Use By Dates on Active Insulin vials - Pen Injectors

leslie10152

Well-Known Member
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1,110
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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From what I have managed to glean from various sources - a vial of insulin used in a pen injector should be discarded after 25 days of use. Not being refrigerated, it is subjected to room temperature or ambient temperature depending on how it is stored in transit.

From my own experience, I have noticed that insulin over a certain time frame tends to be less effective. Seasonal temperatures can play a significant role in the performance of insulin over time. I date all vials used in my Novopen3 and Lantus pen to 25 days in winter and 20 days in summer to avoid expiry of insulin. Better safe than sorry!;)
 

TheBigNewt

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1,167
Type of diabetes
Type 1
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If one uses 15 units/day a pen will last maximum 20 days if you get every last drop out of it and don't purge any air. Most people use at least 15/day right?
 

Jaylee

Oracle
Retired Moderator
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18,213
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
If one uses 15 units/day a pen will last maximum 20 days if you get every last drop out of it and don't purge any air. Most people use at least 15/day right?

Hi Big Newt,

You were "joshing" about not purging the air??
Gosh! I hope so.... ;)

15 of what basal or bolus...? People do have different insulin requirements...