Forteo unrefrigerated - Osteoporosis Message Board

Gilah · 05-19-2008, 07:39 PM

Hi,

I've been using Forteo for 11 days. This morning I forgot to put it back in the refrigerator. Luckily it wasn't a very warm day, but it certainly wasn't as cool as the inside of a refrigerator. I would say it must have been around 60-65 at the most in my kitchen.

Now I'm afraid that I cannot use the rest of this month's medication. Can anyone out there let me know if I'm safe using what's left. I don't think I can get any more, and if not, should I just stop and restart when my prescription can be renewed?

Thanks for your help,

Gilah

DesertBloom · 05-20-2008, 09:19 AM

Hi Gilah... Welcome to the board!!! How long was the pen out of the refrigerator? I've heard some say that it can be out of the refrigerator for a certain amount of time without it spoiling, but you would have to call Eli Lily to find out what that time amount is.

They'll also be able to tell you what to do. If they say not to use it, ask if you can get a free one.

There's no problem with stopping and starting it, I did that, but I would find out if the pen is okay first, and if not will Lily or your Insurance give you a freebie. Did you get a free pen from Lily when you started Forteo? If not, then you are *entitled* to one from Lily. If you have to bring this up don't hesitate to do so, just tell them that you never got a free pen during the training session (if this applies). Last thought would be to go to your Dr and ask for a free pen, if you have to, I get these *all* the time. The Drs have to rotate their stock (give pen away) before the expiration date, or they just throw them out in the medical waste.

Eli Lily 1-866-4forteo. Let us know what happens.

taape · 05-20-2008, 06:31 PM

Welcome - I agree with Desertbloom, contact Eli Lilly and missing a few days while getting a new pen is no big deal. the pen should be stored between 36 degrees and 46 degrees so 60-65 degrees is way out of the range except for the short time the pen is out of the refrigerator to do the injection.

My doctor called Eli Lilly and they told him that the pen could be in 70 degree temperatures for up to 14 hours per month. But I don't believe that and it's better to be safe.

sandragene · 07-17-2008, 06:46 PM

I had no idea Lilly was giving a free Forteo pen when you attend class. My husband did receive a free carrying case in the mail from them but not a free pen. How do you think we would get one? Also I am in a quandry, our doctor's office said that one of their drug company reps dropped off a pen for another patient and he didn't pick it up so they gave it to us. Well, we didn't look at the date on it and my husband used the one our insurance company sent us first and now has noticed that the free one the dr gave us is going to expire before it will be used up for this next 28 day period. My initial response to my husband was to use it. It's not like it isn't refrigerated and it isn't months out of date, will just be a few days. He is very adament that the teacher told him not to use any that old. He wants to throw it away and I am frugal. We do have wonderful insurance but still paying $80 for it when we have this one just seems like such a waste. While I don't want my husband to get sick or drop dead from this expired (barely) medicine, what are the chances of that? What do you think? Of course we are both on disability and am on very very limited budget.

taape · 07-17-2008, 08:37 PM

I would call Eli Lilly and explain that the pen date was almost expired when it was given to you from your doctor's office and also that you never got a free pen, and see if they will give you another free one. For me they sent me a card with a number on it that I took to the pharmacy and the they ran the number through which charged Eli Lilly. That way I could have the local pharmacy order the pen and pick it up free of charge.

I personally would not used expired medication. Just use the pen until the date and then stop. Even if it takes you a week or so to get another one that is not expired. Either way, don't throw the pen away because like with me they wanted me to send the pen back to them and they provided an envelope to do this.I wouldn't take a chance since this medication has to be at the proper temperature and is sensitive medication. Everytime I received a pen from either the local pharmacy or by mail I wrote the received date on the box so I could keep track.

By the way my doctor's office never gave me a free pen or the carrying bag, I had to call myself and tell them that my doctors office never gave it to me, and then they sent the carrying case, video, information about Forteo.