Does Humalog need to be refrigerated?

Humalog (insulin lispro) should be stored in a refrigerator (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) until it is opened, but do not freeze it. You can store your Humalog in the refrigerator until the expiration date if it has not been opened.

Once your Humalog vial, cartridge or prefilled pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), for 28 days. After 28 days, you will need to discard it, even if it still contains Humalog.

Multi-dose vials can be stored for up to 28 days in the refrigerator after opening, but not cartridges or pens.

Do not store Humalog in the freezer and don’t use it if it has been frozen. Protect your Humalog from direct heat and light and do not use it after the expiration date.

Humalog is a fast acting human insulin and it’s used to improve blood sugar control in adults and with diabetes. Fast-acting insulin (also called rapid-acting insulin), is absorbed quickly and starts to work in about 15 minutes after injection to lower your blood sugar levels after a meal.

Healthcare providers: Infusion bags prepared with Humalog U-100 are stable when stored in a refrigerator (2° to 8°C [36° to 46°F]) for 48 hours and then may be used at room temperature for up to an additional 48 hours.

Humalog is a brand name for the active ingredient insulin lispro and is made by Eli Lilly and Company.

Related Questions

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• What type of insulin is Humalog?

How does Humalog come?

Humalog is available as:

• a multiple-dose vial
• single patient use cartridges (5 cartridges per package)
• single-patient-use KwikPen (5 pens per package)
• single-patient-use Tempo pen (5 pens per package)
• single-patient-use Junior KwikPen (5 pens per package)
• single-patient-use KwikPen (5 pens per package)

Never share your prefilled Humalog pens, cartridges, or reusable pens, even if you change the needle. Also, if you use vials, do not share needles or syringes with another person. This can result in a serious infection.

Always be sure to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (patient information and instructions for use) each time you refill your prescription. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Bottom Line

• Humalog (insulin lispro) should be stored in the refrigerator (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) until it is opened, but do not freeze it.
• Once your Humalog vial, cartridge or prefilled pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C), for 28 days.
• After 28 days, you will need to throw it out, even if it still contains Humalog.

This is not all the information you need to know about Humalog for safe and effective use. Review the full Humalog information here, and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.