Well I'll be doing a 4-day safari soon, and I don't own a FRIO. Instead, i only own cooling bags that of course lose the cold temperature with time. But then again, my insulin pen never goes in the fridge, and the insulin cartridge is replaced every 4 days approximately. So would it really be a bad idea if I go with 2 filled pens (actrapid and lantus) and at least two closed insulin cartridges? I mean what do the people who use half the insulin I use do?
Additionally, it's winter time and the desert temperature could reach 0°c at night. So it's safe half the day, right?
As soon as you start keeping it out of the fridge, lantus has 28 days and actrapid has 42 days before they go bad. If you let them stay in temperatures of about 95 degrees plus (fahrenheit) then they go bad faster.
Also if they freeze they are bad, period. Don't let them freeze.
Keep in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. Keep vials away from direct heat or light. Throw away an opened vial after 28 days of use, even if there is insulin left in the vial. Unopened vials can be used until the expiration date on the Humalog carton and label, if the medicine has been stored in a refrigerator.
If your cooling packs can keep the insulin below 86F/30C then Eli Lilly "Garuntees" that it will be good for 28 days. Chances are that these recomedation are on the safe side and you can push these, but I cannot tell you how far you can push it.
I was told, once they are opened, and you are in extreme temperatures (hot or cold), then carry 'em close to your body, so it will always stay around the same temperature.
So I usually carry mine in my inside jacket pocket in the winter.
I spent 3 months backpacking with my insulin unrefrigerated, and it only lost efficacy towards the very end. 4 days is not an issue, but don't leave it lying in the sun! I've also spent 2 months in Tibet and far western China. Just put your insulin at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
