Embrel injections when travelling

[cathie]

I'm going away for seven nights tomorrow. My injection is due on Sunday night. Can anyone share their experience of shifting injection time or travelling to keep the embrel cool? Just a 5 hr car journey in Scotland so it's unlikely to be baking hot

[Footdoc]

Hello there

I was assured by HAH pharmacist, that so long as the pen was not exposed to excessive heat it would remain stable and safe for up to 24 hours, no longer. Keeping it chilled is more important for longer term keeping. I have adjusted the day, but never before it was normally due. When we have to take antibiotics we have to suspend the injections until we have finished the course, which is what I am having to do now. I once went three weeks without my Enbrel. I coped quite well for the first two weeks but come the third week I really wanted to stop the antibiotics so I could recommence the Enbrel injections. For short journeys I keep a half bottle of frozen water, wrapped in a dishcloth, in a small insulated bag. I use the dishcloth to prevent direct contact between the two. As freezing is not really desirable.

Enjoy Scotland. Quite envy you.

[cathie in reply to Footdoc]

Thanks. I've got my frozen pack in freezer already thanks for the tip about the dishcloth/ towel. I can imagine how hard it must be without E for three weeks. It's working in a rather halfhearted way for me, but I xpected that after infliximab which needed the max dose plus methotrexate which I'm not allowed. Yes Scotland is wonderful, we've lived in Edinburgh for 6+ years now and love it.

[farm123]

When I was on Enbrel and going away I used to put it in the cool box with the already chilled food and away from the ice packs to try and keep a level temperature and it appeared to keep OK. When I was stable on Enbrel I did used to move a day either side occasionally. Mine were syringes rather than pens.

[cathie in reply to farm123]

Thanks. That's about what I was planning, so its reassuring.

[Slightly_ginger]

I concur with the 24 hours statement, I was told very recently about this as I asked my homecare nurse a couple of weeks ago. In a bag out of the sun would be ok, she said.

in a cool bag is even better I would think, although of course the temperature can be too low as well. No freezing.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday.

[Scottishlad]

Last week I took my Cimzia syringe with me on a trip to Edinburgh, about 6 hours door to door. Did some experiments with a small cool bag and icepacks. Had digital thermometer wrapped in bubble wrap.

First test 2 large icepacks took temperature well below freezing. Took one out temperature was stable but 10C.

Test 2 : used 2 smaller icepacks this gave stable 6C for about 8 hours.

I wrapped the syringe in bubble wrap and put it in a small plastic box for travelling.

Cecil

[cathie in reply to Scottishlad]

That sounds good. I hope you enjoyed Edinburgh

[Jora]

That's all very helpful to me too. As soon as I start Embrel next week, I intend to plan regular escapes from London. Enjoy your holiday.

[fossil321]

There is a special pack you can buy from your local chemist. It is specifically for transporting injections that need to be kept cool. It can be used for insulin as well. I have used mine for several years, it uses the power of evaporation to keep the drug cool. Hope this helps.

[Artroc56]

Once out of the fridge, Enbrel can be used up to 14 days (I've looked this up very carefully). You just have to be aware the date printed on it is no longer realistic - it now has only 14 days life. see enbrel.com/store-ENBREL.jspx