Spare Insulin Pens when travelling

[noblehead]

That it can be stored below 30 once opened. A Novorapid pen lasts me for weeks, so it's significant to not have to store it in a fridge, numerous med advice sites give this guidance.

Yes I'm aware of that already, but you can't use it beyond 4 weeks by putting it back in the fridge, that's what I was saying in reply to CopePod post if the insulin hasn't been refrigerated throughout.

 

[copepod]

In practice, even if air temperature is above 18 - 26oC, provided insulin is well insulated eg pen wrapped in a T shirt, and bag not exposed to direct sunlight, nor left in a hot car etc, then it will take a long time for insulin to reach 26oC. Frio wallets need to be exposed to air so they can evapourate to cool. Personally, if I use a device, which I did, for example when leading a 1 month expedition to Costa Rica and 6 weeks in Chile, followed by 1 month in Falklands, followed by 1 month in South Georgia, linked by 2 x 4 day voyages on HMS Endurance, I used a small & cheap stainless steel vacuum flask filled with fridge cooled water to store insulin cartridges between fridges in various locations on military bases etc. This has the big advantage over Frio of offering physical protection against knocks / crushing / vibrations etc, as well as being very cheap - I've seen 0.5litre flasks for as little as £5, but already owned a couple when diagnosed 19 years ago, which I'm still using. I doubt a £15 - £20 Frio pouch would last that long.

While it may not be officially sanctioned to put insulin back in fridge to extend the 28 day period, I've made enquiries with insulin manufacturing companies, who were happy to confirm that it was OK, if it meant peoiple with type 1 diabetes could go to exciting places.

 

[tim2000s]

@copepod WHen I have travelled I have used a similar item. I have carried insulin around Greece in 40 degree heat and Australia in similar using a stainless steel flask.

The other thing I'd comment is that if you are carrying spare vials of insulin, take a packet of disposable syringes with you as back up. They provide an easily packed back up that can be used with the insulin Penfills and if the worst came to the worst, you can reuse them. A pack of 10 would comfortably last for a month.

 

[Spicey245]

I ALWAYS take spare pens with me on any holiday or trip away from home. When I get to my destination I just put the spares in the mini bar fridge in the hotel room.