SAIPAN — PHI Pharmacy is offering free ice packs and refrigerated storage for insulin and other medications requiring refrigeration at its Dandan and Garapan locations during the Typhoon Sinlaku power outage, the pharmacy announced Thursday.
Ice packs are available while supplies last. Refrigerated storage space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Diabetic patients and others who rely on refrigerated medications are encouraged to call ahead.
PHI Pharmacy Dandan is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The phone number is (670) 235-6170. PHI Pharmacy Garapan is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Garapan location is closed Sundays. The phone number is (670) 323-5000.
PHI Pharmacy has also released a full insulin storage guide for typhoon conditions. With power out across most of Saipan, residents managing diabetes need to know how long their insulin remains safe at room temperature.
For insulin pens, rapid-acting formulations including Humalog, Novolog and Apidra are good for 28 days at room temperature. Short-acting pens such as Humulin R and Novolin R are good for up to 28 days. Intermediate-acting pens including Humulin N and Novolin N are good for up to 14 days. Long-acting pens vary — Lantus and Basaglar are good for 28 days, Levemir and Toujeo for 42 days and Tresiba for 56 days. Pre-mixed pens vary by brand from 10 to 28 days.
For insulin vials, most rapid-acting formulations are good for 28 days. Short-acting and intermediate-acting vials typically last 31 to 42 days depending on brand. Long-acting vials vary from 28 to 42 days. Pre-mixed vials range from 28 to 42 days depending on formulation.
General rules: unopened insulin is best stored refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. If refrigeration is unavailable, most unopened insulin can be kept at room temperature below 86 degrees Fahrenheit for up to about 28 days. Once insulin has been kept at room temperature, it should not be returned to long-term refrigerated storage.
Discard insulin if it has been exposed to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, has been frozen, appears cloudy or discolored when it should not, or has exceeded the recommended days at room temperature.
During a power outage, keep insulin in a cool dark place. Use coolers with ice packs but do not place insulin directly on ice. Do not leave insulin in vehicles or other hot areas.
For questions about insulin, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Trulicity and Wegovy, or any refrigerated medications, call PHI Pharmacy at the numbers above.
