? on needle markings/dosing

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Michele and Coco Chanel

Michele and Coco Chanel

Member Since 2021
I just switched from Vetsulin to Lantus, from a U-40 syringe to U-100. I thought the U-100 was supposed to have half-unit markings. I'm so confused. I was on 1 unit 1x a day on Vetsulin. My vet prescribed 2 units 2x a day with Lantus.

After discussion on this board, I decided to go with 1 unit 2x a day. I've attached the syringes. I don't see half-unit markings on the syringe on the right, and I'm not sure I gave the right dose. I just went to the first line, which is way less than 1 unit on the other syringe. I'm thinking that's why the vet said 2 units.

Ugh. I'm not understanding something. ☹️ I feel like I'm making no progress with my cat. Yesterday I was able to get blood with the first poke. Today it took 4, and she was so stressed. So I don't even know how accurate the reading was. ☹️☹️☹️☹️

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Hey there!

If you count back from the large 5, 1U is the first short hash mark. Not all U100 syringes automatically have half unit markings, so you might want to get some. Did you get these from the vet or the pharmacy? You may want to ask your supplier if they have ones with 1/2 unit markings. If they don't have what you need, I get these from Chewy:
https://www.chewy.com/ulticare-insulin-syringes-u-100-31-g/dp/206405

I know know other users get theirs from other diabetic suppliers or places like WalMart.

The numbers you want to pay attention to when buying syringes:
  • 1/2 unit markings
  • U100 for Lantus
  • .3 (3/10) or .5 (5/10) mL - this is how much insulin your syringe will hold, and the smaller ones are better for pets dosing.
The dose changes will be VERY slight and may almost look like no difference at all. But cats are small animals, so even the smallest change can make a big difference. This post has a lot of info about dosing, so you might find it helpful: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...info-proper-handling-drawing-fine-dosing.151/

U40 vs U100 means how many units = 1mL of insulin. Insulins can have different potencies per volume, so even if it looks like less insulin, that does not mean it is less effective.

Some days are easier than others. You got this! :bighug:
 
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If you have a Walmart near you they have them, either packages are OK, just check them
You can't order these on line, you have to go into the store, most likely with a script
We increase or decrease by 0.25 units, so the ones with half unit markings make it easier
You can save the other ones and use them if you have to give whole units
 
Using syringes with a pen, cartridge, or vial:
  • U-100 3/10cc syringes with half unit markings are the best to use for drawing Lantus, Basaglar, or Levemir from vials, cartridges, and pens.
  • BD Ultra-Fine, CarePoint Vet, Monoject, GNP, UltiCare Vet Rx, Sure Comfort, and ReliOn are just some of the brands available with half unit markings.
  • Syringes come in ½ inch or 5/16 inch needle lengths. Needle gauges are 29, 30 or 31 (31 being the thinnest)
  • Full and half-unit syringe scales:

You can also check out ADW Diabetes
https://www.adwdiabetes.com
 
Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate the help - so much!

This is my box. I got it from Chewy. Actually, it was more difficult getting the syringes from Chewy than it was the insulin from Canada, which was quite surprising. This box matches my vet's prescription. So if I want to get syringes with 1/2 unit marks, does that mean I have to get another prescription?? I don't see on these boxes how you know the syringes have 1/2 unit though. I also didn't even realize you needed a prescription to get syringes.

I think my cat would really like the 31 gauge. She flinches every time I give her the shot, and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I've watched a few videos too. :-( Fortunately, she doesn't totally hate me yet.

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The pics I showed you above from Walmart are half unit markings even though they don't say it on the box
. $12.58 for a box of 100.
You can't order these on line, you have to go into the store, call and ask them if you need a script
 
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Michele and Coco Chanel said:
Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate the help - so much!

This is my box. I got it from Chewy. Actually, it was more difficult getting the syringes from Chewy than it was the insulin from Canada, which was quite surprising. This box matches my vet's prescription. So if I want to get syringes with 1/2 unit marks, does that mean I have to get another prescription?? I don't see on these boxes how you know the syringes have 1/2 unit though. I also didn't even realize you needed a prescription to get syringes.

I think my cat would really like the 31 gauge. She flinches every time I give her the shot, and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I've watched a few videos too. :-( Fortunately, she doesn't totally hate me yet.

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If you already ordered from Chewy, they should have your script on file. I wouldn’t think you’d need another. May want to contact customer service just to let them know. They may refund you for the ones you’re not using anyway.
 
Librarianista said:
If you already ordered from Chewy, they should have your script on file. I wouldn’t think you’d need another. May want to contact customer service just to let them know. They may refund you for the ones you’re not using anyway.
Click to expand...

I did call Chewy, and they want another prescription. They can't give me 31 gauge because the prescription is 29 gauge.

I'm usually a fan of Chewy, but I cannot believe what a pain this was. I have had to talk to them 3x on this. My order sat for 2 days for the pharmacy to review, and then they only reviewed it because I called. They phoned my vet twice - I have no idea why - and that was on top of me having to email the prescription twice. I don't get it.

I looked it up, and in California, we don't need a prescription for syringes. I told Chewy that, but Chewy said it doesn't matter. They need a new prescription. Argh.

I can go into a Walmart and see if I have better luck. Thank you, everyone.
 
Michele and Coco Chanel said:
I did call Chewy, and they want another prescription. They can't give me 31 gauge because the prescription is 29 gauge.

I'm usually a fan of Chewy, but I cannot believe what a pain this was. I have had to talk to them 3x on this. My order sat for 2 days for the pharmacy to review, and then they only reviewed it because I called. They phoned my vet twice - I have no idea why - and that was on top of me having to email the prescription twice. I don't get it.

I looked it up, and in California, we don't need a prescription for syringes. I told Chewy that, but Chewy said it doesn't matter. They need a new prescription. Argh.

I can go into a Walmart and see if I have better luck. Thank you, everyone.
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The gauge and needle length made such a HUGE difference for me. My cat seemed to be in pain with the needles I was given with my prescription. I got some great advice and instantly switched. With the ones I’m using now, my cat doesn’t even seem to notice I’m doing anything. It was literally a game changer!

I use 31 (smallest gauge). I also asked for the shortest needle length, which is 6mm. And half unit markings. Just make sure it’s U-100.

I’m not sure if it’s the same where you live, but the Walgreens and Jewel Osco by me will allow you to purchase a small amount of syringe needles without a prescription. 10-20 of them where I live. So I bought those until I was able to figure it out.

Turns out, I didn’t even need to call my vet. I ordered from here (these are the ones I recommend):
https://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/7587/bd-ultra-fine-half-unit-syringes-31g-3-10cc-6mm-100ct

After purchasing, I got an email telling me a prescription was required and asked me to click a link to provide my vet’s info. They contacted and got permission from the vet on my behalf the next day. It was quick and easy.

These cost more than others. But for me, paying extra for 6mm length was a great decision and totally worth it!
 
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Actually, I just read on the site for the link I gave you in my previous message that says, if you live in California or Nevada, a prescription isn’t required for purchasing syringes on their website. All other states require vet contact information. They contact your vet and get permission to send. No actual prescription is needed.

So you should be able to place the order and that’s it. Hopefully that helps if you didn’t find them already.
 
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