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January 9, 2005

Insulin

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Question from Newaygo, Michigan, USA:

What happens when insulin is “old?” Does it become poisonous or just lose its effectiveness? How long after the date on the bottle does this happen? How can a person tell?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Provided it’s not frozen or cooked, then insulin lasts much longer than the shelf-life that manufacturers quote. However, it does gradually lose its potency which would be manifest by poorer control.

KJR

[Editor’s comment: For more information, you may want to read How Long Should Insulin Be Used Once a Vial Is Started?”.

BH]