New Member/ Advice....Feral Kitty

Status
Not open for further replies.
Katie and Silver said:
I'm a bit confused and have to get it straightened out, The doctor wrote for Glargine U-100 One bottle give one unit twicw daily so if the bottle is 100 units then it should be used up in 50days. Somehow I think that is wrong and I'm not going to give Silver that any way until I tell the docttor that his BG was 317 mg/dl yesterday, and 286mg/dl today. The doctor wrote based on a test that was done on Dec 7, so i'm a little reluctant to dose that. I will get it figured out though. From what I've read it is better to use syringe so you can increase or decrease by a half ml. But thank you it's good to know other people are using the Semglee also.
Click to expand...
I would not start with more that .5 units (half of a unit.). I would buy syringes with half unit markings on them. You will need them. Just make sure the syringes are the correct type for U-100 insulin. That’s very important. We had a bad overdose situation here this year where a cat was given Lantus insulin with the wrong size syringe (a U-40) and many of us here stayed up all day and all night helping to get the cat through that situation. I will never forget that!
 
Read this on syringes:

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, Levemir, or the Biosimilars 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:
49823063143_3437e9e997_o.jpg
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
I would not start with more that .5 units (half of a unit.). I would buy syringes with half unit markings on them. You will need them. Just make sure the syringes are the correct type for U-100 insulin. That’s very important. We had a bad overdose situation here this year where a cat was given Lantus insulin with the wrong size syringe (a U-40) and many of us here stayed up all day and all night helping to get the cat through that situation. I will never forget that!
Click to expand...

Oh my, I can see how that could happen, what a nightmare, I'm glad the kitty got through it...
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Read this on syringes:

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, Levemir, or the Biosimilars 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:
49823063143_3437e9e997_o.jpg
Click to expand...


As soon as I get the insulin I'm going to the vet to have a lesson but I will read the posts also, good to know and have available

So I used to work in Pharmacy as a tech, years ago right out of highschool, I remember the BD 1cc and 1/2 cc insulin syringes so I looked up what a unit was but I didn't put it in a question regarding the insulin used and the dose written for I did however just now so this was the answer

"Insulin comes as 40 units and 100 units, meaning; 40 units per 1cc OR 100 units per 1cc 20 units per 1/2 cc OR 50 units per 1/2 cc 10 units per 1/4 cc OR 25 units per 1/4 cc (Keep in mind that 1cc = 1 ml) This number of UNITS that the insulin is marked for is essential for the syringe to draw up the correct quantity of insulin."

The first time I was thinking 1 unit 1cc, Wrong 1cc is 100units. I will get the correct needles for the U-100 .5 doses I do understand now. I knew something was wrong because I couldn't imagine filling up the entire 1cc syringe seemed like an awful lot. Thank you for the info. I'm a pretty cautious person so I usually won't do any thing unless I really know I have it right. The darn pharmacy I called and they said it would be in yesterday so I said OK text when it's ready I'm on the Rx notification subscription, but by 7:00 I called them and kept being put on hold or transferred and then it would hang up so I'm on my way over now... thanks:cat:
 
Katie and Silver said:
doctor wrote for Glargine U-100 One bottle give one unit twicw daily so if the bottle is 100 units then it should be used up in 50days.
Click to expand...
U-100 refers to the strength of the insulin, not the amount of insulin in the bottle.

A U-100 insulin (such as Lantus or Levemir) has 100 units of insulin per ml.

The typical vial of Lantus contains 10 ml, which equates to 1000 units of insulin (100 units/ml x 10 ml = 1000 units). Using 2 units per day, that would theoretically last 500 days.

The typical Lantus cartridge/pen contains 3 ml of insulin, or 300 units. At 2 units per day, that would be 150 days worth.

A lot of us use the pens/cartridges because the smaller volume per pen often allows us to use the pen to the last drop. Sometimes the vials lose efficacy before empty given the low doses most cats require and the large volume of insulin in the vial. That’s just an FYI in case you’re wondering.

Most human insulins are U-100 strength, whereas most veterinary insulins are U-40 strength. As has already been mentioned, just make sure you get the correct syringes for your insulin (so, u-100 insulin syringes for a u-100 insulin such as Lantus). Furthermore, you’ll want 3/10 cc capacity syringes (so basically each syringe holds 1/3 ml) so you can more precisely measure doses. Larger capacity insulin syringes (such as 1/2 cc or 1cc) are also available but because they hold so much more insulin, it’s trickier to measure given cats need such small doses.

To summarize the syringe info, you’ll want 3/10 cc U-100 insulin syringes, preferably with 1/2 unit markings. The other number on the package (such as mm) references needle length and is more of a personal preference.

[I’m reiterating what @Suzanne & Darcy already advised re syringes because it really is that important; mistakes are easy to make when there are so many numbers being thrown around and even vets clinics can make errors].
 
Last edited:
JL and Chip said:
U-100 refers to the strength of the insulin, not the amount of insulin in the bottle.

A U-100 insulin (such as Lantus or Levemir) has 100 units of insulin per ml.

The typical vial of Lantus contains 10 ml, which equates to 1000 units of insulin (100 units/ml x 10 ml = 1000 units). Using 2 units per day, that would theoretically last 500 days.

The typical Lantus cartridge/pen contains 3 ml of insulin, or 300 units. At 2 units per day, that would be 150 days worth.

A lot of us use the pens/cartridges because the smaller volume per pen often allows us to use the pen to the last drop. Sometimes the vials lose efficacy before empty given the low doses most cats require and the large volume of insulin in the vial. That’s just an FYI in case you’re wondering.

Most human insulins are U-100 strength, whereas most veterinary insulins are U-40 strength. As has already been mentioned, just make sure you get the correct syringes for your insulin (so, u-100 insulin syringes for a u-100 insulin such as Lantus). Furthermore, you’ll want 3/10 cc capacity syringes (so basically each syringe holds 1/3 ml) so you can more precisely measure doses. Larger capacity insulin syringes (such as 1/2 cc or 1cc) are also available but because they hold so much more insulin, it’s trickier to measure given cats need such small doses.

To summarize the syringe info, you’ll want 3/10 cc U-100 insulin syringes, preferably with 1/2 unit markings. The other number on the package (such as mm) references needle length and is more of a personal preference.

[I’m reiterating what @Suzanne & Darcy already advised re syringes because it really is that important; mistakes are easy to make when there are so many numbers being thrown around and even vets clinics can make errors].
Click to expand...


Well unfortunately the pharmacy didn't tell me that on the box it say's discard after 28 days, so i'll end up throwing away about 3/4 of the bottle because the doctor wrote for test done on Dec 7 BG 517 even though I just picked the perscription up on Dec 19 and I told the office manager he had not been exhibiting signs and had been taken off all dry food and high carb cans she told me don't bother testing it doesn't matter, but to me it does so I will go back to the doctor before I dose but it's just a shame I didn't realize it would only last 28 days, next time I'm getting the pens. all I can do now is shake my head, AMBG 286. But yes I got the amount of units straightened out I just didn't realize it would go bad after 28 days , but the doctor should have known that I would think "nice" oh well there goes money down the drain... Thank you though for the information on the dosing etc.
 
Katie and Silver said:
the box it say's discard after 28 days,
Click to expand...
Just keep the bottle in the refrigerator and you can continue to use it long after the stated 28 days. We all do and it’s not a problem.

From the “Insulin Care & Syringe Info” sticky note:
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...info-proper-handling-drawing-fine-dosing.151/

How long will my insulin last?
  • The manufacturers of Lantus and Basaglar recommend discarding the insulin after 28 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Lantus and Basaglar users have been able to use a vial/cartridge/pen for six months and longer. Some use pens and vials to the last drop.
  • The manufacturer of Semglee recommends discarding after 28 days of use. It's too new to know for sure, but we anticipate Semglee to last as long as Lantus or Basaglar with proper handling and refrigeration.
  • […]
  • Unopened Lantus, Levemir, or the Biosimilars are good until the expiration date stamped on the box if refrigerated and handled properly.
 
A few Lantus handling tips from the same Sticky note referenced above…
————

Proper handling of Lantus, Levemir, and the Biosimilars:
  • Lantus, Levemir, and the Biosimilars should be visually inspected prior to administration. Use only if the insulin appears clear and colorless.
  • Never shake or roll your vial, cartridge, or pen.
  • In-use and unopened Lantus, Levemir, and the Biosimilars should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C).
  • Do NOT use Lantus, Levemir, or the Biosimilars if it has been frozen.
  • Do not inject air into cartridges or pens. Cartridges and pens are designed to work on a negative pressure principle.
  • If you draw up too much insulin in the syringe... squirt excess either into the air dramatically like they do on TV or into a paper towel... anywhere but back into vial/cartridge/pen. There is a silicon coating inside the syringe. It may contaminate the insulin vial with silicon.
  • Lantus, Basaglar, and Levemir should not be diluted or mixed with any other insulins or liquids.
 
the insulin I ended up getting is generic it says made by Winthrop then Insulin Glargine U-100. I went to pharmacy then to mall it was in the car for several hours but as far as I could tell it did not freeze. I parked in the covered parking lot. I don't know what the temp was I have an older car, but it didn't seem too cold in the car. I opened the box when I got home and it looked fine and was not frozen but I did run the heat in the car. Not sure how I would know if it isn't good, I hope I can use it longer, Thanks so much for info.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top