New to Forteo

Posted by isafelfeli2933 @isafelfeli2933, Jul 23 11:23am

Hi, I just received my first Forteo pen. Completely new to this treatment journey & even using injections. Question: we're traveling for 2 weeks. Can I leave my medication at home in the fridge & start it after my trip? It's a hassle to travel with a medication that needs refrigeration. It says to discard the pen after 28 days. Is it 28 days after the first use? Or 28 days after receiving it? I'm a bit confused. Thanks

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njx58 | @njx58 | Jul 23 12:41pm

28 days after first use. You can leave it in the fridge until you get back.

mayblin | @mayblin | Jul 23 12:42pm

If I were in your shoes, I’d consider delaying the start of Forteo until after your trip - unless your doctor feels there's an urgent reason to begin immediately. Starting right before trip can be tough, especially if you experience side effects while traveling.

Once you start the first injection, the pen is to be discarded after 28 days per manufacturer Eli Lilly, even if a small amount of liquid remains.

Traveling with Forteo is entirely doable, but it takes planning. I've traveled with Forteo many times. There are quite a few medical coolers on Amazon designed to maintain the cold chain (36-46°F, or 2-8°C for Forteo) that are TSA-approved. You can find several threads here discussing this topic. Lilly does allow a cumulative total of 36 hours at room temperature under 77°F (25°C) when refrigeration isn't available.

isafelfeli2933 | @isafelfeli2933 | Jul 23 3:47pm

In reply to @mayblin "If I were in your shoes, I’d consider delaying the start of Forteo until after your..." + (show)

@mayblin very helpful info. Thanks a lot! I'm new to MayoClinic website & I find this amazing & very supportive.

isafelfeli2933 | @isafelfeli2933 | Jul 23 3:47pm

In reply to @njx58 "28 days after first use. You can leave it in the fridge until you get back." + (show)

@njx58 thank you so much! I feel a lot better now!

ou14mejc | @ou14mejc | Jul 24 8:47pm

They make special containers for travel. I just finished two years of Forteo and I always traveled with mine. The container is a cylinder with an ice pack. I think it keeps the pen at the correct temp. for 36 hours. You just need to have access to a freezer/fridge at your destination. The packs they sell for diabetes pens are not cold enough. I think the pens are 28 days from the first use, but it should tell in the paper that comes with the pen.