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The Question
10/10/09 11:35 PM

"I purchased Novolog and Levimeer this past Tuesday-left on counter while on trip, not using refrig. Does it have to be tossed? I'm new to insulin."
Asked By: tweetyfan1  
Category: Insulin

Background Info Hide
Have been a type 2 diabetic and due to not controlling my blood sugar, starting on insulin this week. Have been on oral meds all this time. Must I toss this new insulin medication I just purchased.? I bought it on Tuesday of this past week and left it on the counter because I was leaving out of town, and would not begin treatment until this coming week. I placed it in the refrigerator when I got home today, Saturday. Does it have to be tossed and replaced due to non-refrigeration before I begin my insulin therapy? I am to start testing 3x per day instead of 2x. . Also, my meds, including diabetic meds and supplies, are over one half my income, despite having insurance coverage. There are no patient assistance programs that I am aware of if you have insurance. What does someone like me do? Do you have any helps or suggestions? And do I have to toss my new purchase of Novolog and Levemir in the trash? A local pharmacist is saying just that!!! I'm a 57 yr old female.

Expert Answers (1)

10/13/09 07:36 PM

Dear tweetyfan- I am looking at an article from Diabetes Care Sept 2003 and it reviews the effectiveness and storage of insulin. It states that if insulin is unopened and left at room temperatures that are not extreme the insulin is good for 28 days. If it was exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures then it will have lost some effectiveness.

I would look at the medication insert on your insulin and read what it recommends. I would also consider testing a few more times when you start to make sure that the insulin is 100% effective.

As far as supplies go, if your co-pay is too high on your supplies consider the Wal Mart brand Reli-on for strips, monitor, needles. They are a good value and accurate.

I would shop around for your insulin. There are definitely different prices in various pharmacies. I would also discuss with your MD the high costs and see if he can help in anyway. Do well on your journey for good self management.

Answered By: Janet HowardDucsay
Accreditations: RN BSN CDE
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Community Answers (4)

10/16/09 02:06 AM

Levemir is good for 42 days after opening and novolog is good for 28 days after opening or unrefrigerated If it was less than that do the they say check them for color and check after you use them. They probably are still good
Answered By: towerofpower
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10/14/09 12:18 PM

All the information you have been given is great. If you tell your doctor you dont have the money for the insulin many times they will give it to you, I have had several vials in the past given to me. Doctors get this free so it costs them nothing, also your insulin is good for 28 days left out of the fridge if it doesnt get to hot or cold I always leave mine out after I get it, no problems at all from this.
Answered By: furball64801
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10/14/09 12:18 PM

All the information you have been given is great. If you tell your doctor you dont have the money for the insulin many times they will give it to you, I have had several vials in the past given to me. Doctors get this free so it costs them nothing, also your insulin is good for 28 days left out of the fridge if it doesnt get to hot or cold I always leave mine out after I get it, no problems at all from this.
Answered By: furball64801
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10/14/09 07:35 AM

I use True Track Smart System test strips with my Walgreens True Track meter. I can buy the strips most anywhere. They are 50 cents per strip instead of $1.00. Also I use to take Actos. The pharmacy quoted me $165.00 for 30 tablets. I could not afford that. The doctor was giving me samples of it equaling 30 tablets each month, for free. They would see to it that they ordered the samples. I only needed to sit out in the outer waiting room until the nurse had a few minutes to get my pills. I did not have to pay for a visit. Sometimes if I had to go some place, I would call a few days ahead of time and ask that the nurse leave my pills at the receptionist window. I'm sure you can make arrangements with your doctor for the injections also or contact the manufacturer of the insulins. Good luck to you.
Answered By: dramawriter2005@yahoo.com
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