Quote:
Originally Posted by Subby  The papers I've seen on that suggest that what occurs is that potency loss typically begins after 28/30 days - at the rate of a few percent. I don't have a url, but I did find a medical paper on the web at one stage describing this, it is findable. I've also used insulin a few months old a few times - and it's worked ok. So personally I wouldn't write all insulin off at the month mark at all, especially if I was in an emergency. I'd expect it to be useful for a few months, even if likely gradually losing potency.
Other times I've found insulin has lost potency very quickly in a few weeks, in harsh conditions (very hot, in the sun, etc). So I think being as careful as possible and keeping in the coolest place out of sunlight, is a good idea for keeping insulin as long as possible. Better still, as mentioned, Frio type products will go a long way to cheap, tough, portable cooling for insulin.
|
I've also seen it being said that the other issue once a vial goes past 28 days is the increased potential risk fof bacterial growth.
But I've used vials of Lantus for 60 days or more with no noticeable degradation of potency. Once I puncture a vial of Lantus, it sits beside the computer keyboard until it's used up. It's done that during the summertime when temps in that room can get in the upper 70s.
The one thing I have seen scientific research mention is that exposure to sunlight is bad, it will break down insulin molecules. So I'm always mindful to keep it shaded.
But yeah, the insulin doesn't magically go poof and stop working on day 29.
!
Linear Mode
