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HomeHealthHow Long Can Insulin Be Out Of The Fridge

How Long Can Insulin Be Out Of The Fridge


People Will Now Be Able To Inject Themselves With Insulin At Home

How to Keep Insulin Cold While Travelling

The study was co-conducted with the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières .

“For far too long, we were unable to send people with diabetes back to their homes with insulin due to its cold storage requirements. Some of these people were traveling long distances daily, and some even relocated to get their insulin injections at the clinic,” MSF noted in a statement.

“With this new finding of no refrigeration requirement in a climate of up to nearly 99° F and with a well-developed patient education and support program people with diabetes in resource-limited and humanitarian settings will now be able to inject themselves in their homes,” the organization said.

“This greatly improves the significant disruption to their lives…. The ability to self-inject insulin is a fundamental aspect of diabetes self-management and the ability of people with diabetes to be empowered,” the statement continued.


Insulin Forms Temperature Guide

Opened vials of these insulins and combinations are stable at room temperature for 28 days involving the temperatures 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit or below refrigeration between the temperatures 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Insulin glargine
  • Humulin-R
  • Mixtures of insulin Novolog Mix 70/30, Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30, Humalog Mix 75/25, and Humalog Mix 50/50.

Compared to the, opened vials of insulin detemir are stable for up to 42 days in the above-recommended temperature states.

One common point to bear in mind when refrigerating any insulin brands or types is they shouldnt be permitted to freeze. However, when frozen, you ought to read our post about Frozen Drugs and consider the next.

Regular Hospitalization For Refrigerating Insulin

As previously mentioned, insulin could be held at room temperature to get a maximum approximation of 28 to 30 days.

The standard recommendation out of all insulin producers says a vial of insulin in use can be kept at room temperature for 28 days.


Space temperature for insulin in usage exerts a temperature range between 59 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Perhaps not in use, the temperature for insulin ought to be kept in a temperature between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature gets warmer or colder than that, it will either freeze or even begin to break down because of becoming too hot. The expressionbreak down again describes if the germs start to grow, making the insulin lose its potency.

If you reside in a warmer climate, it is safer that you refrigerate your insulin once the temperature goes over approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, even when the full 28 days arent over.

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Important Storage Tips For All Insulin:

  • Do not keep in hot places. Do not leave insulin in a hot closed car. Heat makes insulin break down and will not work well to lower your blood sugar.
  • Do not keep in freezing places. Never store in a freezer. If insulin is frozen, do not use. You will not be able to inject the insulin if it is frozen. Do not use even after thawing. Freezing temperature will break down the insulin and then it will not work well to lower your blood sugar. Throw frozen insulin in the garbage.
  • Do not leave in sunlight. Light can make insulin break down and then it will not work well to lower your blood sugar.
  • Never use insulin if expired. The expiration date will be stamped on the vial or pen. Remember if not in the fridge, the date on the vial or pen does not apply. You must throw away after 28 days since outside the fridge.
  • Write the date on the insulin vial on the day you open it or start keeping it outside the fridge. This will help you remember when to stop using it. Throw the insulin away 28 days after opened or since kept out of the fridge.
  • Inspect your insulin before each use. Look for changes in color or clarity. Look for clumps, solid white particles or crystals in the bottle or pen. Insulin that is clear should always be clear and never look cloudy.
  • Gyam Insulin Cooler Portable Mini Fridge With Large Capacity And Lcd Screen

    How Long Can Insulin Be Out Of The Fridge: TOP Full Guide ...

    The GYAM Insulin Cooler is perfect for holding insulin, vaccines, or other medical products. Not only does it maintain the temperature inside the fridge to make sure your goods are safe but you can also set it up yourself by plugging in the power cable at home! The intelligent LCD display even gives a low battery reminder as well as high or low temperatures when needed.


    This mini-fridge is a really cool product for diabetics on the go. It’s small and portable, so it can easily fit in your carry-on luggage, but it still has a large capacity. Great for a weekend getaway or for longer trips – it works great when you need to keep things cold while on the move!

    It also features noise reduction technology so you don’t have to worry about any annoying sounds during those long flights or cross country drives. The fridge also has an LCD screen that makes selecting different temperatures super easy!

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    Dont Leave Insulin In Your Carever

    The inside of a car can easily be 20 degrees hotter when its closed up while youre at work or getting groceries. Leaving your insulin in the car for more than a few minutes during any time of year is risky and could easily destroy a small vial of insulin worth hundreds of dollars. When youre out and about, at work wherever keep your insulin in a safe zipped-up kit and keep it in your purse or backpack.

    Guidelines For Proper Insulin Storage

    All insulins must be stored with care to ensure that they remain safe and effective. Improper storage could result in the breakdown of insulin, affecting its ability to effectively and predictably control your blood sugar level.


    Depending on the type of insulin you are prescribed, there may be some subtle differences in how best to store it and how long it will last once open. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator for specifics on how to store your own insulin prescription.

    Here are some general rules that reflect best practices for properly storing insulin:

    Finally, if you have any doubts, start a new vial or pen to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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    What Happens If Lantus Gets Hot

    A: Insulin you are not using should be kept between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets colder than that it can freeze. If it gets warmer than that, it will be good for a while, but eventually it will start to break down. Room temperature is defined as between 59 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.


    Lifeinabox Portable Insulin And Mini Fridge

    Are you a high carb diabetic? Keep your insulin in the fridge!

    LifeinaBox is the world’s smallest portable fridge for your medication that fits in your car or bag. It constantly monitors the temperature and can both keep insulin cool and pack a lunch for when you’re on the go.

    This mini refrigerator is like having a full-size fridge, without ever having to worry about running out of space. This LifeinaBox combines refrigeration and storage so you always have access to your medication. The portable cooler holds up to 8 standard injectable pens or vials, comes with a universal power cord and 12V DC adapter, and even has an emergency battery pack that’ll last 6 hours if there is a power outage. And before you head on over for all of this insulation, don’t forget about the separate plug-in battery packs that can provide up to 40 hours of backup energy!

    4/5 stars and 39 ratings

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    Quality Assurance And Risk Assessment For Pwd

    According to the plethora of reports in online forums and social media, PwD experience issues with their insulin often. A decrease in biological potency of insulin over time due to improper storage conditions would potentially result in an increase in insulin doses needed. This does not remain unnoticed by people sensitive to such changes, especially when larger adjustments of insulin doses are required or when people track insulin dosages and glucose levels. However, PwD, caregivers, diabetes educators, and physicians might not consider variations in insulin potency as a possible cause for observed increase in blood glucose fluctuations due to the many other factors influencing insulin requirements. When therapeutic goals are not achieved, insufficient biological potency of the insulin used should be considered as a possible cause as well, by PwD as well as by the diabetes team.


    Response From Eli Lilly

    We appreciate the opportunity to respond to Dr. Grajowers letter concerning in-use dating of insulin products manufactured by Eli Lilly. There are many issues affecting recommendations for storing insulin, and the labeling is controlled by global regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Considering the large number of factors that go into these recommendations, it is not surprising that there may be confusion about insulin potency during use.

    When unopened vials, cartridges, or prefilled insulin pens are stored at the recommended temperatures , insulin may be used until the expiration date printed on the insulin container or carton. At expiry, regulatory requirements state that the insulin product must retain at least 95% of its labeled potency.

    However, once an insulin product is in use, the recommended durations of in-use differ depending on the particular formulation of insulin , its primary container , the ambient storage conditions , and regulatory requirements.

    Patients should not use insulins that have changed in appearance due to heat exposure or freezing. Freezing will cause modified insulins to resuspend improperly after thawing, reducing the accuracy of dosing.

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    Storage And Transport Of Insulin When In Use

    For PwD, the insulin in-use is a daily companion, and therefore, is exposed to numerous environmental factors. The average ambient temperature in many regions can be much higher than the recommended 30°C in summer or can drop below 2°C in winter. Package leaflets, in addition to a temperature range, recommend keeping insulin away from sunlight and do not freeze.

    There is little research on how insulin is transported when in-use and its quality at the moment of administration. Observational data from users of the insulin pen cap Insulclock showed that during a study period in Spain in summer, injections were performed at an average temperature of 27°C , with 11.7% above 30°C up to 41°C . There are also a few documented cases of diabetic ketoacidosis of pump users, whose insulin had stopped working because of exposure to heat or freezing.,

    Accessories To Protect The Temperature Of Your Insulin

    How Long Can Insulin Be Out Of The Fridge

    If you dont want to buy something new, you can always keep an ice-pack with you when youre out and about in the summer. Keep the ice-pack in the same bag as your diabetes kit containing your insulin. It doesnt have to be complicated or expensive, but it needs to be a priority for anyone taking insulin.

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    Why Is Using Expired Insulin Risky

    Depending on how much insulin you need with each dose, you may still have insulin left in your pen by the time you reach its expiration date. And while it might seem wasteful to throw out unused insulin, its important to do so because expired insulin can actually do you more harm than good.


    The effectiveness of expired insulin is hard to predict. Using insulin past the manufacturers expiration date can cause your blood glucose to be higher than expected if you stick to the same dosing youve been using all along.

    High blood sugar can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, blurry vision and a frequent need to urinate. If your blood sugar is extremely high, you may even feel nauseous and faint. And underlying all of these symptoms is the potential for organ damage with uncontrolled diabetes.

    Is It Ok To Inject Cold Insulin

    Although manufacturers recommend storing your insulin in the refrigerator, injecting cold insulin can sometimes make the injection more painful. To avoid this, many providers suggest storing the bottle of insulin you are using at room temperature. Insulin kept at room temperature will last approximately one month.

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    When Should You Throw Away An Open Insulin Vial Or Pen

    Many insulin pens can last outside of the refrigerator for 7-28 days, in some cases even more.


    Here are some specific recommendations for insulin storage that you can follow. As always, check the instructions inside the box for specific guidance.

    New insulins are coming to market at a rapid pace, and the instructions may vary slightly with different formulations and brands.

    • Insulin lispro injection : Pen and vial, throw away after 28 days
    • Insulin glulisine injection : 28 days
    • Insulin glargine injection : 28 days
    • Insulin glargine injection : 28 days

    For questions about a particular brand of insulin, problems, or concerns about product stability, contact the manufacturer for help , and in some cases, ask for a replacement.

    Things To Do When You Do Not Get A Toaster For Storing Insulin

    INSULIN IN THE FRIDGE OR NOT? | Diabetes Daily Vlog 136

    Even though this could be a problem in more distant places, one tip is to set the insulin vial in a plastic bag, tie a rubber band around it and add it into an earthen pot or a wide-mouthed jar full of water.

    Take the vial outside and maintain at room temperature, a minimum of 30 minutes before use.


    Relevant Resources:

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    Can You Still Use Insulin After The Expiration Date

    Using expired insulin is absolutely not recommended and should only be done if you have no other option.

    The effectiveness of insulin degrades over time and its impossible to predict how well expired insulin will work or if it will even work at all!

    Insulin is a bit unusual in that it had two expiration dates one is the expiration date if insulin is unopened and stored at the proper temperature. The second expiration date is the date the manufacturer suggests insulin is good for after opening and when kept at room temperature.


    Be sure to check both dates so you know if your insulin is still safe to use.

    Be Careful When Traveling By Plane

    Never, never, never put your insulin in a suitcase that is going to be checked and stored in the luggage section of the airplane. It can be really hot or really cold in that part of the plane, and youll arrive at your destination with a batch of useless insulin. Always keep all the insulin youre traveling with in your carry-on.

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    How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once A Vial Is Started

  • Martin M. Grajower, MD,
  • Charles G. Fraser, MS, PHARMD,
  • John H. Holcombe, MD,
  • Marci L. Daugherty, RPH, CDM,
  • William C. Harris, BS, MS,
  • Michael R. De Felippis, PHD,
  • Olga M. Santiago, MD and
  • Nathaniel G. Clark, MD, MS, RD
  • 1Department of Medicine/Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Riverdale, New York
  • 2Metabolism Department, Medical information Services, Aventis, Bridgewater, New Jersy
  • 3Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 4Medical Director, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Princeton, New Jersey
  • 5National Vice President, Clinical Affairs, American Diabetes Association, Alexandria, Virginia
  • Address correspondence and reprint requests to Martin M. Grajower, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3736 Henry Hudson Pkwy., Riverdale, NY 10463. E-mail: grajowermsn.com

    Editors comment: The commentary by Dr. Grajower has such important clinical relevance that responses were invited from the three pharmaceutical companies that supply insulin in the U.S. and the American Diabetes Association, and all of these combined in this commentary. The commenting letter and individual responses were authored separately and are completely independent of each other.

    Last On The Subject Of Hot Weather

    Why Are Mini Fridges A Necessity For People With Diabetes ...

    The insulin that has already been injected into your body needs to be considered when youre in extremely hot temps, too. Dehydration raises the concentration of sugar in your bloodstream because theres simply less water in your blood, too. This results in high blood sugar levels, and means you either need more insulin or you need to keep yourself more hydrated…likely both! Water, water, water!


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    Allfamily 72 Hour Insulin Cooler With Usb Charger

    If you are looking for the best insulin pen travel cooler, look no further, this is the best you could get your hands on. This insulin cooler uses 3 cooling methods and keeps your insulin cool and safe for up to 72 hours. It can fulfill all your traveling needs.

    The uniqueness of this cooler is that by changing the lids you can easily transform the bottle from a regular medication cooler into a mini-fridge. The USB function alone can maintain a constant temperature of around 27°F lower than the outside temperature. If you use ice pack as well simultaneously it will give an outstanding cooling effect, such as keeping 35-46°F cold for 48 hours and 36-46°F for 72+ hours, when tested at an outside lab temperature of 104°F . Moreover, it is patented so you will never find the same quality in other insulin coolers.

    After testing and using it myself this is worth it. Looking forward to doing some longer travels with it.

    Features:

    • It offers 3 cooling methods to suit your needs.
    • It is made up of rust-free and high-quality stainless steel which enhances its durability.
    • The best thing is that it can store up to 7 insulin pens.
    • A universal USB 2.0 adapter is used to charge the cooler. You can charge it with a power bank as well.
    • An extended nylon belt is attached to the collar, giving you an extra grip.
    • You can charge it up with a solar panel or with your car battery easily.
    • Spacious enough to carry all your diabetic supplies
    • 3 cooling methods

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