Tresiba, known medically as insulin degludec, is a long-acting, basal insulin prescribed to people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to help manage their blood sugar levels. It's designed to provide a steady effect that can last over 24 hours, lowering blood glucose in between meals and overnight.
Like for all types and brands of insulin, storing Tresiba correctly is not just recommended; it's essential. Why? Because Tresiba is highly sensitive to temperatures. It must be refrigerated before use and stored at a controlled room temperature once opened.
Improper storage can lead to reduced effectiveness, which might mean your blood sugar isn't managed as well as it should be, ultimately causing risks to your health.
So, let's dive into the best ways to store your Tresiba at home or traveling, so you're getting the full benefit of your insulin therapy!
Relate article: Insulin Storage: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid!
Does Tresiba Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, according to NovoNordisk, its manufacturer, Tresiba needs to be refrigerated before use. Whether you're using Tresiba FlexTouch injection pens or Tresiba vials with syringes, they should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as you get back from the pharmacy.
Before opening, Tresiba pens and vials should be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 36°F to 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
Refrigerating insulin helps maintain its stability and ensures it remains effective up until its expiration date. But don't worry, once you've started using it, the rules relax a bit.
How Long Can Tresiba Stay Out of the Fridge?
Tresiba can be unrefrigerated and stored at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for up to 56 days (8 weeks). That's more than many other insulins, which often only last about 28 days outside the fridge!
This is super handy for daily use, as once you've started using a pen or a vial, you do not have to refrigerate it anymore. You can keep in on the kitchen counter, by your bed on the your nightstand, or into your purse, for instance.
Just make sure it always stays below 86°F (30°C) and check more advice on keeping Tresiba at room temperature below!
How to Store Tresiba at Room Temperature
While Tresiba can stay out of the fridge for 8 weeks, it still needs to be stored with caution during that time. It's very important to avoid any spots where your insulin might get too warm or are exposed to direct sunlight.
- Keep it below 86°F (30°C): Steer clear of leaving your insulin near heat sources or in direct sunlight-think windows, cars, or near ovens. These areas can heat up fast and quickly deteriorate your insulin. If the ambient temperature is above 86°F (30°C), keep Tresiba in an insulin cooler that maintains stable, cool temperatures.
- Light Protection: Light can degrade insulin quickly, so always replace the cap of your Tresiba FlexTouch pen after each use to keep it shielded.
- Travel Tips: When you're on the move, carry Tresiba in a medical cool bag, especially if you're traveling to a warm place. If you're traveling with refrigerated insulin, use a portable insulin mini-fridge.
Tresiba Expiration
Understanding how long you can keep your Tresiba pens or vials, both before and after opening, will help you manage your insulin supplies more effectively and ensure you're never accidentally using expired insulin.
In reality, insulin has two expiration dates, and the same goes for Tresiba:
The oficial expiration date labeled by the manufacturer on the pen or vial itself, usually ocurring about a year from the purchase date, assuming it was properly stored in the refrigerator.
The post-opening expiration date that naturally occurs 56 days after Tresiba has been opened or removed from the fridge.
Keep close tabs on both expiration dates! We recommend marking the opening date directly on the pen or vial, or keeping a note elsewhere, to ensure you don't use it beyond 56 days after opening. Never use Tresiba insulin past this period, even if it appears normal! Expired insulin can lose potency, which may lead to ineffective glucose management and increased health risks.
How Long Does Tresiba Last in the Fridge?
When stored in the refrigerator, unopened Tresiba pens and vials last until the expiration date provided by the manufacturer, which is usually about one to two years from the purchase date.
It's important to keep the insulin refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F and ensure the it remains in its original packaging to protect it from light. Avoid storing it in the door of the fridge where temperature fluctuations are more frequent. Also, avoid storing it near the freezer compartment, which could accidentally freeze your insulin.
How Long is Tresiba Good for After Opening?
After opening, Tresiba is good for 56 days maximum (8 weeks). You may put it back in the fridge between uses, but that doesn't extend its shelf life beyond the 56-days limit.
During that timeframe, make sure it's never exposed to temperature above 86°F (30°C), as higher temperatures could compromise its efficacy sooner.
It's a good practice to jot down the start date on the pen or vial itself. That way, you won't have to rely on memory alone to know when it's time to dispose of that pen and start a new one!
Remember, this information is a general guide, so always follow specific advice from your healthcare provider or pharmacist, tailored to your personal medical needs!
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Are you using Tresiba? We're eager to hear about your experiences! Share your stories with us and let us know!
