Insulin is a medication that needs to be kept at the proper temperature.
Read on to learn why proper storage is essential and get tips for preventing your insulin from becoming damaged.
You may want to use a thermometer to test different spots within your refrigerator.
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It’s usually abouta year from when it is purchased.
It’s important to read and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist.
Open vials can be stored at either room temperature or in a refrigerator for up to 28 days.
This will make your shots less painful.
Cartridges Used in Pens:Opened liquid cartridges should be stored at room temperature, not in a refrigerator.
They are good for between seven to 28 days, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Openedpowdered insulin cartridgesneed to be used within 10 days.
They are sold in blocks of three.
An opened block needs to be used within three days.
If you pick up your insulin at a pharmacy, it shouldn’t be sitting out.
The pharmacist should have to go to a fridge to get it for you.
Mail order insulinshould arrive sealed in a temperature-controlled box.
You may want to talk to your mail carrier about this.
Use either an app or text messaging to track your deliveries.
If you suspect your insulin was damaged during delivery, don’t use it.
Always inspect your insulin before you inject it.
Protecting Your Insulin Vials
Getting insulin requires seeing a doctor and getting a prescription.
And then there’s the actual cost, which hasincreased rapidly over the past few years.
Depending on your insurance coverage, one vial can cost as much as $300.
Given the high cost, you may want to consider investing inan insulin vial protector.
These silicone covers wrap around glass insulin vials and protect them from shattering if you accidentally drop them.
They cost between $6 and $9 apiece.
Summary
Insulin can be damaged and become ineffective if it isn’t stored correctly.
This can hurt your health and be a very costly mistake, since the price of insulin is steep.
That’s why you should always follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Unopened insulin should be kept in the refrigerator.
Opened insulin needs to be stored at the recommended temperatures andkept out of the sunlight.
You also have to be mindful of expiration dates.
A Word From Verywell
Your insulin is vital to controlling your blood sugar levels.
Unlike other drugs, you might’t just put it in the medicine cabinet.
2021;15(1):147-159. doi:10.1177/1932296819900258
American Diabetes Association.Insulin storage and syringe safety.
University of Michigan Health.Storing insulin and prefilling syringes.
