How long have you been able to use an insulin pen before the insulin isn’t “good” anymore. I have been fighting highs the past few days unrelated to bolus/food. I’m thinking it may be my basal. I may need to open a new pen. I’m currently using Toujeo for basal and apidra for bolus. Any input is appreciated!!
Apidra lasts about 28 days for me, then rapidly decreases in effectiveness…keeping it away from sun light and temperature extremes is key and putting the cap back on…
I read the Toujeo and see that it lasts 42 days, but I have no experience…
Read the drug information on your Insulin. It should be in there somewhere. Get out a magnifying glass first, though!
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Toujeo can be kinda weird that way. Not necessarily a pen gone bad, but a bigger problem with drug action.
Google “Problems with Toujeo” and you’ll get a lot of complaints along the lines that you’re experiencing.
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also temperature range-my insulin has to be kept under 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above 37 degrees F. At my office, it is already approaching 80 degrees F! Another reason I want to telework full time. Right now I am part time telework…
In this temperature range, and assuming no sunlight exposure, I have had pens work well for 4-6 weeks, but I do not have experience with Toujeo
Is there any limit to how long an upopened pen will last in a frige environment? I use a ridiculously low 4 units a day Lantus, and so will keep a box of pens for about 6 months. (At some point I was told that they could not dispense just a single pen - I assume this is some new FDA rule or something?).
I usually end up discarding a pen about 5 to 7 weeks when things seem to start getting “wonky” because of old insulin (I assume - even though I’m only using 4 units a day!) That still leaves about 1/2 to 3/4 of the insulin unused.
my pens have an expiration on the box the pens come in.
Mine too. The expiry date will be printed on back cover of the insulin box.