First of all, I don’t think the manufacturer even know if refrigerating will cause a problem. Now the say after opening the pen to keep it at controlled room temp of 86 degrees F or 36 c. Common sense says keep at a fairly consistent temp above roughly 43 degrees. To bad most of the world today lack common sense. Now I have been using Humalog and levimer for 4 years now and keep both opened and unopened in the frig. Yes I have used them well past the expiration date will no ill side affects and they work just fine. If you ask me, I would say that they tell you to chuck the stuff after 28 days to make more money!!! Just saying.
And yes the cool insulin will burn a little if you shoot it to fast. Do it slow and you won’t get the burning, and by the way, for the short time the insulin is out of the frig will not raise the temp more than a degree or too. I can live with that.
That is apparently their reason. They have to cover their asses. So, I see no reason myself not to store opened pens in the fridge.
I just found an article on line, Does Insulin Expire? Storage, Safety, and How to Tell If Your Insulin Has Gone Bad by a pharmacist, Susan Sloane, RPh, CDCES, CPT, Author at Diabetes Strong
She ends the piece with the following:
The reason for storing in-use insulin at room temperature is that cold insulin can produce a more painful injection.
I keep vials of Lantus in the fridge for years without any problems with painful injections. I learned early on to touch the needle tip to the skin. If there is any sensation of pain, I move a centimeter over. If I would grit my teeth and go ahead there is pain and it lasts for a few minutes. I suspect I am hitting nerve endings.
This has proved true with Humalog as well. On long bike rides I carry two pens in an insulated case with a cold pack. I live in Texas and it can get very hot. No pain issues with room temperature or refrigerated insulin.
I have been giving injections for 62 yrs so I have tons of experience. I rarely have pain with an injection, but I am more likely to if the insulin has been taken right out of the refrigerator.
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