Does insulin really need to be referigated?

Question

have heard too many conflicting answers does it or not

Answer 1

Definitely does. I did clinicals for nursing at 3 different places and everywhere kept it refrigerated.

Answer 2

Insulin is a commonly used drug and this question comes up much. A complicating factor is that there are multiple types of insulins and insulin analogs. The simple answer to the question, however, is- all insulin and insulin analogs are good for at least 28 days regardless of refrigeration or room temperature. That said, you should avoid high temperatures since insulin is a protein and will denature. Also, do not shake the bottle due to problems with protein degredation (like shaking an egg).

Answer 3

I keep my stock in the fridge and only one in my medkit. Since I go through a vial in about 8-9 days, it does ok at room temperature. I have learned the hard way not to let it get hot, as can be case here in Texas during the summer. I can tell you from experience that prolonged heat will cause insulin to lose some of its potency. I'd say what most are stating here about 28 days at room temp is a good guideline. Exposing it to outside conditions during the summer warrants some type of cooling medium, like an insulated ice pack. (Don't freeze the insulin.)

Answer 4

I am an RN who works in a geriatric unit. We do not refrigerate our insulin (we keep it in the resident's drawer). We always date it when we open it and it must be replaced every 28 - 30 days. This is an acceptable practice of storage/usage in nursing homes. You can call the pharmacy to confirm this info with a simple phone call. We keep very close tabs on this, for obvious reasons. If it is refrigerated, it can be kept for the duration of the expiration date on the bottle. No exceptions.

Answer 5

My daughter is diabetic and I keep her insulin refrigerated. They say after it is opened it doesn't have to be as long as it is kept cool or in a cool place, but I just don't trust that. I always keep it either in the refrigerator or if we are out and about it is in a special case with an ice pack to keep it cool. I am always afraid it will spoil and that stuff is expensive and I don't want to take a chance with her health!

Answer 6

Yes because it is a protein. There are now many types of insulin,but best to be safe than sorry. Keep it refrigerated.

Answer 7

it does not need to be referigated but check with your doctor just in case. I live with someone with diabetes and she carries her insluin in a eyeglass case (a hard case not the soft cases)

Answer 8

My humalog will go bad after being at room temperature for 28 days or getting too hot (in the car, etc). It needs to be refrigerated if you don't use it.

Answer 9

Yes it does. Small amount (such as in an insulin pen) can be kept out for limited periods of time.

Answer 10

Keep it in the fridge next to the sugar sweetened soda and box of Twinkies.