? Would anyone be willing to check this photo?

DexterMeowgan

DexterMeowgan

Member Since 2021
I have taken a couple close up photos of a new vs old insulin pen and I think my old pen, even maybe new pen might be bad. There seems to be a lot of condensation either in the pen or on it that I can't wipe off, however I'm not sure if that's crystals? I don't have an exact date on when we started using it, unfortunately. What do you think?

https://imgur.com/a/7XPUeq0
 
I can't make anything other than the condensation out. Hopefully someone with more experience can help you, but I would imagine that if you aren't sure it's better not to use it? I do know they also say that you can tell your insulin is off if your numbers start going wonky.
 
Acadaca said:
I can't make anything other than the condensation out. Hopefully someone with more experience can help you, but I would imagine that if you aren't sure it's better not to use it? I do know they also say that you can tell your insulin is off if your numbers start going wonky.
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If that's just condensation that's fine. I couldn't tell for myself. I wanted to make sure that wasn't crystals, I'm inclined to agree with you however his numbers are very tightly regulated currently except at night.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Can you wipe the condensation off and see clear insulin? Like the other pen? Were they both together in the frig and only the one had the condensation?
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They were both together in the fridge, in the door furthest from the fan I could go. Right under the butter drawer.

The new one I was able to see through pretty clearly and it looks uniform to the top after wiping down again, the old one still has what looks like condensation all around the end but isn't wipeable. It's on the inside of the pen.

Have you ever had a pen/vial with crystals in it? Does it look like that or am I just overthinking it?

I appreciate the help you guys are giving. If he's maintaining a steady BG without insulin because it's bad, that's good news LOL.
 
I never had this question posed to me before. First of all, I don't think you are supposed to put the pens on the door. I think they need to be somewhat in the middle shelf of the fridge. I really don't know what to say. Maybe we can get some advice. @tiffmaxee
 
Summer and Susie said:
I never had this question posed to me before. First of all, I don't think you are supposed to put the pens on the door. I think they need to be somewhat in the middle shelf of the fridge. I really don't know what to say. Maybe we can get some advice. @tiffmaxee
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Yeah I don't know. There's still 25-30ml left in the pen, but there's so much conflicting advice on storage and effectiveness past dates.

Everything says after it's opened to toss after 28 days, however, refrigeration as well is supposedly questioned. After opening the pen, you apparently don't refrigerate and toss it after the 28 days as long as it doesn't get too hot or cold. It's a mess! UGGGH
 
It looks like condensation. I wouldn't store it in the door, but rather towards the back of the fridge where the temperature doesn't fluctuate as much because you're always opening and closing the door.

Have you read this from the Insulin Care sticky? I can attest that I've used my pens for 5 months without losing efficacy.

How long will my insulin last?​
    • The manufacturer of Lantus recommends discarding the insulin after 28 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Lantus users have been able to use a vial/cartridge/pen for six months and longer. Some use pens and vials to the last drop.
    • The manufacturer of Basaglar recommends discarding after 28 days of use. It's too new to know for sure, but we anticipate Basaglar to last as long as Lantus with proper handling and refrigeration.
    • The manufacturer of Levemir recommends discarding the insulin after 42 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Levemir users have been able to use a vial/pen for six months and longer. Some have used pens and vials to the last drop.
    • Unopened Lantus, Basaglar, or Levemir are good until the expiration date stamped on the box if refrigerated and handled properly.
 
PerfumedCatMom said:
It looks like condensation. I wouldn't store it in the door, but rather towards the back of the fridge where the temperature doesn't fluctuate as much because you're always opening and closing the door.

Have you read this from the Insulin Care sticky? I can attest that I've used my pens for 5 months without losing efficacy.
Click to expand...

I have read it :).

I can't put it in the back of my refrigerator as things tend to freeze in the back. Any drinks/produce get frozen in the back no matter top or bottom shelf. I've tried adjusting the temperature and if I bring it down a notch things get too hot.
 
I ended up storing mine on the second shelf (not on the door) of my fridge because I used one of those little thermometers and moved it around and that was where the temperature stayed within the suggestion storing guidelines. I think the only reason you don't refrigerate a pen is because it can mess with the mechanics (not positive), but if you are using syringes it shouldn't matter. The fridge door is not the best place to keep it.
 
I can’t tell from the photo. If the new one you can see through I would be inclined to use it. He’s on such a small dose and anti jinx doing so well I doubt you will need another pen.
 
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