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May 6, 2008

Insulin

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Question from San Jose, California, USA:

If an open vial of insulin (at a coolish room temperature) is good for 30 days, how long is an open vial of insulin good for when stored in the refrigerator?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Insulin makers recommend 30 days for any opened vial of insulin, assuming that it has not been exposed to temperature extremes. Part of the issue is temperature, but part is exposure to germs through repeated penetrations by a needle to extract insulin. With that said, many families report being able to use insulin beyond 30 days when it has been stored in a refrigerator.

JSH