You can tell if insulin is bad by visually inspecting it before use and being aware of its expiry date.
Recognizing Bad Insulin
It's crucial to use only new insulin pens that are still within their expiry date. Before injecting, carefully inspect the insulin. According to the reference, here's what to look for:
Signs of Degraded Insulin:
- Color Changes: If the insulin's color is different from what it should be.
- Clumps: Presence of any clumps within the liquid.
- White Particles: Seeing any white, floating particles.
- Crystals: Observing any crystalline structures.
If you notice any of these changes, do not use the insulin.
What to Do with Bad Insulin
- Do not inject the insulin: Using degraded insulin can be harmful.
- Return it: Take the unopened insulin pen back to the pharmacy you got it from.
- Obtain a replacement: The pharmacy should be able to provide a new, usable insulin pen.
Summary
Here's a table summarizing how to identify bad insulin:
| Condition | What to look for | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry Date | Check the date on the pen. | Do not use if expired. |
| Color | Any change from usual. | Do not use. Return to pharmacy. |
| Clumps | Presence of clumps. | Do not use. Return to pharmacy. |
| White Particles | Visible white particles. | Do not use. Return to pharmacy. |
| Crystals | Presence of crystals. | Do not use. Return to pharmacy. |
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you're using safe and effective insulin.
