I think I gave too much insulin

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Dex & Ollie, Nov 6, 2018.

  1. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    Really worried— I just fed Dexter and gave him his usual shot of insulin (1 unit). I use the Lantus pen, so only one click. When I gave him the insulin I heard 3 clicks. I don’t know how it could have clicked over three times unless I accidentally loaded 3 units. I’ve never had a problem with the pen before.

    Dexter usually eats a lot and now he doesn’t seem that interested in food. I usually give him a canned food but still have his old dry kibble, and offered that to him. Not interested in that either.

    On top of all that, I’m out of testing strips, although Amazon promises they’re going to be delivered today by 8pm.

    Any ideas???
     
  2. Bronx's dad (GA)

    Bronx's dad (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Nov 30, 2016
    You will need those strips! Can you get them at a Walmart or CVS?
     
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  3. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    I have some from my old meter that I don’t like as much (for humans). I’m waiting on the alpha trak strips- can those be gotten from CVS?
     
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  4. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    I agree. Can you duck out and get some strips before the shops shut?
    I have no idea about the Lantus pen and the sounds it makes.
    But if you think you have given too much insulin, you really need some strips.
     
  5. Bronx's dad (GA)

    Bronx's dad (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Nov 30, 2016
    Well, good thing you have another meter with strips. If you did give a triple dose, close monitoring will be needed...
     
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  6. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    Those shpuld be ok. Are they still in date?
    Did you get a PMPS blood test?
     
  7. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    I have a way to monitor, just not on my regular device. He’s at 259 right now, but again, that’s on a meter that I don’t usually use. C’mon Amazon...
     
  8. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    PMPS he was 217.
     
  9. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    That's OK. We will be able to see if the BSL goes up or down. Just keep using the one meter.
    Can you get a +1 and a +2?
     
  10. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    Yes, I’ll get a +1 and +2.
     
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  11. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    I have to go and pick up kids from school but will be back in about an hour,
    Areyou goingto be around @Bronx's dad ?
     
  12. Squeaky and KT (GA)

    Squeaky and KT (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jul 19, 2011
    When this potential crisis is over, let's talk about how to use syringes rather than the pen needles. They can vary in actual dose given....
     
  13. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    I know, I need to move to syringes. My vet encouraged this too, and this is all I needed to make the change. I’ll get some ASAP.
     
  14. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    All these syringes have half unit markings (very important when you're doing microdosing) and are the correct syringes for U100 insulin and are available from ADW online:
    UtiCare
    Monoject
    Carepoint
    Sure Comfort
    B/D

    They're also available at WalMart if you have one near you. Their Relion brand 3/10ml, 30 or 31 gauge, 6mm or 8mm insulin syringes all come with half unit markings and are only $12.58 for a box of 100 (although a lot of them don't realize they DO come with half unit markings!)

    I believe Walgreens also has some syringes with half unit markings but I'm not sure about that.
     
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  15. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2018
    Dexter was 332 at +1 and 329 at +2. I gave him dry kibble after his mis-dose and I guess he’s okay now. Do you think he’ll be ok? I’ll keep testing every hour or two, but it seems like either a) the shot didn’t give as much as I thought, or b) he ate enough carbs to offset it.
     
  16. Jeff D / Sketch

    Jeff D / Sketch Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2017
    I would definitely keep testing every hour or so. You are still pretty early in this insulin cycle and that could change quickly! Make sure you have your crash kit stocked just in case things go south! And like the others mentioned get changed over to syringes so there can't be any pen malfunctions either putting Dex in danger or you in worry or sleepless night mode.
     
  17. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    Looks like he will be ok but I would get a +4 and a +6 just to make sure.
    Are you aware that dry kibble is very high in carbs and we don’t recommend feeding it at all. If you want to use high carb food, canned high carb is a much better choice.
    Have you decided to do the TR or SLGS protocol?
    Feeding dry kibble is not allowed if following the TR.
     
  18. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    At +3.5 he’s 281, so I’m crossing my fingers that he’s ok. I’ll keep checking tonight, but thanks for all your help.
     
  19. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    I’d get a +5
    You are doing a good job monitoring
     
  20. Dex & Ollie

    Dex & Ollie Member

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    Aug 27, 2018
    Hi everyone-- I got a +6 (222) and went to bed. He was at 307 AMPS today, so I guess he's fine. I don't know why the pen clicked the way it did, but I'm guessing it gave him his normal amount of insulin, and I gave him carbs out of concern. Anyway, calling the vet today to get the U100 needles. Thanks for all your help.
     
    Ana & Frosty (GA) likes this.
  21. Kelly and Buddy

    Kelly and Buddy Member

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    Jul 26, 2018
    Walgreens does have the 1/2 unit markings and they are one of the only places I have found that have the 1/2 inch syringe. I hate the 5/8 syringe.
     
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  22. Krystina & Nelli

    Krystina & Nelli Well-Known Member

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    Jul 4, 2018
    They do. I use them!
     
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