Is it ok to store an insulin needle in the refrigerator? I have an insanely hard time remembering to take my Lantus, and for some reason, as long as the syringe is in the fridge, already filled up, I can take it, but now I worry that I might be doing damage to the needle itself. Anyone know if it is ok for me to do this. I have been filling my syringes for the week when I fill my pillbox and it is SOOOO much easier this way.
hmm i don’t see why this is wrong… but that’s just me 
One time my diabetes educator said she would get me a pre filled needle box, so i didn’t have to take my whole bottle of insulin to work. I never got it, but i don’t see why it would hurt any to do that. Maybe get a case to put them in and make sure they don’t roll around to much. Or you could try the lantus/levemir pens, there pretty neat. Goodluck!
Thanks!
no problem, hey if it works it works lol.
My Mother was type 1 for 35 yrs and had always kept her syringes in the refridge. So, when I became diabetic I started to do the same. I dont prefill my insulin and put it in the refridge, but, I do keep the bag in the compartment with my Levemir and also a syringe in a small cup along with my Humalog. Just makes it easier. Plus my Mom always told me if I had to grab my insulins in an emergency that I would always have the syringes handy too!! Ha, she was always thinking ahead.
I prefill syringes with humalog and carry them in a hardbound eyeglass case and replace them as needed. I have never had a problem with my insulin, always works just fine.
Not a stupid question at all!
Most insulins can be filled & stored in the fridge for a week or longer, but not Lantus. Lantus also starts losing potency at 28 days.
“According to tests run by Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Lantus® insulin changes in appearance after just 2 days in a prefilled syringe.2 The company does not recommend prefilling and storing syringes with Lantus®.2 However, Lantus® insulin is now available in a refillable pen with cartridges.”
Have you noticed a difference in the Lantus in the syringe compared to that in the vial? It should be clear, not cloudy.
To forget the basal insulin is really annoying. The Lilly HumaPen Memoir will remember the last 16 doses and their time. It can be modified to be ready for the Lantus vial as you can read here.
I haven’t noticed a difference but truthfully I haven’t been paying attention. I will check tonight and see what it looks like, I just filled 5 last night. I use 2 a day so 2 1/2 days worth. I’ll check and see what they look like and then decide whether to keep filling them or just leave the needles in there. My “lovely” insurance does not pay for the Lantus pens. Well, that isn’t true, they will pay for half the number I need monthly. Isn’t that nice of them?! But hey, at least they are paying for something. So I just get the vials since they cover those. I’m very lucky to have insurance in the first place so don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to sound ungrateful.
It won’t look quite as clear as that in the vial because of the plastic, but it shouldn’t look cloudy.
I had pens & didn’t like them. They hurt & I had constant bruising,
In case this helps with insurance co-pays, Levemir last longer than Lantus’ 28 days. Levemir also doesn’t sting. My Levemir stays potent for at least 6 weeks & that helps with cost. I’ve also found Levemir to be more stable. I had lows with Lantus on the same dosage.
My new Endo asked me if I wanted Lantus or Levemir. I still have some Lantus from the last time I tried to remember to take it regularly so I opted to use that. I see her again in about 2 weeks so I will ask about the Levemir. Thank you!
Funny that she asked you which one you wanted. I had to fight with my endo about not wanting Lantus when I wanted to change. I’m doing far better on Levemir & no stinging.
I ask my endo for free samples. Good way to save some bucks. I got a coupon for a free pen & needles, but I didn’t like it.
Up until a month ago I worked for a doctor (I resigned sadly…) and I had access to some pretty fantastic drug reps. My boss/the doctor made sure samples were always available for me since she didn’t offer health insurance (get that!). Luckily my husband has the best insurance in our state (thanks to his employers) so I’m pretty lucky overall.
So does Levemir work the same way as Lantus (as in: long acting)?
Perfect comment on the state of things when a doctor doesn’t offer health insurance.
Yep, Levemir & Lantus are both long acting basal insulin. Most people use the same dose when they switch.