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Insulin storage — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardEndocrine TherapeuticsInsulin storageGPhC CRA

A NovoRapid FlexPen carried as a spare has remained unopened and below 30°C for 32 days. It is clear, within its printed expiry date and has never frozen. What is the safest advice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Discard it because the 4-week out-of-refrigerator limit has passed

The NovoRapid FlexPen SmPC states that a pen carried as a spare may be stored below 30°C for a maximum of four weeks. Thirty-two days exceeds that limit even if the pen is unopened, clear and within its printed expiry date. Refrigeration does not reset elapsed time outside the authorised storage conditions.

Reference: NovoRapid FlexPen Summary of Product Characteristics: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7920/smpc