Tips for managing insulin during power outages

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM ) –Millions of people worldwide depend on medication to help with their medical conditions. One of these medications is insulin, which is commonly used for people with diabetes.

Arnot Health interim systems director of pharmacy Rebecca Reynolds Carr says that there are multiple types of insulin.

“We have your mealtime insulin, which are your rapid acting insulin, so you have regular insulin. Sometimes they come as files and typically our diabetics they store these medications in the refrigerator and, because the expiration is a little bit longer if you keep them refrigerated,” said Carr Reynolds.

The recent power outages in our area have raised problems for people who have to keep their prescription drugs refrigerated. According to Reynolds Carr, insulin can be stored somewhere with a temperature under 86 degrees for 28 days before it goes bad.

“And during that time, what we recommend is pulling the insulin out of the fridge and dating them for 28 days and disposing of them after that 28 days.”

There are different signs to look for as to when insulin goes bad, such as cloudiness.

“Most insulin should be clear, and it will tell you on the vile if you should expect it to be cloudy so things like your intermediate acting that have NPH those ones are cloudy and that is how they should present but things like your rapid acting insulin should be clear solutions,” added Reynolds Carr.

Pharmacist Mia le says there are solutions for people who are in urgent need of medication when pharmacies are closed.

“If it’s more pertinent like insulin antics or something that you definitely need and you are out of you can always go to urgent care possibly if you need a dose of that if you are decompensating in some way,” said Le.

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