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May 10, 2002

Insulin Analogs

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Question from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA:

We are considering using the Lilly Humalog pen only when we are away from home or in certain playtime situations where it would be seen as less of a hassle than the formality of a syringe-based injection. We don’t believe there’s a problem alternating between the syringe and the pen. In fact, we’re hopeful the distinction between the two will hasten our six year old daughter’s acceptance of the pen, but we are concerned about the shelf life of the pen’s Humalog once it is first used.

How long does insulin in a a pen retain its potency? Would it degrade more rapidly than the two to three months it takes for a vial of Humalog to lose its potency?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

According to Lilly, a Humalog� Pen that is in use can stored at room temperature (59� to 86� F) for 28 days, and pens that are not in use can be refrigerated (36� to 46� F) until their expiration date. Pens in use (opened) should not be stored in the refrigerator.

Immediately after an injection, remove the needle from the Humalog Pen. Doing so will guard against contamination, and prevent leakage of Humalog, reentry of air, and needle clogs. Do not reuse needles. Dispose of needles in a responsible manner.

SS