I know the general rules, and maybe I’m worried about nothing but I’ll ask anyway. I keep my spare vials in the fridge, not the freezer, of course. Today, my daughter visiting us decided to clean the fridge! She took the spares out and sat them on the counter and started cleaning the fridge. I’m not sure but I think I got them into a cooler with an ice pack in time for them not to reach room temp, but IF a vial with its lid intact reaches room temp and is then cooled back down to its proper temperature range, does it keep its integrity or has its 28 day clock started?
I don’t use vials but order my Humalog in cartridges from Canada. Although the pharmacy packs my insulin in a styrofoam cooler with several ice packs, the ice packs are always totally melted to water by the time I receive my insulin and the inside of the cooler is about at room temperature. When my insulin arrives, I put the insulin in the fridge and then use it over the next 6 months. I only order my insulin twice a year when the weather is cooler so that the insulin is not exposed to extreme heat during transport. The first few times I worried my insulin would degrade rapidly but have been doing this for many years without any issues.
I’ve found the temperature tolerance of insulin vials, outside of being left if a too-hot parked car or frozen, is sturdy. I’ve exposed my insulin supply, like not refrigerating spare insulin during a vacation excursion, to less than ideal temperatures and have not had any bad experiences.
If you’re worried, just mark the vials and be extra mindful of your BG numbers when using. There are so many factors to good glucose control, I suspect that any degradation of the insulin that might occur will be lost in the “noise.”
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I keep unopened insulin at room temp all the time. It’s never been an issue. After I open it, I keep it in the fridge.
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Thank your daughter for cleaning the fridge and don’t worry. There is NO WAY insulin would be harmed by reaching room temperature for a short period.
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News that various insulins can be stored at oscillating temperatures ranging between 25 and 37°C for 4 weeks without becoming less effective is positive and reassuring for people with diabetes who live in places without reliable access to refrigeration, such as refugee camps. The study, reported on Feb 3, 2021, shows that a range of insulins can be stored at warmer temperatures than previously recommended, making it easier for people with diabetes to adhere to effective treatment.
The Lancet, April 2021
Insulin storage without refrigeration
(free registration required to read the article)
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Thx all for the helpful and encouraging info.