How Long Emgality Can Sit Out Before It Needs Refrigeration

Emgality stays safe at room temperature for up to 7 days

Emgality (erenumab) is a migraine prevention injection that comes pre-filled in a pen or syringe. The manufacturer states that an unopened Emgality pen or syringe can be stored at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F, or 20°C to 25°C) for up to 7 days. After that window closes, it must go back into the refrigerator or be discarded.

This 7-day window is built into the medication's design to give you flexibility—you might travel, forget to refrigerate it briefly, or need to keep it accessible during a migraine episode. The timeframe applies whether the pen or syringe has been opened or not, as long as the medication itself has not been used.

Once you inject a dose and use part of the pen or syringe, the remaining medication should be refrigerated immediately. Do not leave a partially used pen at room temperature.

Key Takeaways

• Unopened Emgality pens or syringes can sit out at room temperature for up to 7 days before they must return to the refrigerator.
• Room temperature means between 68°F and 77°F—warmer environments shorten the safe window and may damage the medication.
• Once you inject a dose, refrigerate any remaining medication immediately rather than leaving it on the counter.
• If Emgality has been left out longer than 7 days, been exposed to temperatures above 77°F, or shows visible particles or discoloration, discard it and contact your pharmacy for a replacement.
• Keep track of when you remove Emgality from the refrigerator so you know when the 7-day window expires.

Why temperature matters for Emgality

Emgality is a biologic medication, meaning it is made from living cells and contains proteins that break down when exposed to heat or cold extremes. The active ingredient, erenumab, is sensitive to temperature swings. Refrigeration slows the breakdown of these proteins, which is why the default storage is in the fridge at 36°F to 46°F.

Room temperature storage is a temporary allowance, not ideal long-term storage. The warmer the environment, the faster the medication degrades. If your home is consistently above 77°F or you live in a hot climate, the 7-day window may be shorter in practice. Leaving Emgality in direct sunlight, in a car, or near a heat source will damage it faster than keeping it in a cool, shaded spot indoors.

What happens if Emgality gets too warm

If Emgality is exposed to temperatures above 77°F for any length of time, the medication may lose potency. You might not notice this by looking at it—the pen or syringe may appear normal even if the drug inside has degraded. A weakened dose could mean your migraine prevention does not work as expected, leaving you vulnerable to breakthrough migraines.

Freezing is equally damaging. If Emgality freezes (below 32°F), the protein structure breaks apart and the medication becomes unusable. Do not attempt to thaw and use frozen Emgality. Discard it and contact your pharmacy or prescriber for a replacement.

How to track the 7-day window

Write the date and time on the Emgality box or pen with a permanent marker when you remove it from the refrigerator. This simple step prevents guessing whether you are still within the safe window. Set a phone reminder for day 6 or 7 so you remember to refrigerate it before the deadline.

If you travel and need to keep Emgality out of the fridge, pack it in an insulated bag with a cool pack (not touching the medication directly) to keep it closer to refrigerator temperature. This extends the margin of safety if you are in a warm environment or stuck in transit longer than expected.

Signs that Emgality has been damaged by temperature

Before you inject, inspect the pen or syringe for visible changes. Look for particles, cloudiness, or discoloration in the liquid. Emgality should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. If it looks cloudy, has particles floating in it, or has changed color, do not use it.

You may also notice the pen or syringe feels unusually warm or cold to the touch, which signals temperature exposure. When in doubt, contact your pharmacy or the Emgality customer support line (1-844-EMGALITY) before injecting. It is better to waste one dose than to inject medication that may not work.

Storage after injection

Once you have injected your dose, the remaining medication in a multi-dose pen must be refrigerated right away. Do not leave it on the counter "for now" and refrigerate it later. The longer it sits out after use, the greater the risk of contamination and degradation.

Emgality pens are designed for single use, so there is no "remaining medication" to store after injection. If you use a pre-filled syringe that contains multiple doses, follow the same rule: refrigerate immediately after each injection.

What to do if Emgality was left out too long

If you realize Emgality has been at room temperature for longer than 7 days, or if it was exposed to heat above 77°F, do not inject it. Contact your pharmacy or prescriber and explain what happened. Most insurance plans and patient assistance programs will replace a damaged dose at no cost to you, especially if you have documentation that it was a storage accident.

Keep the damaged pen or syringe in case your pharmacy asks to see it. Do not throw it away immediately. Your pharmacy may need to document the loss for insurance purposes or to reorder a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Emgality if it was left out overnight by accident?

If it was out for one night (under 24 hours) and the room temperature was between 68°F and 77°F, it is likely still safe. You are well within the 7-day window. If the room was warmer or you are unsure of the temperature, contact your pharmacy to be certain before injecting.

Does Emgality need to be kept in a specific part of the refrigerator?

Store Emgality in the main refrigerator compartment at 36°F to 46°F, not in the freezer. Keep it away from the back wall where it may freeze, and away from the door where temperature fluctuates. A dedicated shelf or drawer keeps it organized and protected from accidental freezing.

What if I travel and cannot keep Emgality refrigerated the whole time?

Use an insulated travel case with a cool pack to maintain a temperature as close to refrigerator range as possible. The 7-day room temperature allowance still applies, so you have flexibility. If your trip is longer than 7 days, ask your prescriber or pharmacy about storing extra doses or arranging a refill at your destination.

Can I refrigerate Emgality after it has been at room temperature?

Yes. If you remove Emgality from the fridge and then decide to put it back, that is fine. The 7-day clock starts when you first take it out. Returning it to the refrigerator pauses the clock—it does not reset it. You still have the remaining days of the 7-day window when you take it out again.

Is there a way to know if Emgality has lost potency without injecting it?

No. Temperature damage does not always show visible signs. If you suspect exposure to heat or cold, contact your pharmacy or Emgality support rather than guessing. A replacement is safer than risking an ineffective dose.