STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Store unused Lantus vials in the refrigerator between 36˚F to 46˚F (2˚C to 8˚C)
- Store in-use (opened) Lantus vials in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 86˚F (30˚C)
- Do not freeze Lantus
- Keep Lantus out of direct heat and light
- If a vial has been frozen or overheated, throw it away
- The Lantus vials you are using should be thrown away after 28...
Does Lantus have to be refrigerated?
Storing Your Lantus® SoloStar® Pen Keep all new, unused insulin pen devices in the refrigerator. Do not freeze them. Never put the pen you are using back in the refrigerator. Keep it at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. Discard the Lantus® SoloStar® pen 28 days after piercing the rubber stopper.
How long does Lantus stay in your system?
Though often thought of as being 24-hour insulins, Lantus (glargine) and Levemir (detemir) are actually 18 to 26-hour insulins. About a third of users do not get a full 24 hours of action from these insulins.
Do Lantus pens need to be refrigerated?
Lantus comes in vials or a disposable prefilled pen. Lantus Insulin Vial and SoloStar Pen Storage Temperature Instructions An unopened SoloSTAR pen should be refrigerated at temperatures between 2C and 8C or 36F and 46F. It should not be frozen. Make sure you keep Lantus away from direct sunlight and heat.
How long is Lantus vial good for once opened?
Unopened Lantus vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36F and 46F or 2C and 8C. Vials containing Lantus should not be kept in a freezer. If the vial has been frozen, it should be discarded. Opened vials can be refrigerated or kept under room temperature. However, opened vials must be used within 28 days following the first usage.
Should Lantus be kept in the fridge?
Before opening, store Lantus in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F). Keep pens in the original outer package. Lantus can be refrigerated until the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, Lantus should be thrown away.
What happens if you dont refrigerate Lantus insulin?
Note: Insulin loses some effectiveness when exposed to extreme temperatures. The longer the exposure to extreme temperatures, the less effective the insulin becomes. This can result in loss of blood glucose control over time.
How long can Lantus be left unrefrigerated?
When storing insulin pens, make sure the cap is on to protect it from light and remove the needle to prevent air bubbles and contamination. And you can keep most insulin pens — opened or unopened — outside the fridge for 28 days, the same length as most vials. These include: Insulin glargine (Lantus Solostar)
How long does Lantus insulin last in the fridge?
OPEN vials can be stored in the fridge or at CONTROLLED room temperature. Regardless of where it is stored, OPEN insulin will only last 28 days before it must be thrown away. Insulin kept in the fridge should be removed and allowed to reach room temperature before injection.
Where is the best place to inject Lantus?
Anywhere in your stomach area, except for a two-inch radius around your navel. In the fatty tissue on the outer back area of your upper arm. Or in your thighs. Remember, the injection site should be changed each time you inject.
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.
Is it better to take Lantus at night?
Lantus can be used any time of day but at the same time every day. You should pick a time of the day that will be convenient and when it will be easiest to remember.
Can insulin be put back in the fridge?
Moving an opened insulin bottle back and forth between refrigeration and room temperature shouldn't affect it as long as it's not kept out too long. Once you open an insulin pen and begin to use it, it should not go back in the fridge.
How long is Lantus vial good for once opened?
Lantus should be discarded 28 days after first use, regardless of refrigeration.
Will Lantus lower blood sugar quickly?
Lantus isn't a fast-acting insulin. Fast-acting insulins start working in the body within 30 minutes of being injected. Instead, Lantus is a long-acting insulin. Its onset time is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is 12 units of Lantus a lot?
For people with type 2 diabetes who aren't currently taking insulin, the recommended starting dosage of Lantus is 0.2 units/kg or 10 units once per day. The maximum starting dosage of Lantus is 10 units per day.
What happens when insulin gets warm?
If insulin is exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures for too long — even just 60 minutes — it can break down very quickly, to the point of not having any real impact on your blood sugar. Remember, 65 degrees outside can mean it's 80 degrees in your car.
At what temperature does insulin go bad?
Insulin Is a Protein, and It Can Wery Easily “Spoil” Under the Wrong Temperature Conditions. Insulin prefers to be kept between 36° to 46°F. When an insulin vial or pen is opened, it will retain its potency to help you manage your blood sugar for up to 28 days before it starts to break down.
How long is Lantus vial good for once opened?
Lantus should be discarded 28 days after first use, regardless of refrigeration.
Does insulin need to be refrigerated once opened?
Throw the insulin away 28 days after opening it. Once you open a vial, keep it stored in the fridge or at room temperature. Be aware that injecting refrigerated insulin may be painful. Keep an insulin pen refrigerated until you open it; after that, you can store it at room temperature.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Lantus if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Lantus is not approved...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Lantus. You should not use more than one dose in a 24-hour period unless your doctor tells...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Symptoms...
What Should I Avoid While Using Lantus?
Do not change the brand of insulin glargine or syringe you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.Avoid medication errors by...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Lantus?
Many other medicines can affect your blood sugar, and some medicines can increase or decrease the effects of insulin. Some drugs can also cause you...
How long can you keep Lantus in the fridge?
Discard if it has been frozen. Opened vials, whether or not refrigerated, must be used within 28 days after the first use.
How long can you keep Solostar insulin?
The opened (in-use) SoloStar ® kept at room temperature must be discarded after 28 days.
How long can you keep a vial open?
Open (In-Use) Vial. Opened vials, whether or not refrigerated, must be used within 28 days after the first use. They must be discarded if not used within 28 days. If refrigeration is not possible, the open vial can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days away from direct heat and light, as long as the temperature is not greater than 86°F (30°C).
Can you refrigerate OptiClik?
The opened (in-use) cartridge system in OptiClik® should NOT be refrigerated but should be kept at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) away from direct heat and light. The opened (in- use) cartridge system in OptiClik® kept at room temperature must be discarded after 28 days. Do not store OptiClik® , with or without cartridge system, in a refrigerator at any time.
How should I use Lantus?
Use Lantus exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What should I avoid while using Lantus?
Do not change the brand of insulin glargine or syringe you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
How often is lantus injected?
Lantus is usually injected once per day at the same time each day. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
How old do you have to be to take Lantus?
Lantus is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old, and should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes in a child of any age.
What are the side effects of Lantus?
Common Lantus side effects may include: low blood sugar; itching, mild skin rash; or. thickening or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medicine. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where is insulin injected?
Insulin is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Can you use lantus in adults?
Lantus is for use in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes , and in children at least 6 years old with type 1 diabetes. Some brands of insulin glargine are for use only in adults. Carefully follow all instructions for the brand of insulin glargine you are using.
How to store Lantus insulin pen?
Storing Your Lantus® SoloStar® Pen Keep all new, unused insulin pen devices in the refrigerator. Do not freeze them. Never put the pen you are using back in the refrigerator. Keep it at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. Discard the Lantus® SoloStar® pen 28 days after piercing the rubber stopper. Gather Your Supplies Clear off a clean, flat tabletop to work on and gather the following supplies: Lantus® SoloStar® pen A new single-use pen needle Alcohol swabs A wastebasket A sharps container (a strong, plastic container with a tight cap). Do not store your sharps in glass bottles, soda bottles, milk jugs, aluminum cans, coffee cans, or paper or plastic bags. For more information, please read How to Store and Dispose of Your Home Medical Sharps. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Open an alcohol swab and wipe the rubber tip at the top of the pen (see Figure 1). Remove the tabbed paper from the outer case of a new single-use needle (see Figure 2). Follow the steps below to prime the pen, set your dose, and inject the insulin. You must prime the pen before you set your dose and inject the insulin. You will do this by giving an “air shot.” This removes the air bubbles and ensures the pen and needle are working properly. Dial 2 units (to the number 2) on the dose selector dial by turning it clockwise (see Figure 6). You will hear and feel a faint click for each unit as you turn the dial. The punger button on the pen will also rise. If you dial past 2 units, turn the dose selector counterclockwise to correct it. Po Continue reading >>
Where to store insulin?
Insulin shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperatures, so don't leave it in the car, next to the stove, in the freezer, or in the bathroom. If the bottle freezes, it must be discarded.
How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once A Vial Is Started?
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. Diabetic patients treated with insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are prone to often unexplained swings in their blood glucose. These swings can vary from dangerously low to persistently high levels. Most diabetic patients, and most physicians, will adjust insulin regimens so as to avoid hypoglycemia at the expense of hyperglycemia. Among the “textbook” reasons for variable glucose responses to any given insulin regimen are 1) site of administration, 2) exercise, 3) bottles not adequately mixed before drawing the insulin (for NPH, Lente, or Ultralente), and 4) duration of treatment with insulin (1). A new insulin was marketed by Aventis Pharmaceuticals about 1 year ago, insulin glargine (Lantus). The manufacturer seemed to stress that patients not use a started bottle of this insulin for >28 days (2). Two patients of mine highlighted this point. L.K. is a 76-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed at 55 years of age, and treated with insulin since age 56. Her insulin regimen was changed to Lantus at night together with Novolog before meals. She monitors her blood glucose four times a day. She used a bottle of Lantus until it ran out; therefore, a bottle lasted for 2 months. Her recent HbA1c was 7.6%. I retrospectively analyzed her home glucose readings by averaging her fasting blood glucose levels for the first 15 days of a new bottle and the last 15 days of tha Continue reading >>
How long does insulin last?
But the drug's stability and potency is only guaranteed for 28 days. Opened insulin pens typically last 14 days, though some last only 10 days. If you're uncertain, check with your mother's pharmacist to find out how long her insulin should last.
How long did Humalog pen stay in fridge?
Went to the drug store, picked up new boxes of Lantus Solostar and Humalog Pens. Went home, got distracted, forgot to put pens in fridge for almost two hours. They were at room temperature, no sunlight or other warmth exposure. Did some research on the net and also called the manufacturers.
How to store Toujeo insulin?
Read here to learn more about this newer insulin. How to Store Toujeo Insulin Unopened pens should be kept refrigerated between 36-46 F until the expiration date; and opened pens can be kept at room temperature below 86 F for 28 days. Share: Toujeo Solostar (insulin glargine injection), is a new long-acting insulin for adults with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Read here to learn more about this newer insulin. Check Your Glucose Whatever insulin regimen you are on, remember to always check your glucose. Checking your glucose and keeping glucose logs is the only way for your healthcare provider to know if you are on the proper regimen. Continue reading >>
How many units of insulin are in a pens?
How To Store Insulin. Insulin is measured in units. Most bottles, cartridges, and pens of insulin sold in the United States have 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid and are labeled U-100. Different strengths, like U-500, also are available in the U.S. Different strengths are used in other countries.
How to store insulin?
To counter that, you can store the bottle of insulin you are using at room temperature (36-86º) for about one month. Do not keep bottles in a hot place like near a heater or in direct sunlight. Also, do not keep them near ice or in places where the insulin may freeze. If you buy more than one bottle at a time, store the extra bottles in the refrigerator. Then, when needed, take out the bottle ahead of time so it is ready for your next injection. Unopened bottles are good until the expiration date on the box and/or bottle. Do NOT use insulin after it has been kept at room temperature for longer than a month. Also, do not use insulin after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Examine the bottle closely to make sure the insulin looks normal before you draw the insulin into the syringe. Insulin aspart, lispro, regular, or glargine should be clear and not cloudy. Check for particles or discoloration of the insulin. NPH, ultralente, or lente should not be “frosted” or have crystals in the insulin or on the insides of the bottle, or small particles or clumps in the insulin. If you find any of these in your insulin, do NOT use it. Return unopened bottles to the pharmacy for exchange or refund. Syringes Most people use plastic syringes, which are made to use once and then throw away. Some people use a syringe two to three times. If you reuse a syringe, follow the steps below: Flush the syringe with air to prevent the needle from clogging. Do not wipe the needle with alcohol. This removes the Teflon coating. Recap the needle when not in use. Store the syringe at room temperature. Keep the outside of the sy Continue reading >>
How to store Solostar insulin?
Cold insulin is more painful to inject. Keep SoloSTAR® out of the reach and sight of children. Keep your SoloSTAR® in cool storage (36°F–46 °F [2°C–8°C]) until first use. Do not allow it to freeze. Do not put it next to the freezer compartment of your refrigerator, or next to a freezer pack. Once you take your SoloSTAR® out of cool storage, for use or as a spare, you can use it for up to 28 days. During this time it can be safely kept at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C). Do not use it after this time. SoloSTAR® in use must not be stored in a refrigerator. Do not use SoloSTAR® after the expiration date printed on the label of the pen or on the carton. Protect SoloSTAR® from light. Discard your used SoloSTAR® as required by your local authorities. Protect your SoloSTAR® from dust and dirt. You can clean the outside of your SoloSTAR® by wiping it with a damp cloth. Do not soak, wash, or lubricate the pen as this may damage it. Your SoloSTAR® is designed to work accurately and safely. It should be handled with care. Avoid situations where SoloSTAR® might be damaged. If you are concerned that your SoloSTAR® may be damaged, use a new one. Continue reading >>
How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once A Vial Is Started?
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. Diabetic patients treated with insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are prone to often unexplained swings in their blood glucose. These swings can vary from dangerously low to persistently high levels. Most diabetic patients, and most physicians, will adjust insulin regimens so as to avoid hypoglycemia at the expense of hyperglycemia. Among the “textbook” reasons for variable glucose responses to any given insulin regimen are 1) site of administration, 2) exercise, 3) bottles not adequately mixed before drawing the insulin (for NPH, Lente, or Ultralente), and 4) duration of treatment with insulin (1). A new insulin was marketed by Aventis Pharmaceuticals about 1 year ago, insulin glargine (Lantus). The manufacturer seemed to stress that patients not use a started bottle of this insulin for >28 days (2). Two patients of mine highlighted this point. L.K. is a 76-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed at 55 years of age, and treated with insulin since age 56. Her insulin regimen was changed to Lantus at night together with Novolog before meals. She monitors her blood glucose four times a day. She used a bottle of Lantus until it ran out; therefore, a bottle lasted for 2 months. Her recent HbA1c was 7.6%. I retrospectively analyzed her home glucose readings by averaging her fasting blood glucose levels for the first 15 days of a new bottle and the last 15 days of tha Continue reading >>
Can you take Lantus with insulin?
Do not take Lantus® during episodes of low blood sugar or if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus®. Do not share needles, insulin pens, or syringes with others. Do NOT reuse needles. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed. Heart failure can occur if you are taking insulin together with certain medicines called TZDs (thiazolidinediones), even if you have never had heart failure or other heart problems. If you already have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with Lantus®. Your treatment with TZDs and Lantus® may need to be changed or stopped by your doctor if you have new or worsening heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have any new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, including: Sudden weight gain Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements, including herbal supplements. Lantus® should be taken once a day at the same time every day. Test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Always make sure you have the correct insulin before each injection. While using Lantus®, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until Continue reading >>
Can Insulin Go Back In The Fridge?
After removing insulin glargine (Lantus) from the refrigerator for use, can it be refrigerated over and over again after having warmed to room temperature, or does this degrade it? Continue reading >>
How Do I Store Unopened Insulin Bottles?
Store newly purchased, unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator in their original carton to keep them clean and protected from light. When you're ready to use a bottle of insulin, you can remove it from the fridge and generally keep it at room temperature (below 86 degrees F) for up to one month. But the sterility and potency of an opened bottle of insulin are affected by the number of insulin injections per day, the volume of insulin remaining in the bottle and exposure to light and agitation. For this reason, it's important to discuss your insulin dosage and storage—and review patient information available on the insulin manufacturer’s website—with the doctor treating your diabetes. You should also check opened bottles of insulin carefully for discoloration or particles. Never store insulin in the freezer or in direct sunlight and always be sure to check the expiration date. By Joyce A. Generali, M.S. FASHP, R.Ph., director of the University of Kansas Drug Information Center and the author of The Pharmacy Technician’s Pocket Drug Reference From our sister publication, Diabetes Focus, Summer 2011 Publication Review By: the Editorial Staff at HealthCommunities.com Last Modified: 11 Sep 2015 Continue reading >>
How Long Should You Keep Your Open Insulin Vials?
With so many different insulin and insulin-like products out there these days it can be hard to keep track of when your vial should be tossed. Depending on your dose, you may still have insulin left in your vial by the manufacturer-recommended time to throw it away. If this sounds like a familiar situation, know that it is important to throw away your vial regardless of whether you have any leftover. You might think it is wasteful to throw out what you may consider “perfectly good insulin,” but using the medication past the recommended time can actually do you more harm than good. You may notice that if you continue to use insulin from a vial past the manufacturers discard date, your blood glucose could be higher or a greater dose may be needed to achieve a normal blood glucose reading. There are several different types of insulin and a variety of other injectable diabetes medications, and the recommendations for how long they keep varies. For a quick overview, the different categories of insulin are: Rapid-acting Short-acting (regular) Intermediate-acting Long-acting So how long can you hold on to your insulin after you start using a vial? Rapid-acting insulin Short-acting insulin Humulin R: use within 31 days after puncturing vial Humulin R U-500 concentrated: use within 31 days after puncturing vial Intermediate-acting insulin Long-acting insulin Other injectable diabetes medications in vials A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a preferred screening test for diabetes. Done easily with a fingerstick in your physician’s office, it eliminates the need for fasting (not eating) prior to the test. The diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed if two consecutive A1c levels are greater than or equal to 6.5. What is the HbA1c? Red blood cells are permeable to glucose (sugar)—so Continue reading >>
How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once A Vial Is Started?
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. Diabetic patients treated with insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are prone to often unexplained swings in their blood glucose. These swings can vary from dangerously low to persistently high levels. Most diabetic patients, and most physicians, will adjust insulin regimens so as to avoid hypoglycemia at the expense of hyperglycemia. Among the “textbook” reasons for variable glucose responses to any given insulin regimen are 1) site of administration, 2) exercise, 3) bottles not adequately mixed before drawing the insulin (for NPH, Lente, or Ultralente), and 4) duration of treatment with insulin (1). A new insulin was marketed by Aventis Pharmaceuticals about 1 year ago, insulin glargine (Lantus). The manufacturer seemed to stress that patients not use a started bottle of this insulin for >28 days (2). Two patients of mine highlighted this point. L.K. is a 76-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed at 55 years of age, and treated with insulin since age 56. Her insulin regimen was changed to Lantus at night together with Novolog before meals. She monitors her blood glucose four times a day. She used a bottle of Lantus until it ran out; therefore, a bottle lasted for 2 months. Her recent HbA1c was 7.6%. I retrospectively analyzed her home glucose readings by averaging her fasting blood glucose levels for the first 15 days of a new bottle and the last 15 days of tha Continue reading >>
How to measure insulin?
Insulin is measured in units. Most bottles, cartridges, and pens of insulin sold in the United States have 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid and are labeled U-100. Different strengths, like U-500, also are available in the U.S. Different strengths are used in other countries. It's important to know the type of insulin you take and whether it should appear cloudy or clear. When you prepare to use a bottle, cartridge, or pen, check the insulin: NPH should look uniformly cloudy after you gently roll the bottle or pen. All other insulin should look clear. If your insulin doesn't look right, don't use it. Take it back to your pharmacy. Don't shake your insulin. Gently roll it. Don't toss it around or handle it roughly. If you don't handle your insulin correctly, it's more likely to clump or frost. Don't use the insulin if you can see clumps after you gently roll the bottle or pen, or if the sides look frosted. Storage Guidelines Take steps to store your insulin correctly, or it might not work. Keep your insulin away from heat and light. Any insulin that you don't store in the refrigerator should be kept as cool as possible (between 56°F and 80°F.) Never let your insulin freeze. If your insulin freezes, don't use it, even after it's thawed. Keep unused bottles, cartridges, and pens of insulin in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F). If stored properly, these will be good until the expiration date listed on the insulin. Keep insulin cartridges and pens that you're currently using at room temperature (between 56°F and 80°F.) Expiration Guidelines An open insulin bottle, cartridge, or pen is only good for a limited time. Follow these guidelines for discarding insulin: Glargine (Lantus): Discard opened bottles, pens, and cartridges 28 days after you've starte Continue reading >>
Can Insulin Go Back In The Fridge?
After removing insulin glargine (Lantus) from the refrigerator for use, can it be refrigerated over and over again after having warmed to room temperature, or does this degrade it? Continue reading >>
What is lantus used for?
What Is Lantus (Insulin Glargine)? Lantus is the brand name of insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin used to treat adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control high blood sugar. Lantus replaces the insulin that your body no longer produces. Insulin is a natural substance that allows your body to convert dietary sugar into energy and helps store energy for later use. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, your body does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is not used properly, causing a rise in blood sugar. Like other types of insulin, Lantus is used to normalize blood sugar levels. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual dysfunction. Proper control of diabetes has also been shown to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Lantus is meant to be used alongside a proper diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor. Lantus is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. It was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 as the first long-acting human insulin administered once a day with a 24-hour sugar-lowering effect. Lantus Warnings You will be taught how to properly inject this medication since that is the only way to use it. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. Always wash your hands before measuring and injecting insulin. Lantus is always clear and colorless; look for cloudy solution or clumps in the container before injecting it. Do not use Lantus to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. A short-acting insulin is used to treat this condition. It is recommended that you take a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and how to manage it. Other medical problems may affect the use of this Continue reading >>
How Do I Store Unopened Insulin Bottles?
Store newly purchased, unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator in their original carton to keep them clean and protected from light. When you're ready to use a bottle of insulin, you can remove it from the fridge and generally keep it at room temperature (below 86 degrees F) for up to one month. But the sterility and potency of an opened bottle of insulin are affected by the number of insulin injections per day, the volume of insulin remaining in the bottle and exposure to light and agitation. For this reason, it's important to discuss your insulin dosage and storage—and review patient information available on the insulin manufacturer’s website—with the doctor treating your diabetes. You should also check opened bottles of insulin carefully for discoloration or particles. Never store insulin in the freezer or in direct sunlight and always be sure to check the expiration date. By Joyce A. Generali, M.S. FASHP, R.Ph., director of the University of Kansas Drug Information Center and the author of The Pharmacy Technician’s Pocket Drug Reference From our sister publication, Diabetes Focus, Summer 2011 Publication Review By: the Editorial Staff at HealthCommunities.com Last Modified: 11 Sep 2015 Continue reading >>
How Long Does Insulin Last Once It's Been Opened?
A fellow caregiver asked... My mother has type 2 diabetes and needs help with her insulin injections. After I open a new bottle, how long does insulin last for, how should I store it, and how do I know whether it's gone bad? Expert Answers As a general rule, most bottles of insulin are good for 28 days once they're opened. Of course, how quickly a person goes through a vial is highly individual. Some may go through a bottle in a week or two. Others, on a lower dosage, may not use all the insulin within four weeks. But the drug's stability and potency is only guaranteed for 28 days. Opened insulin pens typically last 14 days, though some last only 10 days. If you're uncertain, check with your mother's pharmacist to find out how long her insulin should last. When either of you opens a new vial or pen, make a note on the calendar -- and note the date when you'll need to throw out any remaining insulin. It's best to store an opened bottle of insulin at room temperature, even though manufacturers often recommend refrigeration for opened containers. It's usually less painful to inject insulin when it's at room temperature than when it's cold. Store unopened insulin vials and pen cartridges in the fridge, though, where they should last until their expiration date. Insulin shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperatures, so don't leave it in the car, next to the stove, in the freezer, or in the bathroom. If the bottle freezes, it must be discarded. Two typical signs that insulin has gone bad: poor performance and unusual appearance. If your mother is following her treatment plan and her glucose levels stay stubbornly, inexplicably high, her insulin may have lost its potency. Insulin that's cloudy when it's supposed to be clear or that contains particles, crystals, or small clumps Continue reading >>
How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once A Vial Is Started?
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. Diabetic patients treated with insulin, whether for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are prone to often unexplained swings in their blood glucose. These swings can vary from dangerously low to persistently high levels. Most diabetic patients, and most physicians, will adjust insulin regimens so as to avoid hypoglycemia at the expense of hyperglycemia. Among the “textbook” reasons for variable glucose responses to any given insulin regimen are 1) site of administration, 2) exercise, 3) bottles not adequately mixed before drawing the insulin (for NPH, Lente, or Ultralente), and 4) duration of treatment with insulin (1). A new insulin was marketed by Aventis Pharmaceuticals about 1 year ago, insulin glargine (Lantus). The manufacturer seemed to stress that patients not use a started bottle of this insulin for >28 days (2). Two patients of mine highlighted this point. L.K. is a 76-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes, diagnosed at 55 years of age, and treated with insulin since age 56. Her insulin regimen was changed to Lantus at night together with Novolog before meals. She monitors her blood glucose four times a day. She used a bottle of Lantus until it ran out; therefore, a bottle lasted for 2 months. Her recent HbA1c was 7.6%. I retrospectively analyzed her home glucose readings by averaging her fasting blood glucose levels for the first 15 days of a new bottle and the last 15 days of tha Continue reading >>
How to store insulin during a disaster?
So many of my readers with diabetes worry how they can ever survive a long-term disaster, especially if they require insulin to live. As they know, there’s no substitute for it, and insulin doesn’t store forever. With a good expiration date, though, insulin can keep a good year or two. The key is proper storage. To last more than a month, it must be refrigerated. Fortunately, this is possible even without electricity. 5 Options for Insulin Storage During Disasters Get a generator. Just have lots of gas and oil to keep it running. – Get a refrigerator that runs on propane. Just have plenty of propane. – Get a solar-powered refrigerator, such as one of SunDanzer’s. But get ready for sticker shock. A tiny one costs $699. (For the only one that’s battery-free, you’ll still need to have your own solar panel.) – This one’s so cool :) but you have to live in an area where the humidity doesn’t get to seventy-five percent or it doesn’t work. It’s called a zeer pot, or a pot-in-pot. All you need are a couple of different-sized clay pots, sand, a cloth to cover it, and water. The water doesn’t even have to be drinkable. At the bottom of this post is a video I found on how to make it. I haven’t used or made one, so you may want to try it out in advance with a thermometer inside, to see how well it works. The problem I see with this is you never know what the exact temperature in it will be, and it might fluctuate, but in a desperate situation, it could be worth a try. – Store your insulin in a hole in the ground. Just be sure it’s four feet or more deep, and the insulin is in a watertight container. That’ll keep the bottles at around fifty degrees Fahrenheit. The package insert usually says to keep the insulin below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and to nev Continue reading >>
How to measure insulin?
Insulin is measured in units. Most bottles, cartridges, and pens of insulin sold in the United States have 100 units of insulin per milliliter of fluid and are labeled U-100. Different strengths, like U-500, also are available in the U.S. Different strengths are used in other countries. It's important to know the type of insulin you take and whether it should appear cloudy or clear. When you prepare to use a bottle, cartridge, or pen, check the insulin: NPH should look uniformly cloudy after you gently roll the bottle or pen. All other insulin should look clear. If your insulin doesn't look right, don't use it. Take it back to your pharmacy. Don't shake your insulin. Gently roll it. Don't toss it around or handle it roughly. If you don't handle your insulin correctly, it's more likely to clump or frost. Don't use the insulin if you can see clumps after you gently roll the bottle or pen, or if the sides look frosted. Storage Guidelines Take steps to store your insulin correctly, or it might not work. Keep your insulin away from heat and light. Any insulin that you don't store in the refrigerator should be kept as cool as possible (between 56°F and 80°F.) Never let your insulin freeze. If your insulin freezes, don't use it, even after it's thawed. Keep unused bottles, cartridges, and pens of insulin in the refrigerator (between 36°F and 46°F). If stored properly, these will be good until the expiration date listed on the insulin. Keep insulin cartridges and pens that you're currently using at room temperature (between 56°F and 80°F.) Expiration Guidelines An open insulin bottle, cartridge, or pen is only good for a limited time. Follow these guidelines for discarding insulin: Glargine (Lantus): Discard opened bottles, pens, and cartridges 28 days after you've starte Continue reading >>
Can I Use My Insulin Past Its Expiration Date?
Insulin Nation hosts a regular Q&A column from IDS that answers questions submitted from the Type 1 diabetes community. Q: Should I really worry about using insulin after its expiration date ? What about using it for more than 30 days? I think the insulin companies promote that just to make us throw out good insulin. A: When it comes to insulin, we have to make darned sure that the stuff is at full potency, or blood glucose levels can go dangerously high. The insulin manufacturers are required to test their products rigorously before bringing them to market. They can more or less guarantee that their products will work as indicated if used within the expiration date and for not more than a month after the seal on the vial, cartridge, or pen is broken. This is, of course, assuming that the insulin has been stored properly and not exposed to extreme heat, freezing cold, or direct sunlight. sponsor Does this mean that insulin suddenly goes belly up at the stroke of midnight on the expiration date, or 28 days after being put into use? Hardly. Many people, including clinicians with diabetes, have used insulin beyond the “deadlines” without a hitch. It simply means that the manufacturer has not tested their product beyond the dates indicated, so there is no guarantee — no way of knowing exactly how long the insulin will remain at full strength. Read “Can I Get Insulin Over the Counter?” This is where common sense comes into play. For those with good insurance coverage and plenty of insulin on-hand, it’s best to follow the rules and discard i Continue reading >>
How long can insulin be stored in the refrigerator?
Insulin from various manufacturers is often made available to patients in an emergency and may be different from a patient's usual insulin. After a disaster, patients in the affected area may not have access to refrigeration. According to the product labels from all three U.S. insulin manufacturers, it is recommended that insulin be stored in a refrigerator at approximately 36°F to 46°F. Unopened and stored in this manner, these products maintain potency until the expiration date on the package.
How long can insulin be left unopened?
Insulin products contained in vials or cartridges supplied by the manufacturers (opened or unopened) may be left unrefrigerated at a temperature between 59°F and 86°F for up to 28 days and continue to work.
How long does it take for insulin to be injected?
Insulin mixes containing a rapid-acting insulin analog (e.g., Humalog Mix, Novolog Mix) should be injected closer (within 15 minutes) to the start of the meal compared to mixes containing regular insulin (e.g., Humulin 70/30). If an insulin mix is not available, patients should follow this two-step process:
What temperature should insulin be stored at?
This can result in loss of blood glucose control over time. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86°F. You should try to keep insulin as cool as possible.
When is close monitoring of blood glucose and adjustment in insulin dose needed?
Close monitoring of blood glucose and adjustment in insulin dose may be needed in the transition period.
How long should insulin be in a pump?
Insulin contained in the infusion set of a pump device (e.g., reservoir, tubing, catheters) should be discarded after 48 hours. Insulin contained in the infusion set of a pump device and exposed to temperature exceeding 98.6°F should be discarded.
Can Lantus be substituted for Levemir?
Likewise, these intermediate insulins may also be substituted for long-ac ting insulins ( e.g., Lantus, Levemir) on a total unit-per-day basis, or vice versa in emergency conditions. Importantly, when switching from a once a day long-acting insulin (e.g., Lantus, Levemir) to an intermediate-acting insulin the dose of the once a day long-acting ...
