Question
I have found that when I am delivered my Humira, the drug is destroyed some times when the weather is either very hot or very cold, it just doesnt work every once in a while. I know how the drug should be handled, but it is not once it leaves Abbott. Same with Enbrel which I use to be on. The drugs get sent by way of Fed Ex, are tumbled around and put through temps that it will not survive in. This is frusterating to so many of us pts taking these drugs. I have talked with my RD, and he is frusterated too as he gets many of the same complaints by his pts (inconsistent drug). Do you see this as a problem with your patients? Do you have any suggestions. I even wrote an email and complaint to FDA and was never responded to.
Answer
I have not heard of this problem except in a few rare instances. If you notice shipments arriving warm without sufficient ice packs, I would complain loudly to your insurance company and ask them to replace the drug. Given the expense of the drug, this might get their attention and hopefully cause them to take action with their pharmacy distributors.
