All insulin needs to be kept at temperatures lower than 25°C/77°F, ideally between 2 and 6°C/36 and 43°F. Normal room temperatures are below 25°C but they can be warmer in the summer.
Therefore any insulin you are not currently using should be stored in the fridge – throughout the year. Any insulin that has been out of the fridge for 28 days or more should be discarded.
Tips for storing insulin
- Do keep your stock of insulin in the fridge.
- Do keep the insulin you are currently using in a cool, dry place (below 25°C).
- Do discard any insulin that has been out of the fridge for 28 days or more.
- Do keep at least one spare vial or cartridge of each type of insulin you take in the fridge.
- Don't place insulin in, or close to, the freezer compartment. Insulin should not be used if it has been frozen.
- Don't expose the vials or cartridges in the car during hot weather.
- Don't use the insulin if it has expired (check the pack for the expiry date).