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Is my Insulin still ok???

M

Mervyn

Well-Known Member
Messages
149
Hi,
Have a major problem!! I received my latest batch of insulin a couple of days ago and I went to the fridge to get a new pen and someone had accidentally turned the fridge up to high and according to the fridge thermometer in there, it was minus 4 deg!!!!!! :thumbdown:

The insulin pens did not appear frozen but.......................... will the Insulin still be useable?????? I can see my GP being a tad upset with this as I have only had this new script for 2 days.

The insulin is still in the cardboard box, which may have protected it but, if it was not frozen will it still be ok?? or do I bite the bullet and request a new prescription ???
 
I've been told that the insulin can develop tiny crystals when frozen which are not seen with the naked eye. The crystals don't always dissolve when thawed, and can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the body, so insulin should NOT be used after exposure to freezing temperatures. Sadly, these things happen and GP's should accept that even diabetics are human. Many people have damaged or lost their insulin during trips away etc. I'm sure your GP will understand and if they don't it's too bad, they can't risk your health for a few quid, can they?
 
Thankyou for your reply...I did not know about the crystal formation...thanks for the information...I will be requesting a new script Monday...fortunately I have a half full pen which will keep me going for a couple of days.

Thanks Again
 
Hi mervyn.
This actually happened to me!
Had had my 2yr old grandaughter for the day while her mummy at work.
She had turned the fridge thermostat up ! Kids ... :P
I let my pen thaw out and it was clearly 'cloudy' instead of being like clear transparent water [insulin] .
Had to throw it away, went to my GP's explained and got another script immediately.
Best to play safe here , throw away and start with a fresh one.
Anna.x :D
 
Thanks, yes I think I will blame my grandson although I fear that it was probably me putting the butter back in the fridge the night before :oops:

Just asked for a new script via the GP website :)
 
Just a little tip, my DSN told me, worth mentioning too.
If the fridge door isnt firmly shut and pressed to , the gap in the seal will allow air to get in and alter the pre-set temperature.
This can affect insulin stock/storage also.
I myself have done this busy in the kitchen and not shut the fridge door firmly or properly !
Too easy to do and stocks of my insulin could get damaged.
We all learn as we along with our journeys living with diabetes. Eh...
I learn something new every WEEK !!!! :P
Anna.x :D
 
Anna,
I managed to learn about that one over christmas, fortunately I noticed it fairly soon. I heard a noise from the kitchen, and there was my Tibetan Spaniel tucking into the leftover turkey that was nearly the size of him :lol:
 
Mervyn :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Love that one !!!
Tickled me ... x :D
 
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