Just opened a new box of insulin glargine injectable pens and noticed that the expiration date was a few weeks ago... I still have all 5 pens unused, what are your guys opinions and experience with expired insulin usage?
Assuming it's safe, but just not as affective... Thiughts?
They’re good for much longer than the expiration date that’s printed on the box. Pharmaceutical companies test the efficacy of medications months after expiration to show that they are still effective.
SOURCE: I work at a pharmaceutical company and test products after expiration for validation purposes (to show the FDA our meds still work after the stated exp date)
Disclaimer: would I recommend using expired? No. But I can understand why a person would be forced to (if you’re a diabetic in the US) where insulin will cost you your life savings and being without insulin could kill you.
I have used novolog that was 6 months after the expiration date and it worked just fine.
No one here can tell you how potent your expired insulin is going to be. You should not listen to such advice. The expiration date is there for a reason and you run the risk of going into DKA or other complications by injecting yourself with expired medicine. You can listen to redditors, or you can do your own research on the dangers of using expired insulin. You can talk to your doctor about using expired insulin. Get advice from medical sources or a medical professional. Not reddit.
While I don't disagree with the other fellow that posted about doing your own research, talk to medical professionals, etc... If they are a month old and I'd be done with them within another month I'd use them and not think twice about it. (but this might be a do as I say not as I do moment)