How do you take insulin vials with you?

meerkatthe original Asked: How do you take insulin vials with you?

I actually have two questions:

1.Apidra apparently no longer comes in pen form.I have to use vials and needles again.I couldn't find a definitive answer in the literature telling me if you have to keep it in the refrigerator after it's opened.If you use Apidar do you keep it in the fridge?

2.If you do have to keep Apidra (or any other) opened vial in the refrigerator, how do you take it with you if you are going to need it before a meal out?Can you get special carrying cases with freezer packs?

I hope someone can help me.You don't have to keep pens in the fridge after opening.Sigh.

Answers:

Lauren Answered:
1. I use apidra in my insulin pump and I do keep it refridgerated, but I dont believe that you have to as long as the temperature isn't too hot or too cold.

2. All you need to do is insulate it, like put it in a lunch bag or something. If you want to keep it cool just use and ice pack, but it will definitely be fine in a normal environment. If the weather is hot, you must keep it cool like the lunch bag and ice pack idea.

I use apidra in my insulin pump. Kinda stinks to have to drawl it up. You should switch your insulin to Humalog so you can have a pen. It does the exact same thing as apidra. Talk to your doctor about that if you haven't already. Good luck

Jessica Answered:
I just guesstimate the amount of insulin that I'll need, and I draw up that amount.I put the syringe in a toothbrush holder in my purse.The insulin will keep at normal room temperature for a few hours.

Now, if it's during the summer, then I keep it in an insulated container.It gets to be over 100 F around here during the summer.

During trips, I have a small insulated container that I can put one of those reusable ice packs in, it's smaller than a regular lunchbox.

tomjc43 Answered:
I don't know about insulin but I am familiar with some Chemotherapy drugs which must be kept refrigerated. Small cooler bags (similar to those that hold a six pack. can be equipped with freezer ice paks. They do the job fantastically. Check with your pharmacist. They often stock them at special prices for medical usage. If they don't have them in The USA they do stock them in Windsor and Sarnia.