What should be avoided when handling monoclonal antibody drugs that end in -mab?

When handling monoclonal antibody drugs that end in -mab, it is critical to avoid excessive shaking or vigorous agitation. These medications are sensitive biological products, and excessive shaking can lead to denaturation or aggregation of the proteins, compromising their efficacy and stability. Unlike traditional small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies are complex proteins that require careful handling to maintain their structural integrity.

While the other options contain important considerations—such as avoiding prolonged exposure to light or mixing with other medications, which can also affect the stability and efficacy of these drugs—excessive shaking is particularly detrimental. Storing monoclonal antibodies at room temperature is another key point as they often require refrigeration to maintain their stability, further emphasizing the handling protocols necessary for these sensitive biopharmaceuticals.