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Using old insulin - Levemir

D

D'wards

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I realised i'm out of levemir, and the only one left is one thats been in fridge but was probably used a few months ago, but just been sitting there. Its still in date, expires august 2017

Is this ok to use until my prescription comes in?

Thanks!
 
D'wards said:
I realised i'm out of levemir, and the only one left is one thats been in fridge but was probably used a few months ago, but just been sitting there. Its still in date, expires august 2017

Is this ok to use until my prescription comes in?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Any reason why a half-used one went back into the fridge?
 
D'wards said:
I realised i'm out of levemir, and the only one left is one thats been in fridge but was probably used a few months ago, but just been sitting there. Its still in date, expires august 2017

Is this ok to use until my prescription comes in?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you need to then use it but you can get an emergency supply from Boots, I wouldn't recommend putting half used insulin back in the fridge as the air can make it less effective when it's been used, once opened and then not required it's best to discard.
 
D'wards said:
I realised i'm out of levemir, and the only one left is one thats been in fridge but was probably used a few months ago, but just been sitting there. Its still in date, expires august 2017

Is this ok to use until my prescription comes in?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd just pop along to your usual pharmacy and explain that your out of levemir, as @Juicyj says they can issue you with some insulin until your prescription is processed.
 
D'wards said:
I had taken it away with me as a fresh one, despite having one on the go indoors.

Will it be toxic, or just not work as well?
Click to expand...

Not insulin doesn't get toxic, just less effective once out the fridge they are only stable for around 28 days, that's why getting a new one should be a priority ;)
 
I agree with @Juicyj Ss long as it's clean and uncontaminated,,it won't be toxic, but it may not be as effective as usual.

Best to get a new one if possible.
 
Any insulin that is not needed can go to the third world and the system for this is to post it to uk place who then send it out to those in desparate need. I rang the organistion saying how can this work as it needs constant refridgeration and his reply was that its still usable but not as good as before ,so on that basis I suggested to Dwards use if no other option until emegency supply obtained
 
Yeah, i did a bit of digging around - lots of people i america use well after expiry date or after its been opened, cos they have to pay for it.
I found a study where they tested loads of insulin at different ages and this said the most it degraded was by 10%, but then there's loads of anecdotal stories where people say old stuff hasn't really brought their sugars down at all.
 
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