Insulin Safety Tips

If you need to inject insulin to manage your diabetes, take care of your insulin properly. Ask your pharmacist how to safely store and use your insulin medicines and remember these general tips from the American Diabetes Association:

• Store insulin safely. Keep your extra bottles in the refrigerator, away from very hot or very cold temperatures. Never store insulin in the freezer or in direct sunlight.

• In general, after you open a bottle, don’t keep it for more than 28 days. The cartridges of some insulin pens may need to be discarded sooner at room temperature, while some insulin pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 42 days. 

• Before you open a new bottle, check the date that is printed on it. Do not use the insulin if it is past its expiration date.

Tell your diabetes healthcare team and your pharmacist if you have any special needs, such as vision problems, that interfere with the safe use of your insulin. They can suggest ways to help you safely manage your medicines.  

Have a plan to safely dispose of any needles and syringes used in your insulin injections.