Why is insulin kept in the fridge

All the money that we raise through the IDDT Lottery goes directly to help people with diabetes and their families. Find out more. NICE is an independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on promoting good health. IDDT International. Close Search. Insulin that is not in use should be stored in the refrigerator. If refrigeration is not possible, it can be kept at room temperature [ degrees C] for 28 days. The in use vial may be kept at room temperature [ degrees C] for 28 days.

The advice about storing insulin may differ from one manufacturer to another and so we have obtained information from the various companies: Wockhardt UK, formerly CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd — manufacturers of natural pork and beef insulins: "Our recommendation is that a single vial may be used repeatedly over a 3 month period, as long as the vial is maintained at the correct storage temperature of 2 to 8 degrees C.

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Brian B. Elena Toschi. Please address with your MD. You might also be interested in…. An opened disposable insulin pen will last for only four weeks maximum regardless of the temperature it is stored in.

For example, rapid-acting insulin, like Humalog and Novolog spoil more quickly than regular and NPH insulins. As always, if in any doubt, consult your doctor. Opened vials of the following insulins and mixtures are stable at room temperature for 28 days between the temperature 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit or under refrigeration between the temperature 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.

In contrast to this, opened vials of insulin detemir Levemir are stable for up to 42 days at the above-recommended temperature conditions. One common thing to remember when refrigerating any insulin types or brands is that they should not be allowed to freeze.

According to research conducted by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Berlin, it was reported that home refrigerators might experience unexpected temperature fluctuations. If, at any point, you end up with frozen insulin, do not use it. This is because freezing temperature above the recommended refrigerating temperature will break down the insulin.

So the insulin will not work well in reducing your blood sugar levels. So discard frozen insulin and replace it with fresh supplies. Find out more information on that here. The views on using insulin while cold do vary. While this might be an issue in more remote areas, one tip is to put the insulin vial in a plastic bag, tie a rubber band around it and insert it in an earthen pot or a wide-mouthed bottle filled with water.

Take the vial out and keep at room temperature, at least 30 minutes before use.