Does insulin pen expire?

Does insulin pen expire?

Generally, insulin expires 28 days after it’s opened (for a vial or pen), says Fernandez de Fiore, but some pens only last 7 days. It’s important to read all the information on your packaging and speak to your healthcare provider about when your insulin expires after opening it.

How long does Humalog insulin last?

Humalog works quickly to lower your blood sugar. Within 15 minutes after injection, the drug starts to lower your blood sugar levels. And after 1 hour, Humalog will have its maximum effect in your body. Its effect can last up to 4 hours.

Can you use expired Humalog insulin?

Can you still use insulin after the expiration date? Using expired insulin is absolutely not recommended and should only be done if you have no other option. The effectiveness of insulin degrades over time and it’s impossible to predict how well expired insulin will work – or if it will even work at all!

What do you do with expired insulin pens?

You can throw vials, cartridges and disposable pens in the trash. Throw pen needles and syringes into your sharps container. You can buy a sharps container at your local pharmacy. You can find a place to dispose of your sharps container at safeneedledisposal.org.

Does Humalog need to be refrigerated?

Unopened Humalog should be stored in a refrigerator (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) and can be used until the expiration date on the carton or label. Humalog should be stored away from light and heat. Do not freeze and do not use Humalog if it has been frozen.

Should I keep my insulin pen in the fridge?

PEN: Once used for the first time, insulin pens should not be stored in the fridge. Instead, they should be stored at CONTROLLED room temperature. The number of days you can use the pen will depend on which pen you use. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if you use expired insulin?

When insulin has expired, it is not safe to inject. Living with diabetes takes vigilance on so many fronts and this includes looking out for degraded or out-of-date insulin. The risks are high if your insulin is no longer effective, including Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hospitalization.

How long does Humalog last without refrigeration?

Once your Humalog vial, cartridge or prefilled pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), for 28 days. After 28 days, you will need to throw it out, even if it still contains Humalog.

How do you know when an insulin pen is empty?

Press the injection button. You should see a drop of insulin on the tip of the pen. If you do not see a drop, change the needle and repeat this step. If you do not see a drop after you repeat this step 3 times, use a new pen.

What are the side effects of taking expired insulin?

Using insulin past the manufacturer’s expiration date can cause your blood glucose to be higher than expected if you stick to the same dosing you’ve been using all along. High blood sugar can cause symptoms like thirst, fatigue, blurry vision and a frequent need to urinate.