8/9 Oberon +10 359 AMPS 416, +3 353, +6 331, +9 362, PMPS 370, +2 377

Lisa & Oberon

Lisa & Oberon

Member Since 2020
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...9-319-pmps-360-2-359-is-my-lantus-bad.233342/

Brief recap: I've barely seen any values below 300 for the past few days (though it's possible I missed an overnight dip that could have caused a bounce). My Lantus isn't expired yet but it's 8 months old, and we had a two day power outage during which I also dropped the Lantus bottle. So I'm trying to figure out whether I'm just dealing with bounces or whether the Lantus has gone bad. I have a call in to the vet for a refill but probably won't get it until tomorrow at the earliest. So for now I'm just moving ahead as if it's still ok. Thoughts?
 
I've heard if it is not cloudy it is still good, but 8 months seems a long time to me. If I'm wrong, someone will chime in I'm sure. I would suggest getting the Lantus pens rather than the vial...they can take a beating, and you can still use the needles you use for the vial. I hope Oberon's numbers come down soon.
 
If you have had the insulin open and been using it for 8 months, it could very well be losing it’s potency.
I would definitely get a new bottle. Are you using a vial or a cartridge of Lantus?
Just be aware that when you use the new insulin you will need to monitor the BG closely in case it lowers the BG significantly.
 
Thanks! Using a vial right now but hoping to get the pens instead when I refill. I think my plan will be to start all over at 0.5 U at first just in case. And if I get it on Monday I'll wait to start until Tuesday morning so I can monitor better throughout the day.

ETA: Just to clarify, I haven't been using it for 8 months straight. He was diagnosed in December and I used it for about 2 weeks until he went into remission. Just started back up again about 2 weeks ago. So it's only been used for about a month total, but the vial was first used 8 months ago.
 
Lisa & Oberon said:
ETA: Just to clarify, I haven't been using it for 8 months straight. He was diagnosed in December and I used it for about 2 weeks until he went into remission. Just started back up again about 2 weeks ago. So it's only been used for about a month total, but the vial was first used 8 months ago.
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Oh I see, so he’s just come out of remission. If the insulin was opened 8 months ago it is probably no good now. It would definitely be worth getting a new pen to try and get his numbers down.
You would be better doing TR if you can manage it instead of SLGS because you want to try and get him in to good numbers as soon as possible. It is harder getting them back into remission the second time around
 
The Lantus was definitely having an effect when we first started using it again on 7/27. So now I can't tell whether it has suddenly lost effectiveness or he's just bouncing. My gut feel is that it's the Lantus. But even if he's just bouncing I should have extra on hand just in case I drop the vial again and it breaks or something.

I'll look at TR again... when I first started reading it seemed kind of intimidating, but now that I'm more on track maybe I should reconsider. I'm working from home for the most part right now so frequent testing won't be a problem.
 
You are on your 8th cycle since the last blue BG which was 199 and I can’t see anywhere later where you could have missed a lower BG that could have triggered a bounce.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
You are on your 8th cycle since the last blue BG which was 199 and I can’t see anywhere later where you could have missed a lower BG that could have triggered a bounce.
Click to expand...

Possibly overnight 8/6 or 8/7, since I didn't test until morning. If he dipped overnight 8/7 in response to the new higher dose (0.75 U) this could be a bounce. But I'm pretty skeptical of that.
 
Yay, I knew you'd get answers. :) So, if you do indeed get the pen/cartridges rather than the vial, there is a different technique for drawing the dose I'm pretty sure.....can someone clarify this? I've never used a vial.
 
The high #s are just as worrisome to me as the super lows. I'm sure you'll see a change with the new insulin. :)
 
I know... really hoping I can get him lower soon. But I don't think it'll be until Tuesday morning... assuming I reach the vet first thing tomorrow and get it later that day, I don't think I'll want to give the new stuff Monday evening and not monitor carefully. Though alternatively, maybe if I call early and can get it quickly, I can delay the Monday am shot slightly and start on Monday.
 
FWIW, I disagree. High numbers are nowhere near as dangerous as low, unless your kitty is recently recovering from DKA. Better a day too high than 5 min too low.

I agree with Bron. I think there's a good chance your Lantus is losing it's potency. It may still have some oomph left but you probably need new insulin.

If. you're in the US, see if you can buy one pen. Ask your vet for 2 prescriptions -- one for a box of Lantus Solostar pens and one Rx for the pens to be dispensed individually. (You may need to tell the vet you're not sure whether the pharmacy will dispense a single pen so you're hedging your vets so you don't need to come back.) You may need to call around to find a place to buy a single pen. You can order the pens through Canada. The price for a box of pens in the US is astronomical -- it can be around $500. You'll pay 1/4 to 1/3 of the price if you order through Mark's Marine Pharmacy in Vancouver. This is Chris' post on purchasing insulin from Canada. You'll need to fax/pdf them the prescription. They will hold on to the prescription -- you won't need it to be renewed since insulin is sold over the counter in Canada.
 
I'm definitely more scared of lows than highs. It's why I started with SLGS. I'm going to be very careful with the new stuff initially since it's likely to be stronger and I don't know how he'll respond. Starting over again at 0.5 U, I think.

Good idea about asking for two prescriptions. I saw the post about getting it from Canada. Great idea in the longterm once I get what I need right now. Thanks!
 
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