old insulin?

Question

I am new to diabities and need to know the ins and outs. I have been taking insulin that I only just noticed was expired even before I got it. on my last two injections it felt like I was pumping battery acid in me. it burned .. having never felt that before I checked the bottle. it said expires July of 2006. I only got it late Sep.
by useing it have I given myself any long lasting ill effects?

Answer 1

You should contact your doctor immediately. The likelihood of actually injuring yourself is somewhat low, but insulin injections are *not* supposed to hurt beyond the needle. Not only do you need to make sure that you haven't injected yourself with something harmful, but you need to get a new batch of insulin.

Answer 2

Return the insulin to the pharmacy. They will replace it with a fresh supply. It's good you noticed the date. Most people don't. Do not use insulin if it has expired. After that date the medicine starts to break down and its properties are no longer stable. The burning could come from the insulin being too cold. You should take it out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before the injection. It could also be a sign of an allergic reaction, especially if it itches and the site gets red. I have been taking insulin for many years and I sometimes give an injection that burns like fire. Most likely it has hit a nerve or a blood vessel when that happens. Ask your pharmacist about adverse effects using expired insulin.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Some types of insulin are good for 90 days (such as novolin 70/30). Other types (like lantus or novolog) are only good for 30 days...but that is once they are opened. You could keep an upopened bottle of insulin for a long time. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If it truly was expired, you would have noticed that your blood sugar did not come down. If you still have concerns you might want to check with your pharmacist.

Answer 5

I'm a RN who was a Diabetes Nurse Educator and have also taught nursing for over 20 years. I'm sorry about the negative experience you had with your insulin and appreciate your desire to find out more information about the situation. First of all always check the label on the insulin bottle to make sure that it is the correct brand and type of insulin that your doctor prescribed, check the expiration date to see that it isn't expired, check the color of the liquid to see if it is clear (not yellowish)and if there are any lumps present in the bottle (which shouldn't be there), make sure the insulin is room temp. when preparing your injection syringe (take insulin out of fridge 30 min. before it is to be used). Insulin should never burn and if that ever happens use a new bottle of insulin. In response to your concern about any long lasting ill effects, the worst is now behind you. Obviously there was a definite problem with the insulin so it had no positive influence on lowering your blood sugar levels on either of those two days. Sometimes people develop a small lump or calcium deposit at the two injection sites where the bad insulin was given and perhaps your body absorbed all of the injected insulin without it irritating your tissue. If you have any additional concerns about the 2 sites you should have your physician check them out for you.but you should have no long lasting ill effects. The good news is that you caught the problem yourself when it occurred a second time. If I were you I would take your outdated bottle of insulin in hand along with the bill if you still have it and march right back to the pharmacist who filled your prescription and share all of your concerns regarding the insulin with him and request a replacement bottle of insulin at no cost to you. In case the pharmacist wants more proof remind him that he has your physician's dated prescription for the insulin on file which he can easily check. I have had Pharmacists check prescription records on file on several occasions and that is why the law says that they must do so for your protection. I would also call your doctor's office to report the incident and see if they can arrange for you to attend some basic Diabetes classes. You may also find it helpful to go to www.google.com and to go to www.ask.com and type in Basic Diabetes Care or Diabetes Management and you will be given numerous Diabetes internet sites that would be helpful. Good luck to you my dear and God bless you.

Answer 6

shouldnt have long lasting effects, the insulin was more ineffective than anything. NEVER use expired insulin or any other medication. it lasts a lot longer if you keep it refrigerated. the expiration date refers to an unopened bottle. once opened it only last about 30 days unrefrigerated and 60-90 refrigerated, depending on the type use use. Ask yuor Dr. to give you some handout on diabetes and insulin preparation and storage

Answer 7

first and formost, IMMEDIATELY take the insulin back to the pharmacy where you got and and tell them that they gave you old insulin and INSIST that they give you new insulin. As the other person said it shouldn't burn like crazy when you inject it. It can really hurt you if there\s anything wrong w/ the insulin.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

I don't think you have anything to worry about in the long run, but depending on what insulin you're taking you might want to contact at the very LEAST a pharmacist. It can be unpredictable causing lows or highs. I don't however think you've poisoned yourself. Do however make the call, they might have you call your doctor for further instruction. Take care.

Answer 10

Hi
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http://www.diabetesforums.com/