Unopened Humalog Vials or Pens
Keep at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store in original carton away from heat, light, and humidity. Use within 28 days after first puncture or opening the carton.[1]
Opened Humalog Vials or Pens
Refrigerate unopened product at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). After first use, store at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 28 days. Avoid freezing; discard if frozen. Do not store in bathroom due to moisture.[1]
In-Use Humalog KwikPen or Vial
After first use, keep at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for maximum 28 days. Refrigerate only if using a cooling case, but avoid direct contact with cooling elements. Always replace needle after each injection.[1]
Travel Tips for Humalog
Carry at room temperature or in an insulated bag with a cooling pack (not frozen). Through airport security, declare insulin; it can go in carry-on. For flights, insulate to maintain temperature; discard if exposed to extremes.1
Signs Your Humalog Is Bad
Cloudy, thickened, discolored, or containing particles—discard immediately. Frosted vial indicates freezing. Track expiration and 28-day use-by date with a label.[1]
Why Proper Storage Matters
Insulin degrades with heat, cold, or light, reducing effectiveness and risking high blood sugar. Humalog (insulin lispro) is sensitive; Lilly recommends these steps to preserve potency up to listed times.[1]
[1]: https://pi.lilly.com/us/humalog-pi.pdf (Humalog Prescribing Information, Eli Lilly)