10/8 Crushy amps 408 +1 308 +2 238 +3 118

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Michele M

Michele M

Member Since 2013
previous: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=105888&p=1124292#p1124292

His numbers have been super high lately and last night when I got a 406 at +7 it dawned on me that his lantus may have gone bad. Its really been like he's not getting any insulin at all almost.

The bottle looked clear, but "clear" is a relative term. I went ahead and got a new bottle this morning for his am shot and it was much clearer. I thought what I was seeing on the old bottle was condensation (I didnt see any "floaties.")

We will see how his numbers go today but Im guessing that was NOT condensation. :sad: :sad: :cry:
(I did shoot the insulin back into the bottle at first before I learned not to so Im guessing that was it)

The learning curve on this whole experience is steep and it kills me that Crushy is paying for my inexperience.

AND my 10 ml bottle of lantus was $195.00 !!! wtf?? ohmygod_smile (the first bottle I got was $80.00....they said the price just went up) I definitely need a cheaper source for my next bottle. Any thoughts on that? Im getting ready to call my vet but the pharmacy I got it from (Walgreens) says they have never heard of Lantus "pens"

Thanks

(been testing for ketones and so far so good. He is acting like he doesnt feel so great. understandably)
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 Lantus gone bad, need cheaper sourc

Your pharmacist at Walgreens needs to look at the Lantus page on the web. That part in BIG print across the top that says "Solostar" refers to the pen. There's a picture of the pen, as well.

You'll also notice on the far right of the link, there's a place to sign up for a Lantus savings card. These are for the pens. If you register for the card, just make sure you don't say it's for a cat and indicate that the "person" is over 18 or that you're signing up for your child. Also do not say you have insurance.

Alternatively, if you call around, you may be able to find a place that sells a single pen. The pens typically come in a box of five. Not all places will sell them as a single pen. Outpatient, hospital pharmacies may be one good resource. Others have found that Costco, Sam's or even a Walgreens etc., will sell a single pen.
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 Lantus gone bad, need cheaper sourc

Hi Michele-
I see you are in Austin, so am I. Hank has been OTJ awhile so have not bought any insulin recently, but when we did we were able to purchase a single solo star pen at Sam's Club. Not sure what part of town you are in but this was the one by Arboretum/Gateway. Solo star pens overall are the cheapest way to go because you you will likely be able to use every drop before the insulin goes bad and not have the waste you do with a vial.
I phoned there recently for something else and asked out of curiosity if they still sold the singles, and they said yes...however the per pen price was much higher than when we last purchased. Also I do think this policy varies from store to store as to whether they will sell a single so best to check ahead.

There are also these Lantus discount cards: http://www.lantus.com/considering/save-on-lantus/default.aspx which supposedly limits your OOP to $25. There have been various levels of difficulty/success using them. There are many threads about this on the board with tips/issues, etc...
Here is a start: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=36964

Keyword search: 'Lantus coupon' and you will get many more hits.

I would suggest buying the pens regardless. You may have to call around to get the singles...which is what I did and how I found them at Sams. (you do not have to be a member BTW to use the pharmacy- I am not)

I need to read up a little on you and Crushy- didn't realize another new local was on board. We are not around all the time these days. But am happy to help if I can with local resources, etc... What part of town are you in?

Betty
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 Lantus went bad, need cheaper sourc

Hi guys .. bummer on the bad insulin .. I hope the new juice kicks in soon and these high numbers are a thing of the past! Ouch on the price you paid .. we paid that for 5 pens of lantus .. definitely have your place look into pens, much cheaper (and safer, if you drop one you still have 4 left) have a great day guys!
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 Lantus went bad, need cheaper sourc

It was definitely the Lantus...His BG is already down 100 pts in an hour! Im going to be watching him like a hawk today....

Sienne, thanks for the link and advice. I knew there had to be a cheaper way! The pharmacist I was dealing with didnt strike me as the sharpest tool in the box, but I didnt want to debate her I just wanted to get home and give Crushy his shot.

Sounds like pens are the way to go

Betty, HEY!! another Austinite!! excellent! thanks for the advice! Ill try that Sams Club. Im in Lake Point (near the new HIll Country Galleria near Lakeway....very WEST) Pretty much everything is a drive for me to get to so I dont mind trekking over to that Sams.

and thanks for the well wished Devon, always appreciated
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 +1 308

Hi again Michele-
I called around a little hoping I might be able to come back with news of places closer to you who sold singles, including the south Sam's. No luck so far but can maybe save you a little time telling you who NOT to call (target bee cave, walmart 620, costco south, people's north, medsavers...) Maybe you'll have better luck ..but if not and you can get the North Sams to take the card and get it for $25..it would definitely be worth the drive

You and Crushy are in the right place...so much amazing wisdom and support. I was so lucky to have found my way here with Hank...and he has been OTJ /diet controlled now 3 1/2 years.

Glad the new juice is working better.
 
Re: 10/8 Crushy amps 408 +1 308

Off insuline for over 3 years? that is great!! I cant get enough of success stories like that! and yes I definitely agree Im in the right place. :-D The support here is amazing!

Thanks so much for calling around! I havent had a chance to so you definitely saved me some legwork! Ill try the North Sams first

btw saw your Condo...hope Hank feels better soon
 
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