Many insulin vials, pens, and cartridges are typically safe to use within a month of opening. This in-use timeframe is different from the expiration date printed on the product label, which applies to unopened insulin stored properly and not yet used.
Knowing whether the insulin is still in good condition is a question that many people with diabetes ask themselves, especially if they’re nearing or recently passed the labeled expiration date on the insulin.
While manufacturers and labeling advise people not to use this hormone after an expiration has passed, many in the Diabetes Community find themselves in this situation.
There are many reasons, from high insulin prices, limited access, and just not wanting to waste a liquid that costs so much. The temptation is real, and people on insulin often find themselves questioning expiration dates.
Yet, it is not easy to tell whether insulin is still good just by looking at the product itself. That’s where expiration dates and use times play a key role.
It is important to keep in mind that insulin has two separate expiration dates:
- Printed on product: An expiration date is printed clearly on the glass vial or plastic insulin pen, and on the outside of the box. This is the date that the manufacturer assures that the insulin pen or vial is usable, as it is kept refrigerated within approved temperatures. These expiration dates may be, for example, 2 years from when they were manufactured. This is not the same expiration date as when you start using the product.
- From first use date: The amount of time from which the pen, vial, or cartridge is first opened for use also matters. Many insulin brands are effective for about 4 weeks after opening, though this can vary depending on the specific insulin.
Generally, that means tracking when you start using a glass vial or insulin pen and discarding it after the particular amount of time listed on the package.
The expiration may depend on whether you’re using insulin from a glass vial, a prefilled disposable insulin pen, or a cartridge that goes into a reusable insulin pen.
For many of the most common modern insulins, that is 28 days or 4 weeks. Older human insulin types, mixed versions, inhaled insulin, and some other types of insulin have longer or shorter periods of time for use.
| Type of insulin | Expiration from first use |
|---|---|
| Humalog/insulin lispro vials, pens, cartridges | 28 days |
| Novolog vials, pens, cartridges | 28 days |
| Novolog Mix 70/30 vials | 28 days |
| Novolog Mix 70/30 pens | 14 days |
| Lantus insulin pens, vials | 28 days |
| Tresiba insulin pens | 8 weeks |
| Basaglar insulin pens | 28 days |
| Toujeo insulin pens | 56 days |
| Humulin 70/30 vials | 10 days |
| Humulin 70/30 insulin pens | 31 days |
| Humulin R vials | 31 days |
| Humulin N vials | 31 days |
| Humulin N pens | 14 days |
| Novolin R, N, 70/30 pens | 28 days |
| Novolin R, N, 70/30 vials | 42 days |
| Fiasp insulin vials, pens | 28 days |
| Afrezza inhaled insulin cartridges | 10 days |
Some insulins include different ingredients and additives, which is why some expiration dates are different from those of similar types of insulin made by other companies.
While most modern analogue insulins last a month or so, older human insulins (Humulin, Novolin, and human insulin mixes) have different lifespans because they were made differently.
These manufacturer-set dates, which are reviewed and largely overseen by federal regulators, help ensure that a particular drug meets established quality standards up until that date.
Insulin manufacturers set expiration dates and test their products to ensure that they comply with the 90% to 95% potency guidelines required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Not everyone understands or follows specific expiration dates. However, researchers point out that there’s a need for more awareness about storage, stability, and quality of insulin to help people using it.
This
The research found that many insulin types don’t experience any quality issues within that month or so from first use to the expiration date. However, two studies cited in that review indicated an 18% potency decline anywhere between week 1 and 28 days of use from when it’s opened.
In another
The study found that insulin may be good for 2 months and possibly up to 4 months when it’s unrefrigerated and kept at room temperature. Workarounds, including clay pots, may help keep the medication cool in hotter temperatures.
Dr. Graham D. Ogle, an Australian pediatric endocrinologist and director of the Life for a Child organization, served as one of the global researchers on that study. He believes the research could spark change, benefitting people with diabetes generally, but especially important for those who find it difficult to afford their needed insulin.
“If our results can be confirmed in larger studies, it may drive a change in the requirement to discard insulin kept outside a fridge after one month. The period when insulin may still be used can potentially, in that case, be extended to 3 or perhaps even 4 months. That would have a major bearing on the resource-weak families access to insulin.”
Many ask this question when insulin “seems like it’s just water” and has little to no effect on blood sugars.
Insulin does not automatically turn cloudy or look any different when it’s going bad.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends several storage-related steps to ensure insulin doesn’t go bad, aside from keeping tabs on the expiration dates:
- Keep insulin away from extreme cold and hot places.
- Do not keep insulin in the freezer, direct sunlight, or in a vehicle’s glove compartment.
- Make sure that insulin isn’t kept in bags or places where it may overheat.
- Examine the glass vial or a clear insulin pen cartridge to make sure the insulin looks as usual.
In some cases, cloudiness or crystals may form in the vial. That’s a sure sign that you need to replace modern insulin.
However,
Storing your insulin
How and where you keep insulin can affect its effectiveness. This is mostly about temperature, assuring that insulin doesn’t get too hot or become frozen.
- Hotter temperatures: Most insulins have a maximum temperature of 77° F to 86° F (25°C to 30°C). You should consider this high temperature point during warmer weather, when outside for long periods of time, or if you keep insulin in your vehicle or a bag that’s left in hotter temperatures.
- Colder temperatures: Typical fridge temps range from 36°F to 46°F (2.2°C to 7.7°C), so you know that the insulin is kept at a consistently acceptable temperature before you open and start using a glass vial, insulin pen, or cartridge.
If the insulin gets too hot or too cold, it can be a reason to discontinue its use, even if it hasn’t reached the expiration date.
Do not change your insulin storage habits without first consulting with your diabetes care team.
If you are not going to risk using expired insulin, the issue becomes what you can do with it.
Many groups, organizations, programs, and healthcare professionals cannot, by law, accept expired insulin. Many also won’t take open insulin even if it isn’t expired.
Other options may exist, according to the American Diabetes Association. This can include unopened, unexpired insulin and other diabetes supplies that can still be used.
- Local disposal: You can check with your healthcare team or clinic for guidelines for safely disposing of expired insulin. They can also guide you on the safe disposal of medical supplies that may contain sharps, such as insulin pens, syringes, and pump supplies.
- Doctors and clinics: They are technically unable to take any donated insulin, given the uncertainties of whether it’s already been compromised by the time they receive it. But this policy does not prohibit healthcare professionals from informing their patients about where they can donate or dispose of insulin properly. You can always ask for local options to donate insulin, expired or not.
- Insulin for Life: This nonprofit organization accepts donations of diabetes supplies and unused insulin, which they send to children and adults with diabetes in need throughout the United States and worldwide. There are certain rules for these donations.
- Animal hospitals: Vets and animal hospitals may accept expired insulin, but this can also depend on their policies and location.
- Manufacturer guidance: The company that makes the insulin product may also be able to help you find places where you can donate or give any unused, unexpired insulin to someone who needs it.
- Private donations: With the insulin affordability crisis in America, a growing black market has materialized where people within the community regularly donate various types of insulin to each other directly or through grassroots efforts. The FDA doesn’t allow sharing prescription medications or supplies with those who did not receive the prescription from the doctor. However, a
late 2019 study points out that clinics and doctors should be aware of these underground networks to understand their patients’ resources and potential risks.
Modern insulins are generally good for up to 1 month once you first open and start using a glass vial, prefilled insulin pen, or insulin cartridge. The specific expiration date may vary depending on the type of insulin.
Storing insulin in the refrigerator before opening it may generally allow you to keep it until the expiration date printed on the product label or packaging. Once you start using the insulin, it’s important to keep it at a stable room temperature. You will also want to avoid any extreme hot or cold storage, including inside vehicles, in direct sunlight, in a freezer, or in very cold weather.
There may be places to donate expired insulin, including organizations and other programs. Check with your healthcare team, the insulin manufacturer, and directly with organizations or program coordinators about specific rules and policies they may have.