2/13 new to lantus... cost???

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

analiese42

Member Since 2011
I got prescription for vial lantus for my newly diagnosed 11 year old siamese Thai. Went to Target to see what it will cost.105.00 for vial.$225.00 for three pens. From many posts, the pens seem to be a better use and last longer.o I will be going to vet tomorrow to see if I can get a prescription for pens as it seems like a better deal as he needs 1 unit 2 x day. Has anyone found lantus cheaper? Or are these prices about right?
 
are you in the US? the most i've paid is $250.00 for 5 pens...and that was high... retail at Walgreen's.

others will give you better info and links...

also there's a coupon they'll give you a link to for (i think) $25 off first purchase...

celi & binks
 
Hi: The pens are a much better deal. I ordered from Canada and got 5 pens for $110.00. This is a link to the coupon for Lantus. (viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36553) You will also need syringes to draw the insulin out of the pens. U100 syringes with 1/2 unit markings. Here Costco has the best price for the pens.
 
I'd get the pens too, that way you use a smaller amount and the unused pen vials will last longer. You store Lantus in the fridge and it will last longer. You use the syringes recommended to draw the Lantus out of the pen cartridges. There are pictures in the stickies.

Welcome to Lantus Land.
 
if you've used other insulins before, you definitely want to read the sticky on handling and storage of lantus...

it's very different than the other insulins in that you don't shake or roll it...
 
Call around for prices since they vary. You may want to see if you can purchase single pens. Some places will sell them one at a time. Usually, an outpatient pharmacy at a hospital will sell a single pen.

Would you mind removing the star from your subject line? We use the stars for important general information posts.
 
Do you have a Costco nearby? When the pharmacist at my Costco found out I was buying the Lantus for my pet and paying full price, he offered to sell me the pens one at a time. The cost there is $41/pen or $205 for 5. You don't need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy, either.

I previously had the vials. I abused the heck out of my first one and it barely lasted a month. We're coming up on a month on our second vial, and so far, so good. I'm switching to the pens as soon as I'm done with this vial.

Good luck!
 
Christie & Willie said:
Do you have a Costco nearby? When the pharmacist at my Costco found out I was buying the Lantus for my pet and paying full price, he offered to sell me the pens one at a time. The cost there is $41/pen or $205 for 5. You don't need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy, either.

I previously had the vials. I abused the heck out of my first one and it barely lasted a month. We're coming up on a month on our second vial, and so far, so good. I'm switching to the pens as soon as I'm done with this vial.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Hey thanx for that info!!! I'm glad this condo is here because we happen to have a Costco near us and my Mother even has a membership even though you said you don't need one but just in case, she does!!!
 
WOW! Thanks for the replies. I will definately check around for better pricing and the possibility of purchasing one pen at a time.

I did buy a Relion Confirm meter on Saturday, and am having a hard time getting blood from his ears. The vet did it so easily when she was showing me how. Ive tried rubbing and the rice sock. I can't get any blood. i even tried the lancets and clicker on myself and it worked. I got blood from myself, just not Thai before he got bitey and scratchy. Will keep trying. :smile:

Sorry about the star, I had no idea. But thanks for correcting me, i don't want to do anything wrong!
This is a great site, in the few days since diagnosis, I have had gained so much valuable information form people who care about their cats and want to make a difference.
 
20121.gif
So glad you found the FDMB! Lots of great peeps and phenomenal info.

I get mine at Costco too. While you don't need to be a member to use the pharmacy, there is a discount if you are a member. I think we paid $180 for 5 cartridges last time.

If you order from Canada it is cheaper but you need to be careful of the weather. Lantus cannot freeze, or in the summer, heat may be a problem during shipping.

The vet did it so easily when she was showing me how.
Click to expand...

Wow, a vet that actually showed you how to test. He/she's a keeper! :-D I have better luck just freehanding the lancet. Hold it at a 45º angle and aim between the big vein and the edge of the ear. A light quick poke w/ a slight twist. Sometime a double poke works better. Don't worry , it gets easier.
 
What is the gauge on your lancets? The higher the number, the thinner the needle. I'd start with a 28 if you can find it, or even a 26. That should help!

Good luck!
 
Welcome, Analise, to Lantus Land.

My Kinney's pharmacy will sell the Lantus pens singly. Check around in your area. As to testing: it will get easier. Ears have to be "taught" to bleed. Try shining a flashlight on the other side of the ear so that you can more easily see the vein. Then aim for the edge side of the ear, near the vein. Put a little finger pressure below where you are going to prick. Blood flows DOWN from the tip of the ear, so if you create a "dam", it will make it easier to get a drop. Put a little vaseline on the ear before you prick: this will help the blood drop to bead up. I don't think you have to go to the extreme of getting a thicker lancet. 30 gauge, or "thin" would be fine. You don't want to dig up the ears any more than you have to! If you are using a lancet device, try setting it to a higher number for better penetration.

Good luck, and ask as many questions as you need. Everyone here wants the best for your kitty.

Ella & Rusty
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top