Xolair should be stored at a refrigerated temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It’s best to keep Xolair in its original carton and protected from direct sunlight.

Xolair (omalizumab) comes as a solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection using a prefilled auto-injector or prefilled syringe. Both forms have the same storage instructions.

Your doctor will determine which injection form is right for you based on certain factors, such as your age.

Xolair is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

Keep reading to learn more about how to properly store Xolair. For information about Xolair’s uses and other details about the drug, see this article.

Note: Xolair also comes as a powder in a single-dose vial, but this article does not cover this form. Xolair powder is for use only by a healthcare professional.

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Xolair auto-injector and syringe should be stored in refrigerated conditions in the original carton. This means the medication should be stored at temperatures of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Xolair should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

You can remove the carton from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before injecting a dose. This will allow the medication to come to room temperature — 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) — before you use it.

If necessary, you can place the auto-injector or syringe back in the fridge (in the original carton) if it has not been exposed to temperatures above 77°F (25°C). The total time out of refrigeration should not exceed 2 days.

If Xolair has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 days total or at temperatures above 77°F, do not use it. You should safely discard the medication. (For details, see “What’s the best way to dispose of Xolair?” later in the article.)

If it’s difficult to maintain a temperature at or below 77°F, put the medication back in the fridge as soon as possible.

Note: Each Xolair carton contains one auto-injector or syringe. You may need more than one prefilled auto-injector or syringe for your prescribed dose. For details about dosages and how to inject Xolair, see this article. You can also refer to the drug manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Can Xolair be frozen?

Xolair should never be frozen. Always store Xolair in a refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. If Xolair is frozen, you’ll need to discard the medication.

What happens if Xolair is stored at room temperature?

Xolair is not meant to be stored at room temperature. But it’s OK to leave the medication out of the fridge for short periods, such as when preparing your dose. The total time out of the refrigerator should not exceed 2 days. If the medication has been out of the refrigerator for longer than 2 days total, you’ll need to discard it.

Traveling with medications can be challenging, especially if you’re flying to your destination. Xolair is typically injected every 2 or 4 weeks, so you may not need to bring the medication with you unless you’re traveling for longer than 2 weeks.

Some ways to protect Xolair when traveling include:

  • keeping Xolair in the original carton to protect it from light
  • keeping your prescription with you at all times
  • keeping the carton(s) in a container that keeps them cool (36°F to 46°F [2°C to 8°C])
  • avoiding shipping Xolair with ice packs since they may cause it to freeze

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends taking the following steps if you’re flying with medications:

  • Tell the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids or medications and place them in a separate bin from your other belongings.
  • Present any gel ice packs, cold packs, and other items needed to keep your medication cool.
  • Tell the TSA officer if you do not want your medication to be screened by X-ray or opened.

If you have questions about storing Xolair while traveling, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The expiration date for Xolair will be stamped on the carton. It’s important not to use Xolair if the medication is past its expiration date. According to the FDATrusted Source, drugs that are past their expiration date may have lost their potency and may not treat your medical condition effectively.

If your Xolair auto-injector or syringe has expired, be sure to discard it in your sharps disposal container.

Each carton contains one Xolair auto-injector or syringe. If you receive your medication by mail, the cartons should be shipped at temperatures of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It’s best to place the cartons in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

Note: Do not use Xolair if the carton is damaged or if it’s past the expiration date printed on the carton. If your product looks like it may have been tampered with, you can call your doctor’s office for guidance. Or call the Xolair helpline at 866-4XOLAIR (866-496-5247).

You should discard Xolair and other injectables in an appropriate sharps disposal container. Do not discard them in your household trash.

If you don’t have an FDA-clearedTrusted Source sharps disposal container, you can use a household container that:

  • is made of heavy-duty and leak-resistant plastic
  • can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid without sharps coming out
  • is upright and stable
  • is properly labeled as containing hazardous waste

Learn more about sharps containers and how to dispose of them.

Xolair should be stored in the original carton in the refrigerator, at temperatures of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It’s OK for the medication to be out of the fridge for short periods, such as when you’re preparing to inject a dose.

The total time out of refrigeration should not exceed 2 days, and the medication should not be left out at temperatures above 77°F (25°C). Do not freeze Xolair.