Insulin refrigeration

[Medic_man]

It is my understanding that Insulin is supposed to be refrigerated, some cursory googling seems to verify that. I was wondering how sources here ship it if that is the case, or is there something I dont understand with the process.

 

[cptthunderck]

Peptides are usually stored freeze dried in the vial to increase the shelf life. You need to reconstitute them with bacteriostatic water.

 

[tejascardinal]

Insulin is supposed to be refrigerated once its been opened, now with that being said, I know quite a few lifelong diabetics that swear to it still working even unrefrigerated for long periods of time. Most suppliers will ship with an ice pack per your request depending on who you get it from.

 

[marsilie]

Yep, peptides and water-soluble hormones are generally shipped as a vial with power in them. This will last for a very long time in any conditions so long as it remains sealed. To use them, you add in some amount of bacteriostatic water, at which point the vial should ideally be refrigerated to prevent the compound from breaking down. This process isn’t instant, however, as tejas is stating, so you can probably get away with keeping (at least some of) them at room temperature if you must.

 

[Medic_man]

@cptthunderck thanks! I didn’t realize it could be purchased in powder form

 

[Medic_man]

@marsilie thanks for the response, id never encounter insulin in a powder form!

 

[Medic_man]

@tejascardinal appreciate your response, it’s always nice to see sources in here answering questions

 

[tejascardinal]

Medic man said:

@cptthunderck thanks! I didn’t realize it could be purchased in powder form

Peptides you can, but insulin does not come in a powder form nor does it need to be reconstituted.