# Insulin containers/ storage in the fridge
**URL:** https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512
**Category:** Gear
**Tags:** insulin
**Created:** [August 1, 2017, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512 "2017-08-01T01:45:01Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2017, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/1 "2017-08-01T01:45:01Z")
We normally keep our insulin in two batches. The big batch is all the “reserve” insulin, which we keep in insulin containers in a fridge. The small batch is the “current” insulin, which includes, for us, the most recently open pen and cartridge boxes of short- and long-acting insulin.
So far, we have kept the current insulin in ad hoc containers: ziplocs, tupperware, or nothing… After having it fall accidentally too many times on the floor, we finally decided we would find an appropriately sized container for it, that will adequately protect it from shock and contact with other fridge goods. After some experimentation, we found this almost ideally sized Lock & Lock container:
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>
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This is what it looks like with insulin pens in:
.
We are now keeping it in the fridge with a couple of unfrozen ice balls inside, to dampen temperature variations inside the box.
Outside dimensions: 7.1" x 5.0" x2.0"
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/2 "2017-08-10T20:32:15Z")
I have now tested two more Lock & Lock containers, in roughly the same form factor, but slightly different sizes.
This one, 3.38 cup, rectangular is just a bit longer than the previous, but very close:
> **[Amazon.com: LOCK & LOCK HPL816C Easy Essentials On The Go Meal Prep Lunch...](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LSP3QI/)**
>
> Amazon.com: LOCK & LOCK HPL816C Easy Essentials On The Go Meal Prep Lunch Box, Airtight Containers with Lid, BPA Free, Rectangle (3 Section) -27 oz, Clear: Food Savers: Kitchen & Dining
It is long enough that it allows for all pens to be able to fit straight (the previous one did not quite allow that):
But it still is reasonably flat:
It is about 1.0" longer than the 2.32 cup container.
Outside dimensions: 8.1" x 5.3" x2.0"
The present 3.38 cup container is a bit bulkier than the 2.32 cup container (in particular in length). Where the 2.32 cup can fit vertically where we keep it, the 3.38 cup container cannot. However, in terms of bulk they are not radically different.
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 8:46pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/3 "2017-08-10T20:46:43Z")
The last container I tested is the 4.23 cup container:
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>
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Here is how it looks with pens and cartridges inside it:
And from the side:
The 4.23 cup container is exactly as long and wide as the 3.38 cup container, but it is quite a bit taller (0.7"):
Outside dimensions: 8.1" x 2.3" x 2.7"
Right now, I am thinking that we may keep on using the 2.37 cup container in the main fridge for the “current” insulin, but start using several 4.23 cup containers for bulk insulin storage. Or we may keep on experimenting:-)
What are your favorite insulin storage containers?
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### Author:  [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 9:18pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/4 "2017-08-10T21:18:56Z")
> [@Michel](#):
>
> What are your favorite insulin storage containers?
I’ve seen at least one person post a picture of like 200 vials in some container that looked similiar to one of your boxes above. I’d love to know what people use for storing insulin vials. If anyone has suggestions, I’d love to hear about it. Right now I have all of our vials in the bags we picked them up in from CVS. Also, if you do take them out of boxes, etc., do you somehow mark them to make sure they are used in FIFO (first in, first out) order?
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/5 "2017-08-10T21:41:21Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#):
>
> Also, if you do take them out of boxes, etc., do you somehow mark them to make sure they are used in FIFO (first in, first out) order?
We do. We keep them all with their date of arrival and use them in FIFO order.
But – we have only been at it for 18 months, so I figure we will stop pretty soon (FIFO use): I don’t want to use only expired insulin 🙂
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### Author:  [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 9:47pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/6 "2017-08-10T21:47:17Z")
We have a lot of surplus insulin vials now because we’re honestly just not using it as quickly as we get it. From what I’m reading, though, expired insulin works just fine so we’re going to continue to use it in FIFO order until we run into an issue. I fear more than anything (probably like a lot of people) that, as sole income earner, if something happens to me wth will happen to Liam (all my boys for that matter, but medically important atm is Liam). So I’m going to horde everything and throw nothing away. In the event of the worst possible situation, I’ll have medical supplies to fall back on in the event I can’t work. These are the kinds of thoughts that keep me awake at night. Responsible for a family of 7 so making sure I don’t take any unnecessary risks that could put them in jeopardy.
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/7 "2017-08-10T21:50:03Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#):
>
> So I’m going to horde everything and throw nothing away.
Same here. But I figure we will use un-expired insulin every day, not FIFO insulin.
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### Author:  [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/8 "2017-08-10T21:52:26Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#):
>
> do you somehow mark them to make sure they are used in FIFO
I just look at the expiration date, and go by that.
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### Author:  [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/9 "2017-08-10T22:26:01Z")
> [@ClaudnDaye](#):
>
> I’ve seen at least one person post a picture of like 200 vials in some container that looked similiar to one of your boxes above. I’d love to know what people use for storing insulin vials. If anyone has suggestions, I’d love to hear about it.
Possibly this is the picture you saw?
I don’t know what kind of j@ck@$$ would have something like that…
🤪
But anyway, a good source for boxes like this are art supply stores and back-to-school sales. I think the ones above were meant for pens and pencils at some point. They work really well.
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### Author:  [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 10:29pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/10 "2017-08-10T22:29:20Z")
You have a pharmacy at your house. lol
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### Author:  [@Eric](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Eric)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 10:30pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/11 "2017-08-10T22:30:30Z")
Whatever you need. My insulin, is Liam’s insulin.
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/12 "2017-08-10T22:44:52Z")
> [@Eric](#):
>
> do you somehow mark them to make sure they are used in FIFO
We use colored dots in half year increments to make sure we FIFO.
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/13 "2017-08-10T23:40:36Z")
> [@Chris](#):
>
> We use colored dots in half year increments to make sure we FIFO.
You should link this thread to your colored dot thread!
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2017, 11:59pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/14 "2017-08-10T23:59:11Z")
Pic of the dot system.
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### Author:  [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2017, 12:08am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/15 "2017-08-11T00:08:08Z")
Can I get a close up of the paper? 🙂 Thanks!
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2017, 2:23pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/16 "2017-08-11T14:23:19Z")
Sure
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### Author:  [@ClaudnDaye](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/ClaudnDaye)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2017, 3:26pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/17 "2017-08-11T15:26:13Z")
So, let’s say you have more in one of the stacks than you actually use during 1/2 of a year. Say you marked 50 vials (don’t know what you use so making a huge and probably wrong guess) for “2nd half of 2019”. Then say 2020 came around and you still had 12 vials. What would you do with those?
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### Author:  [@Chris](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Chris)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/18 "2017-08-11T15:35:42Z")
We are using the vials at a rate so we won’t run into the problem. We currently have about 9 vials that have second half of 2019 on them. We use about 1.5 vials per month. Every quarter it seems like the new vials we receive have about a 2 year expiration on them from when they arrive.
With that said, I would, without hesitation use the expired insulin. Only when I saw that it was less effective than expected would I start to use “fresher” insulin.
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2017, 4:01am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/19 "2017-08-12T04:01:54Z")
A post was split to a new topic: [Insurance for kids with pre-existing condition (CWDs)](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insurance-for-kids-with-pre-existing-condition-cwds/1569)
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### Author:  [@Michel](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/u/Michel)
#### Post date: [August 12, 2017, 4:04am UTC](https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/insulin-containers-storage-in-the-fridge/1512/20 "2017-08-12T04:04:18Z")
The comment that @Thomas had on insurance for CWDs seemed so interesting I gave it its own thread.