How to Store Humalog Vials, KwikPens and Cartridges
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[Storage · Humalog]

How to store Humalog (insulin lispro)

Quoted from the US label · Unopened vs in use · Travel · Sources · Reviewed

Short answer: Keep unopened Humalog in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C) until the expiration date. At room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) it lasts 28 days in total, counting unopened and in-use time together. In-use vials may be refrigerated or not; in-use pens and cartridges stay at room temperature only. Never use Humalog that froze. Source: Humalog label, section 16.2.

What does the Humalog label say?

Section 16.2: “Protect from direct heat and light. Do not freeze and do not use if it has been frozen.” The table footnote: “When stored at room temperature, HUMALOG U-100 and U-200 can only be used for a total of 28 days, including both not in-use (unopened) and in-use (opened) storage time.”

Humalog US prescribing information, section 16.2 storage table.
FormUnopened, refrigeratedUnopened, room temp (up to 86°F)In use (opened)
U-100 vial, 10 mL or 3 mLUntil expiration date28 days28 days, refrigerated or room temperature
U-100 cartridge, 3 mLUntil expiration date28 days28 days, room temperature only (do not refrigerate)
U-100 KwikPen, Tempo Pen, Junior KwikPenUntil expiration date28 days28 days, room temperature only (do not refrigerate)
U-200 KwikPen, 3 mLUntil expiration date28 days28 days, room temperature only (do not refrigerate)

Why is it 28 days in total?

Because the footnote counts all room-temperature time together. A Humalog pen that sat out unopened for 10 days has 18 days left once you start it, not 28. Keeping spares in the fridge until you need them keeps the full 28 days for when the pen is opened.

What about Humalog in a pump or diluted?

  • Insulin pump: change the Humalog U-100 in the reservoir at least every 7 days, or as the pump manual says if that is shorter, or after exposure to temperatures above 98.6°F (37°C).
  • Diluted Humalog U-100 for injection: 28 days refrigerated at 41°F (5°C), or 14 days at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C).

Many GLP-1 users also take insulin; see semaglutide and insulin. For a missed dose, see missed a Humalog dose.

What if Humalog froze or got too warm?

Frozen: do not use it (section 16.2). Warm: the room-temperature column stops at 86°F (30°C), and the label says to protect Humalog from direct heat. Ask your pharmacist about insulin that went outside these limits. See also left out of the fridge.

How do you travel with it?

An in-use Humalog pen travels at room temperature for the rest of its 28 days, up to 86°F (30°C). Unopened spares start using up their 28 days as soon as they leave the fridge.

  • TSA allows medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz in carry-on bags; declare them at the checkpoint for inspection.
  • Unused syringes and pen needles are allowed when they travel with the injectable medicine.
  • Ice packs and gel packs that keep medicine cool may go through frozen, partly frozen or melted.
  • Keep medicine in your carry-on, not checked luggage, where you cannot control the temperature. Do not let it touch an ice pack directly, since most labels say do not freeze.

More in the travel guide.

Quoted from the current US label on DailyMed, not personalized advice. Labels change; the leaflet in your own carton, your pharmacist and your prescriber are the final word on how to store it.
NovoLogFridge until expiry, or 28 days up to 86°F; in-use pens not refrigerated. LantusUnopened in the fridge; 28 days once opened; in-use SoloStar pens at room temperature only. TresibaFridge until expiry, or 56 days up to 86°F; in-use pens and vials 56 days. Left out of the fridgeExact room-temperature hours and days from each label, and the temperature ceiling.

Frequently asked questions

How long can Humalog be out of the fridge?+
28 days at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C), counting unopened and in-use time together.
Should I refrigerate my Humalog KwikPen after opening?+
No. The label says in-use KwikPens, Tempo Pens and cartridges are kept at room temperature only. In-use vials may be refrigerated or kept at room temperature.
How often do I change Humalog in a pump?+
At least every 7 days, or sooner if the pump manual says so, or after exposure to temperatures above 98.6°F (37°C).
Can I use Humalog that froze?+
No. The label says do not use it if it has been frozen.

Sources

  1. Humalog (insulin lispro) US prescribing information, DailyMed
  2. TSA: Liquid medications
  3. TSA: Unused syringes
  4. TSA: Gel ice packs

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