Well, It seems that all of us here in the Philly area are in the crosshairs of Hurricane Irene as it slowly moves up the east coast of the U.S. . Since this type of thing rarely happens to us here in the NorthEast, I thought it may be a good idea to mention some items on the FDA Hurricane Preparedness Checklist that would be important to people with Diabetes. It is of utmost importance to read the entire list as well!
- Drugs Exposed to Water
- For lifesaving drugs exposed to water, when replacements may not be readily available, if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected –if the pills are dry—the pills may be used until a replacement can be obtained. However, if the pill is wet it is contaminated and should be discarded.
- Other drug products (pills, oral liquids, drugs for injections, inhalers, skin medications)—even those in their original containers—should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood or contaminated water. In the ideal setting, capsules, tablets, and liquids in drug containers with screw-top caps, snap lids, or droppers, should be discarded if they are contaminated. In addition, medications that have been placed in any alternative storage containers should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood or contaminated water.
2. Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency
- As a general rule, insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and length of that exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 °F. Such extreme temperatures may cause insulin to lose potency, which could result in loss of blood glucose control over time.
- In any case, you should try to keep insulin as cool as possible. Try to keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight, but if you are using ice, also avoid freezing the insulin.
- When properly stored insulin becomes available, discard and replace the insulin vials that have been exposed to these extreme conditions.
