PZI Shelf Life

Status
Not open for further replies.
Avery

Avery

Member
Forgive my ignorance....I really have searched the board and am still not sure about this. I"m using the compounded PZI from VPA (Veterinary Pharmacies of America). I've read on the Sticky nthat the BCP PZI has a shelf-life of 6 months. I"m assuming the VPA stuff would be similar.

What does "shelf life" mean? Does this mean before it is opened? How long is PZI expected to last after it is opened?

My original vial of VPA PZI has "BUD 19-Dec-11." So, does this mean that the insulin has to be opened by Dec 19, or all used up by Dec 19? It was first opened on Nov 3.

My new insulin has BUD 08-Apr-12.

This is probably a stupid question, but I just don't understand. :oops:

Thanks!
Avery
 
After opening, it definitely starts deteriorating. Thats why you refrigerate and roll not shake.

If it is not stored properly when unopened, it may deteriorate too. Extreme temps - freezing/roasting - will degrade the quality.

Beyond that, it is probably the same requirements for Humulin R or Humulin N, so any pharmacist may be able to look that up for you.

If everything you are doing is somewhat consistent and you notice a waning of insulin effectiveness over time, it can be due to insulin degradation.
 
My understanding when I bought mine was that the date on the box was the "expiration date", after which the inuslin should be replaced by a new vial. I don't think it goes "bad" or anything, but probably just loses effectiveness. I'd switch vials on that date unless you are able to find out from a pharmacy or from VPA that it is still good.
 
Hmm...I think I'd better switch to new vial. Better safe than sorry...I"m not sure where the "6 months shelf life" comes from, unless that particular vial was produced a few months before I got it.

Thanks folks!
Avery
 
One, note....I can't verify this myself because I never emptied my first vial. But I've seen lots of people in PZI say that the first few doses out of a new vial seem to work better than the last few from the old vial. So be prepared for some slightly better results.

Carl
 
Thanks, Carl... I'm actually nowhere finishing the original bottle, but I suspect the insulin may have started pooping out anyway. She was getting decent numbers at .25 back in Nov, it just seems weird that then increasing to .4, then decreasing back to .25, seemed to suddenly have no effect anymore. I guess it could be insulin resistance but I think I will remain in denial about that for now. :)

Starting the new vial will eliminate one unknown at least. Gave her first injection on it about an hour ago. I can't wait to see some numbers later!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top