How do you carry your FRIO wallet

[tikkipoo]

I have been researching cooling packs for our next trip in June. It seems that the FRIO is the best option for carrying DH insulin pen. Do you throw is inside your backpack or does it need to hang on the outside to keep cool?

 

[ttintagel]

I only needed to use it on the trip down (pump rather than pen), but I kept it in my purse, and it was OK for the eight-hour trip.

 

[tikkipoo]

I'm worried with the heat in the parks. I read somewhere that it needs air to work property.

 

[disney david]

I'm worried with the heat in the parks. I read somewhere that it needs air to work property.

The first aid stations can hold your meds in the Fridge at each park.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I keep mine in my fanny pack. It gets enough air to not have any problems.

 

[tikkipoo]

Thanks everyone!

 

[melancholywings]

I've had some bad luck with the Frio wallet. At first it worked great...then after a bit of time it stopped staying 'cool' and we had insulin spoil. In fairness it was really, really hot. Then a year later the thing leaked all over her bag.

We're not on a pen but before a trip I'll put aside a half filled bottle of insulin. Enough for one or two pod changes. And that will be the 'park' vial. So that if it goes bad we won't have to toss the whole thing. I use a small soft sided cooler. Put an ice-pack on the bottom, layer bubble wrap above that. Then the insulin in the frio above that. I also pack extra ziploc baggies because if it starts to get too warm I'll get ice from a restaurant and make a back up ice pack. We try not to leave the insulin in first aid unless it's super hot as we get so wrapped up in the fun that sometimes the pod changes will happen while standing in line for an attraction.

I would also recommend a small flashlight for your bag. I can't count how many times we've dropped the lancet in the backpack and have to hunt for it at night.

 

[PatsMom]

I have had good luck with the Frio. I also just put mine in my fanny pack or backpack and it seems to keep cool enough.

It does need some air according to what I read on the instructions but it seems to get enough in the pack. If you are concerned, you could tuck it into an outside pocket.

 

[buffettgirl]

We have also tucked it into our backpack. It just need to have air circulating around it, so it can't be placed into a tight bag.

Leaving insulin at first aid stations isn't practical for most people as they often need to use it multiple times during the day. (when my son took shots it was every bite of food needed a shot, so walking to and from first aid isn't doable. )

 

[katml14]

I love our Frio - we generally just throw it in whatever bag we are carrying into the park, whether it is a backpack or my purse. I have found that if you activate the FRIO before you leave, try activating it in *cool* to *cold* water and it will keep the overall temp of the pack (and its contents) at a comfortable temp. If we put the FRIO in just luke warm water, it doesnt keep its contents at a comfortable temp as long as I would like.

 

[tikkipoo]

Great! Thanks for being so helpful!

 

[Belle & Ariel]

We use the Novolog flexpens and they do not need to be refrigerated if you finish it in 28 days. We bring what we need plus one extra and do not refrigerate them. We leave night shot and extras in hotel and just carry what we need for the day.
We also always carry Glucagon--used it at DHS once and were very thankful to have had it with us when son passed out.

 

[tikkipoo]

We use the Novolog flexpens and they do not need to be refrigerated if you finish it in 28 days. We bring what we need plus one extra and do not refrigerate them. We leave night shot and extras in hotel and just carry what we need for the day.
We also always carry Glucagon--used it at DHS once and were very thankful to have had it with us when son passed out.

SO, I checked the website. DH is on Humalog and the website says
"Opened vials should be kept at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Opened cartridges or prefilled pens should be kept at room temperature."

Here he thougth if it got to room temperature, it was no good anymore. Luckily this has only happened once with an almost empty pen, so we didn't make a huge mistake!

 

[buffettgirl]

SO, I checked the website. DH is on Humalog and the website says
"Opened vials should be kept at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Opened cartridges or prefilled pens should be kept at room temperature."

Here he thougth if it got to room temperature, it was no good anymore. Luckily this has only happened once with an almost empty pen, so we didn't make a huge mistake!

oh gosh!

All unopened insulin needs to stay in the fridge. Once you take it out of the fridge it's only good for 28 days. So if you're travelling with spare insulin that's unopened, keep it cold.

But once opened, insulin is good for 28 days, whether you keep it in the fridge or not. So we tend to just keep ours out on the counter while in use. of course, we generally empty the vial before 28 days anyway...

 

[PatsMom]

I don't refrigerate my opened Lantus pen. But I do keep it from going above "room temperature". So in the warm weather in Florida I use the Frio. But in the winter, I just throw the pen in my bag. At home I keep it on the counter. It stings less when it is not at refrigerator temperature.

I wouldn't trust the Frio to keep my unopened spare supply at refrigerator temperature, just to keep my open pen from getting too warm.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

My backpack has a mesh pocket on the outside. Our FRIO Pack fits nicely and gets a chance to breath to keep the insulin cool.

 

[fairytalelover]

so it's ok to keep it in a zipped purse or backpack?

 

[buffettgirl]

so it's ok to keep it in a zipped purse or backpack?

As long as air can circulate around it, it's fine. Ziploc bag, no. In a backpack, fine.