Insulin in freezer for 40 minutes

[Juliet's Mommy]

I left my cat Juliet's Pro Zinc insulin (a newer vial, purchased a few weeks ago, so it still is almost full) out 9 am this morning. At 9 pm I realized it had been out for about 12 hours (actually it was inside the little box, then inside a plastic bag, inside a cabinet where I keep the other cat meds; I absentmindedly put it there instead of back in the fridge this morning at about 9 am). I put into the freezer for what I intended to be just a few minutes to try to "chill" it quickly, then to put it in the fridge. Was distracted by several things. At about 9:40 I realized it was still in there. I took it out and it seemed frozen, but after shaking it a few times it was all liquid again. Now it is in the fridge.

What should I do? I gave Juliet her dose tonight from the reminder of the prior vial, which has maybe enough for 2 more doses left. I am going to my vet tomorrow morning to pick up some other meds, and can get some more insulin, but of course would rather not spend the money.

Should I try it tomorrow morning and if she tests ok keep using it?

 

[Dr Schrodinger]

Should I try it tomorrow morning and if she tests ok keep using it?

You've answered your own question here.

But for future reference - NEVER put your insulin in the freezer. It's far happier at room temperature that it is frozen. You may have got away with it, but I suspect the freezing will have damaged the structure of the proteins (denaturation), and it may no longer be effective. See how it goes?

 

[BJM]

ProZinc is in a suspension. I suspect what you saw was a thickening process based on the suspension or it would not have "jelled" the way you describe.

See how it works; if it is less effective, you may be able to use it at an increased dose and when you get a new vial, you'd need to cut back because the new pottle would be standard potency.

 

[Juliet's Mommy]

Thanks for your advice. I am going to bite the bullet and replace it with a new one. And live on crackers for the next few weeks.