Medtronic Recalls Quick-set Infusion Sets (Lots starting with 8)

Yes indeed insulin can go bad!  My CDE advises to throw out insulin that is 20-30 days old.  Also some bottles just don't hold their potency at the pharmacy and when you buy them, they simply doesn't even make it more than a couple of weeks. 

I have read many posts about fresh bottles not being viable from parents and pharmacists have admitted bottle integrity is questionable.  So it is definitely possible.  I would recommend a chat with your pharmacist if you think there is issue, they may give you a whole new bottle!

Anne, Thanks for the reply. My insurance makes me get a 90 day supply through mail order. Sometimes they come cold and somtimes room temp. Should I ask my doctor to make sure I have a monthly script? Also I keep the insulin in the fridge once I get it which I assume is correct to do. Thanks, Brian

Hi Brian,

hmmm, that's interesting.  My insurance will not cover insulin that is shipped directly.  I have only my strips, needles and lancets shipped.  Wonder why some do and some don't?  

I would definitely get an extra script from your dr for a local pharmacy, just in case you need a bottle in an emergency, and I would have a conversation with your dr about your blood sugar being directly linked to the bottle you are using!  They may be able to change the way your script works. 

In regard to refrigeration, my CDE said unused bottles should be refrigerated.  Once you open a bottle is doesn't really matter.  I have always stored my insulin in the fridge even after its open, just because it's easier for me to find! I loose the car keys all the time! LOL!

Ann, Thanks for the info. I will be sure to talk to my dr about the things you sugessted.

After opening it should not be used for more than about a month. Before it's opened it is good until the expiration date if kept refrigerated but be careful that it doesn't freeze. I've had to put a Radioshack digital thermometer in the fridge because things freeze in it all the time. It's quite nervewracking. There also is a lot of controversy about room temp storage. It seems that most insulins like Novolog are fairly stable at room temp and you don't have to go crazy about always keeping them cold. Just don't let them get too hot, like in a car in the summer. The package insert should be of some help but frequently only adds to the confusion.

Brian,

LOL!  I started a new apidra pen two days ago and pitched it today! 

Also I agree with Drbob about storing in the fridge.  I use the butter shelf in the door, so it is further away from where the cold comes into the fridge and I can close it into that area so no direct cold air. 

Let's hope that SmartInsulin has some dramatic breakthroughs and we'll all move to once a day injections from a stable product!

I'm sorry to say this is not the Medtronic site, so there is very little that I can do to remedy the problem.  But I would suggest if you are leaving tomorrow and can't get your supplies, for the time, switch to syringes.  You should always have syringes ready in case, so just switch and jet off for a great trip!

We all go through problems with technology!  It is the risk we take putting on the device and I can't blame them for all of the issues, some of them are mine!  You will have to call Medtronic and work out the issues one by one.

My customer service experience with them has been nothing but superior and my experience with local sales and regional personel has been nothing short of stellar!

I too have 12 boxes unopened and two that I have been using with #80 on them.

I got the UPS box and it was smashed to bits and had nothing but unusable sets.

Called MiniMed and let them know after a 45 min. wait and then a response that they would call me back.  They did 3 hours later.

Funny on Monday I finally called them about the fact that for the last few weeks as it would take three or more sets per change to get one that functioned.

I was told weeks ago that I obviously did not know how to use the sets and any number of other excuses.  I was told I would receive new sets and they never came.

This is just terrific.  Now I have a few new sets and they don't deliver the amount of bolus I program.  My Bg's are running high and they never do on my diet and the A1C is 6.1.  Bet this time is will be way off target.

Thanks MM for telling me I am an inexperienced pump user after 12 years of pumping.  Oh for my good old 508..it seldom had a problem

I to have had problems with this lot 8.  I've had the highs and lows and plently of no delivers. I've called and was told maybe i didn't insert it in right after many years of being on the pump now I have problems! I know it wasn't me. From nothing to somthing now wow. I'm glad they see their is a big problem with this. This is our lives here!!