From: bil (BILW1L) [#1]
28 Jan 16:50
To: ALL
Hello, I saw several comments regarding storage of Byetta, and I can't find them at the moment. Needlesstosay I'm a bit confused. :/ Instructions on the box and those provided by my PCM says the same.
Refrigerate, Do Not Freeze, Store at room temperaturenot above 77 degrees.
What's happenihng out there ya'll? I can say Ya'll right? I lived in OK for a while and now reside in MS. Tho I don't really hear it much here. :-)
Bil in Biloxi
Unfortunately I received a letter today that may change my PCM. I am not happy. (fail)
Byetta 5 2xd(for now),
Amarly 2mg 1xd, (temp)
Actos 45mg, 1xd
lipitor 80mg 1xd
lisinipril 5mg 1xd
From: Geri in Co:Byetta(3-06) (GERI) [#2]
28 Jan 18:02
To: bil (BILW1L) [#1] 29 Jan 11:37
When Byetta first came out we had to keep the pen(opened/unopened) between 36-46 degrees at all times. Later on we were told we still need to keep unopened pens between those degrees but we could let an opened pen get up to 77 degrees during the month that we used it. I personally keep mine in the fridge because I have found that pharmacists think that if it can go up to 77 degrees they are not being as careful as they were when Byetta first came out. Mark will know how many hours over 46 our pens can be during it's lifetime but I can't remember.
Hope this helps some.
From: Mark_in_MO [#3]
28 Jan 21:50
To: ALL
Bil,
Amylin (Byetta manufacturer) states on their website that unopened pens MUST be stored between 36 and 46 degrees. Amylin has an "unpublished" list that defines when unopened Byetta pens may have been damaged due to excessive heat - the list is a combination of the maximum temperature experienced and how long the pens were exposed to the higher temp. If you have unopened pens that are exposed to temps above 46F degrees, I recommend that you contact Amylin Customer Service and they can tell you if the pens are still safe to use.
After opening, pens may be stored at temps "not to exceed" 77F degrees. I do not know what is considered a safe temperature that an open Byetta pen can be exposed to above the 77F degree temp. If you have an open pen that exceeds the 77F degree temp, I also recommend that you contact Amylin Customer Service and they can help define if the pens are still safe to use.
Like Geri, I also originally kept my Byetta refrigerated at all times before they changed the storage directions. After they changed the open pen temp requirements, since I already have the mini-refrigerator at home, I just continue to keep it cold all the time.
When I travel I do not like to carry at room temp, because you never know when the unexpected will happen - e.g. an automobile accident, or a flat tire; airline delays (sitting on a runway for hours), a building power outage - these could all result in your Byetta pen becoming too warm. Thus I carry refrigerated almost all the time as well - just to make sure I do not overheat a pen.
I know there are a lot of folks who are carrying pens in purses and briefcases with no issues. It is just my preference to carry cold to make sure that the Byetta will be effective - regardless of the ambient temps.
Bottom line - basic rules:
- Absolutely NEVER store below 36F
(too cold is worse than too warm!)
- Unopened pens store at 36F to 46F degrees
- Open pens store at 36F to 77F degrees
- Do NOT store over 77F degrees
Hope your new PCM is better than the old one (or at least as good). And yes, you can say/use y'all (I still do at times) ;-)
Good luck,
From: bil (BILW1L) [#4]
29 Jan 11:38
To: ALL