[Southcoast June]

When I first went on the pens for my 2 insulins, I was told they needed to be refrigerated at all times.

Then, after about 4 years, my insurance wouldn't pay for the pens, so I had to go back on the syringes for 2 years. Then, 3 years ago, the insurance decided they *would* pay for the pens, so back on the pens I went (much easier and convenient for me). I remember seeing something about having to refrigerate until I started a new pen, then they didn't need to be refrigerated. So, I left them out. My logic tells me that pump insulin is not refrigerated, right?

A few months ago, just out of curiosity, I asked the pharmacist, and he says "YES, definitely refrigerate at all times."

My problem is quite a big one: If I don't see those conspicuous pens out there on the counter, I will ultimately forget (yes, forget) to inject.

No kidding. I am still SO undisciplined!!

[Subby]

The pharmacist may not have been clear as to your exact question, or is just plain wrong. Refrigerate while being stored, then when using a pen or vial, have out of the fridge in normal temperatures for up to a month. Advice is usually to discard the rest of an unused pen/vial, at that point. But don't go by what I say: check out the notes that came with each insulin or pen package.

[jenb]

Originally Posted by Subby

The pharmacist may not have been clear as to your exact question, or is just plain wrong. Refrigerate while being stored, then when using a pen or vial, have out of the fridge in normal temperatures for up to a month. Advice is usually to discard the rest of an unused pen/vial, at that point. But don't go by what I say: check out the notes that came with each insulin or pen package.

...The instructions included with both Levemir and Novolog pens are very clear. Refrigerate unopened pens, but keep pens in use at room temperature, Novolog for up to 28 days and Levemir up to 42 days. I'm sure Humalog and Lantus pens will be similar.

Jen

[ramon]

Anyway this time of year its almost as cold outside as in the refrigerator

[Bountyman]

I use the Lantus SoloStar pens. Come 5 in a box. Instructions will tell you to store the unused pens in your refrigerator (at 36-46º) and store the pen you're using at room temperature. Once the pen is opened it has a 28 day shelf life (according to sanofi-aventis, the manufacturer). Since your Lantus injection is 28 units of insulin plus the 2 units to clear the needle--you should completely use each pen up every 10 days.

I use the BD Ultra-Fine 5mm 31G" needles. No need to pinch up the skin and 95% of the time you can't even feel the needle penetrate the skin.

I find since it's winter that my pen gets fairly cold, so, about a half hour before my injection I take the pen and with the pen clip on the cap I hang it inside my t-shirt neck against my skin. Lantus tends to sting a little more than usual when it's cold.

[fgummett]

Good point about the lower ambient temperatures at this time of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere)... consider that a refrigerator may actually be used to "stop" something from freezing. Insulin should not be frozen.

[Bountyman]

Exactly, insulin should not be frozen. The water in the Lantus solution not only purges the other contents from it as it freezes, but water expands about 10% when it's frozen and there's a very good chance of it cracking the vial. Even though it may not crack the vial the contents; insulin glargine, the zinc, m-cresol, glycerol, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and water would not recombine into a user-friendy solution.