newbie qu about forgetting to put insulin in fridge

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KarenAmelia

Member Since 2012
I was so discombobulated last night that I left the insulin out all night. It was in a room that was 55-60 degrees F. How can I tell if the insulin has been degraded? It's a newly opened vial, only used about 5 days. Should I just keep using it until I don't see any response in the BG numbers? It's unfortunate that it happened so early on, before we've reached any stability in the process and in the sugar regulation, so I won't really know, will I, if the insulin is faulty? Any advice appreciated.

Doubtless others have asked this very question, but I'm not finding an easy way to search the forum for similar posts.
 
What kind is it? I use Lantus, and left it out for a day one time a couple of weeks ago, and it's fine. Lantus is actually good for something like 28 days unrefrigerated, it just lasts longer if you keep it in. I don't know about other insulins, though.

I actually incorporated putting it away into our shot routine to make sure I don't do it again: draw, put insulin in fridge, shoot.
 
I use ProZinc and checked the package insert. It says to keep the insulin stored upright and under refrigeration at 36-46f. Not sure what damage being left out over night could have caused. I'd watch the bottle for any "floaters", which means it's bad, and watch the BGs. Someone with more experience may know more. :smile:

Edited to add: Did a google search "why refrigerate insulin" and it turns out...so it lasts longer! Insulin can be kept unrefrigerated but will only last one month. Refrigerated insulin lasts much longer.
 
I'm sorry I don't have a answer. If it makes you feel any better you aren't the only one who has left insulin out. I left mine out for over a hour before. On another occasion, I stressed about it all day, just knowing I had left it out. It was early & I was in a hurry. When i got home it was in the refrigator. I was lucky that day.
In the beginning I struggled with remembering to put it in the frig.
With time you will get better with remembering to refrigator it.

Good Luck.

Jenn & Baxter
 
Teresa and Poopy said:
Edited to add: Did a google search "why refrigerate insulin" and it turns out...so it lasts longer! Insulin can be kept unrefrigerated but will only last one month. Refrigerated insulin lasts much longer.
Click to expand...

That's for opened in-use insulin :smile: Unopened insulin can last in the fridge until the expiration date printed on the label. Once you pierce the rubber stopper with an insulin syringe, the insulin bottle or pen is "in use".

KarenAmelia , your bottle of Lantus is just fine :smile: While ideally it should be placed inthe fridge, it can be left out at room temperature. The Lantus prescribing info sheet (for Humans) says that opened in use Lantus can be left outside the fridge as long as the temperature does exceed 86 F and away from direct light.
 
I have accidentally left Tink and Tawny's Lantus out many times and never had a problem with it. I don't know what kind of insulin you are using but you mentioned "vial." You know that if you get the pens (if the insulin you are using is available like that) it is much much cheaper than a vial. If you shop around or use a Canadian pharmacy to order from online like many of do here you can get a box of 5 pens for almost the same cost as one vial, and the pens of course last much longer.
 
Thanks Squeem, very helpful info! And DD, I read another thread about Canadian insulin (mine is Lantus, btw.) It sounds like you have to order a couple of weeks in advance of needing it - someone said it took 10 days to receive their order. I will see about ordering from one of the Canadian pharmacies in a while, presuming Terra continues to need the insulin!
 
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