How to Properly Handle Diabetes Insulin at Home
Storing Your Medications In a Cool Temperature Environment
Insulin mediations are sensitive to temperatures. The medications are to be kept away from direct heat caused by the sun. Insulin medications that are not used or open should be stored safely in the refrigerator with a temperature range of 36°F to 46°F. Please note that opened insulin should be kept at room temperature from 56°F to 80°F. You may place your insulin inside a container or bag that blocks it from direct sunlight.
Insulin is typically good until it’s stated expiry date enlisted on the bottle. However, once the seal has been opened the medication is typically good for 28 days after the medication has been exposed to air. Examples would be the following: Both Lantus (Glargine) and Humalog (Lispro) last only 28 days after opening when left outside of the refrigerator.Consult your primary physician regarding any inquiries regarding the shelf life of the medication once your medication has been opened. Your physician will inform you of the appropriate time to use your medications. Always consult a physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns prior to use of the medications.
Knowing the various insulins available in the market, knowing what works for you and what your preference is will help you identify which insulins are suitable for you. Factors to consider are the types, the strengths and the purpose of use for what’s been assigned to you from your doctor. Always inspect the product that you receive whether it be a pen, vial or cartridge prior to use. By observing the product prior to use this will help determine if it looks safe to use. Gently roll the insulin bottle and pen while inspecting.
Should you notice any discoloration, clumps or frost please take pictures of your medications prior to disposal. Immediately discard the medication after you have taken photos. All insulin medications should be clear. Should you see NPH and should it be cloudy give us a call and consult a Pharmacist prior to use to be safe. Keep your medications in the refrigerator out in the clear separate from food. This way you know where it is at all times.
To ensure quality use of your medications please make sure to write down the date that you have opened your medication. This will help you to remember when to discard and dispose of it.
When placing an order for your medication always be sure to double check the medication that you are purchasing. Double check to ensure it reflects the correct strength. As well Prior to injection, check the amount you have in your syringe.
To avoid discomfort, refrain from using cold insulin. When injecting cold insulin you may experience discomfort. Suggestion: Once you remove your insulin from the refrigerator keep it at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to use.
Did you know that the cold and body heat can actually degrade insulin? Should you be using an insulin pump, please keep track of how long and where you wear it. Make sure to jot this down in your phone or notebook. It is important and highly recommended to change your reservoir every 2-3 days or whenever you change your infusion set.
If You Have To Doubt It – Don’t Use It.
Should you ever have to second guess the safety of your insulin vial, pen or cartridge it is best to dispose of it immediately. Open a new one. Do NOT take anything you are not sure of.
How to Store Insulin At Home – Go To Tips
We know that the temperature inside a refrigerator can fluctuate. That can result in your insulin freezing regardless if it is not in the freezer. Other negative impacts that are a result of bad temperatures is discoloration, deterioration of the synthetic hormone which leaves you with incorrect blood glucose for your readings. To ensure that the temperature inside your refrigerator is stable at 39° F or 4° C it is recommended that you use a thermometer. By doing this, this ensures it does not drop down to that “freezing” point.
The “go-to” place to store your insulin would be inside the fridge on the top door’s shelf. This is where you would usually put your cheese, butter or dairy products. It wouldn’t hurt to have a temperature monitor inside.
Avoid leaving insulin in your parked car. A vehicle can have it’s interior affected by weather conditions which results in extremely cool or overly hot weather. Always be sure to inspect the appearance of your medication prior to its’ usage.
As mentioned, keep your insulin in an isolated container. This can be a container or a bag. This will help protect the product from extreme heat or coolness. By doing this it also ensures to avoid unnecessary spills if you are carrying the medication outside of the house.
It is advised to keep your medication and all that is related to the use of your medication organized. This includes anything and everything from: needles, glucometer strips, alcohol, syringes, cotton balls and diabetes devices.
Make sure to take the time to label your insulin medications. Should you be using various insulin types it is required that you closely monitor your medications and keep a log on which days you use which. This requires close monitoring of your blood sugar and your physician should be aware of all the medications you are currently taking. You should also be sure to inform our team should you be choosing to fill your medications with us. Be sure to always check the packaging of your medications regarding anything related to storage and type of insulin you are using.
It is highly recommended to always keep track of your personal inventory. Always have a bottle in stock for regular use and an emergency bottle for just in case. It is very important that you always keep supply of your medication at home to prevent any complications or problems that could have been avoided.
Should you be in need of refilling your medications, you can place your order with USAScriptHelpers.com. Did you know we fill medications for up to 90 days and that USA Script Helpers not only ships insulin but other diabetes medications as well? USA Script Helpers ships medications at a flat rate of $29.99 USD.
Our insulin products and all other medications are shipped using reputable vendors. Our medications are shipped within 7-10 business days from the date we receive your order, prescription and method of payment. Should there be any delay in receiving your medications please do not hesitate to contact us. A member of our customer service specialist team will contact you.
Your Health. Your Diabetes Insulin. Staying Healthy And Providing You The Support You Need.
Given all the tips that we provided, you should now know how to properly store your medications. By maintaining proper storage procedures your insulins should keep your blood sugar up to date. Be mindful that room temperature plays an important and essential role in all insulin products’ purpose of quality. If you ever have to doubt using your medication, do not use it. Seek medical advice. Do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.
Why Purchase Insulin Online Rather Than Locally?
Savings, Savings, Savings. If you plan ahead and you purchase in quantity you are not only putting money back into your pockets, you are saving for your future. The inflated rates of medications in the USA make it hard to purchase the medications that you need to live better and to live comfortably. By purchasing your medications with USAScriptHelpers.com we not only ensure the quality and price of medications are rational, we provide excellent customer service. We put you first and that’s a guarantee.