This guide has been updated to include additional GLP-Pen treatments that were not on the market at the time of this post. For the latest available HealthDirect insulin treatment storage and expiration details, please visit: https://www.hdrxservices.com/insulin-expiration-dates-update/https://www.hdrxservices.com/insulin-expiration-dates-update/
In the past, we have endeavored to provide LTC caregivers with the most accurate and current information regarding expiration dates of various drugs to avoid any confusion or unsafe practices. Though it has not been that long since we provided an insulin expiration list, there have been some updates and we wanted to provide you with a comprehensive overview/cheat-sheet!
Please note, all insulins should be stored in the refrigerator until opening and protected from light. Once opened or removed from the refrigerator for storage in the medication cart, the insulin should be dated as it will expire in a specified time per manufacturer.
Pens:
| Insulin Name | Expiration Upon Opening or Removing from Refrigerator |
|---|---|
| Insulin Glargine U-100 (Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee) | 28 days |
| Insulin Glargine U-300 (Toujeo Solostar) | 56 days |
| Insulin Detemir (Levemir) | 42 days |
| Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) | 56 days |
| Insulin Glulisine (Apidra) | 28 days |
| Insulin Lispro (Humalog, Admelog, Lyumjev) | 28 days |
| Insulin Lispro; Insulin Lispro Protamine (Humalog Mix 50/50 and 75/25) | 10 days |
| Isophane Insulin (NPH)-Humulin N | 14 days |
| Regular Insulin; Isophane NPH (Humulin 70/30) | 10 days |
| Regular Insulin (Humulin R) U-500 | 28 days |
| Insulin Aspart (Novolog) | 28 days |
| Insulin Aspart; Insulin Aspart Protamine (Novolog Mix 70/30) | 14 days |
| Isophane Insulin (NPH)-Novolin N | 28 days |
| Regular Insulin (Novolin R) | 28 days |
| Regular Insulin; Isophane Insulin (NPH) (Novolin 70/30) | 28 days |
Note: With the exception of Tresiba, all pens should be stored at room temperature once opened. DO NOT refrigerate. Once Tresiba is opened, it may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
GLP-Pens:
| Name | Expiration Upon Opening or Removing from Refrigerator | Storage of Opened Pen Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Byetta | 30 days | After first use, the Byetta Pen injector can be kept at a temperature not to exceed 77 degrees F. |
| Trulicity | Single use pens. If needed, a single pen may be stored at room temperature not to exceed 86 degrees F for up to 14 days. | Single-use pens. Store under refrigeration until use. |
| Victoza | 30 days | Store pens that are in use at 59 to 86 degrees F or in a refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees F. If exposed to temperatures above 86 degrees F, throw the pen away. |
Vials:
| Insulin Name | Expiration Upon Opening or Removing from Refrigerator | Storage of Opened Vial Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin Glargine U-100 (Lantus) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Detemir (Levemir) | 42 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Glulisine (Apidra) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Lispro (Humalog, Admelog, Lyumjev) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Lispro; Insulin Lispro Protamine (Humalog Mix 50/50 and 75/25) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Isophane Insulin (NPH)-Humulin NPH | 31 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Regular Insulin; Isophane NPH (Humulin 70/30) | 31 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Regular Insulin (Humulin R) 100 units/mL | 31 days | Store in a cool place. |
| Regular Insulin (Humulin R) 500 units/mL | 40 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Aspart (Novolog) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Insulin Aspart; Insulin Aspart Protamine (Novolog Mix 70/30) | 28 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Isophane Insulin (NPH)-Novolin N | 42 days | May refrigerate or store at room temperature. |
| Regular Insulin (Novolin R) | 42 days | Store in a cool place (below 25 degrees C [77 degrees F]); do not refrigerate. |
| Regular Insulin; Isophane Insulin (NPH) (Novolin 70/30) | 42 days | Store at room temperature; do not refrigerate. |
References: Clinical Pharmacology Home (clinicalkey.com). Monographs. Accessed 5/18/21.
Expirations are all per manufacturer recommendation*
