Levemir storage info needed tonight!

[Kelly & Oscar]

I have a few questions about some insulin I was hoping to get from someone from cragislist tomorrow. I just received an email tonight about how she has been storing it. Three weeks ago she got it from a Target pharmacy and she has been storing it in her bedroom drawer since then confused_cat

I found the following information about Levemir storage:

Storing unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the medicine label. Unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens may also be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days, away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 42 days.

So it sounds like since it has been kept out of a fridge, that it is only guaranteed effective for 42 days, 21 of which have already been spent. Before I go and drive an hour tomorrow to get the pens, is it even worth my $20? If I get them and put them directly in the fridge, will they still be good? I know Levemir is less fragile than Lantus, but I just don't know what to do about this situation. :YMSIGH:

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Unopened Lev, kept at room temp is good for 42 days. If kept refrigerated, it's good until it's expiration date.

 

[Kelly & Oscar]

If I get them and put them directly in the fridge, will they still be good to use for Oscar like normal?

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

i'm not sure any of us can give you a definitive answer.
maybe call novo nordisk in the morning?



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[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

Most likely the manufacturer is going to tell you it's only good for the 42 days if left unrefrigerated.

How long do you typically use a pen? If a pen would last you 3 months, why not hold out for one which has been stored properly so you get the full use of it?

 

[Venita]

5 pens for $20? Right? Part of why the price is so low on CL is that you have no guarantee of what you are buying. At least she told you the truth of how she had stored it.

I would go for it. I do find Levemir to be pretty sturdy. I am guessing that you will find it is just fine in the long run.

 

[Kelly & Oscar]

5 pens for $20? Right? Part of why the price is so low on CL is that you have no guarantee of what you are buying. At least she told you the truth of how she had stored it.

I would go for it. I do find Levemir to be pretty sturdy. I am guessing that you will find it is just fine in the long run.

This is what my gut is telling me. If it is still good, then I scored. If not, it is only $20. I do have 4 properly stored levemir pens in the fridge right now that I can compare the potency/numbers to.

I just called Novo-nordisk and they said there are no studies as to the effectiveness once it has been left at room temperature and then put back in the fridge. She said you can't put it back in the fridge - but I think that was more legal talk than anything. Good thing is that 42 days = 6 weeks, so 3 weeks is only half way through that.

Thank you everyone for the replies. I didn't think of calling the manufacturer ohmygod_smile

 

[Kelly & Oscar]

Just wanted to add some things I forgot! I usually use our Lantus pen for maybe 5 weeks and then it runs out. I've never gotten close to the 2 month mark on a pen since Oscar's dose has been hovering around 3u BID.

The reason I am still considering these pens is because on craigslist around here people like to sell their pens for $20-$30 a pen - which is pretty much the same price as ordering from a canadian pharmacy. It is a rarity to find someone selling a whole box for only $20. So far I have only lucked up once and had someone donate insulin to Oscar from craigslist.