a USB-power source, even when faced with external temperatures of 40°C - and this can be extended with additional batteries!
Travel coolers (room temperature)
If you’re traveling for less than 4 days, you do not necessarily need to keep your Cosentyx pens refrigerated (although it’s always best to do so!).
However, if the outside temperature gets above 30°C, you must use a cooler to protect your medicine from the heat. Remember that exposure to high temperatures, even briefly, can quickly deteriorate your medicine.
Check out 4AllFamily's cooling cases and insulated bags to keep your Cosentyx injections protected from the heat!
Pondering over which Cosentyx travel cooler would suit your needs best? Feel free to connect with our support team. We're here to help!
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