2/3 AMPS 400

[Malcolm & Heidi]

Malcolm's numbers keep going up even though I've upped his dose. I'm wondering if my insulin isn't good or as strong anymore? I got it in November when he was first diagnosed and have kept it in the box in the fridge ever since. But I notice it doesn't have that "band aid" smell like it did when I first got it.

 

[tiffmaxee]

Here’s your previous post. We link them for continuity.
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/1-22-vet-wants-to-go-up-a-full-dose.285889/#post-3145857

If the insulin is clear and it’s been kept in the fridge it should be good. I used vials for 5-6 months and switched to pens that lasted to the last drop. I had to throw out over half a vial each time. Looks like you have not hot the breakthrough dose. I’d increase to 3.25 tomorrow since you are following SLGS.

 

[Malcolm & Heidi]

Ok. Thank you. When you said you had to throw out the vials, how did you know when to do so? I have just about a 1/2 of a vial left. It's still clear. It just doesn't seem to have that smell like it did what I first got it.
Also, are the pens more expensive? And do you just ask at the pharmacy for that? Or does the vet need to call it in? I'm trying not to go through my vet if I can help it. Not really happy with how they've handled his diagnosis.

 

[tiffmaxee]

The pens are not more expensive. At the time all insulin was and I bought a box of 5 from Canada. You can search prices on Good RX. Prices have come down a lot with the biosimilars. I think you can even buy single pens.

I bought new insulin when Max’s numbers were not coming down for several days. I dint see any difference in Malcom’s and two months would be awfully fast for it to lose potency so suspect he just needs more insulin.

 

[tiffmaxee]

You will need an RX.

 

[Malcolm & Heidi]

Ok. Good to know. The insulin is 4 months old though. I got it in November 2023.

 

[tiffmaxee]

We just started February I think it’s 3 months. That’s still too soon for it to go bad normally unless the expiration date on the box has passed. I think we all think insulin is bad when it’s not the insulin. You can get new insulin if you want though.