Does insulin need to be refrigerated after opened?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and helps control blood sugar levels. Insulin is used as a medication to treat diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly.

Most types of insulin need to be refrigerated after they are opened. Unopened insulin can usually be stored at room temperature for a period of time specified by the manufacturer, but once opened, it should be refrigerated to maintain its potency and effectiveness. Insulin should never be frozen.

Some types of insulin, such as insulin degludec (Tresiba®) and insulin glargine U-300 (Toujeo®), do not need to be refrigerated after they are opened. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. However, it is still important to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific storage guidelines for each type of insulin.

It is important to store insulin properly in order to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Insulin that has not been properly stored may lose its potency and may not be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. If you have any questions about how to store insulin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.