4/14 Just switched from vetsulin to glargine, syringe ?'s

Susan for Maus (GA)

Susan for Maus (GA)

Member Since 2022
I'm still new at this, so please bear with me -

The actual questions:
What is the downside to using the pen needles?
What syringe should I use for a 1u dose and where do you get them?
I think I want a shorter needle (5/16 & 3/10?) and lower volume syringe.
I'm great with the google shopping online; need the right words.

The long story:
I saw my regular vet yesterday & she switched Maus from vetsulin to generic glargine. I frequently pushed through the other side with the 1/2" needles & she agreed shorter needles would be worth a try. RiteAid had the best price on the insulin but I ended up getting a box of pen needles, my only option for shorter needles. Also, only 1unit mark syringes were available.

I gave her the first dose this morning. The pen needle worked fine & was easier to give a flank shot but I don't like that I need to leave them in so long (up to 10 secs). Pharmacist didn't tell me that. I want to know when I push, the dose is in. Plus, they seem stupid expensive for what they are, more than the 3 pens of insulin.

I'd also like to try the smaller volume syringes (3/10?) since her dose is only 1 unit.

Maus is thin & fuzzy & I was frequently having fur shots (went through, not a miss). Technique tips?

ps: my vet loved the SS & asked me to email her weekly reminders to take a peek.
 
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These are roughly what you want - 0.3cc, 5/16" needles (that's the shortest I've been able to find, and it was still much better than those darn half inch ones), with half unit markings.
https://www.chewy.com/ulticare-insu...3_zg8TPqlzwhfgZdgp1vL5p3b3w2B58hoCXdwQAvD_BwE

A few brands make them - UltiCare, CarePoint. ADWs website actually has a filter for all the specs that might help you out


Downside to the actual pen needles is you have to prime the pen each time, which wastes about 1U per shot. With the syringes, you just stick the needle straight in the rubber seal. Just be careful not to put any air into the pen. There a video here: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...info-proper-handling-drawing-fine-dosing.151/

And for future reference, a lot of us order from Mark's Marine in Canada. Lantus itself seems to be backordered, but there are several genetics for it now. You can probably even get the generics here pretty cheap now, they're called "insulin glargine".
 
Thank you for the info, very helpful.

I priced the insulin ahead & RiteAid had the best price on generic glargine @ ~$56/3 pens, even less than with the GoodRx coupon ($92). Lucky me, they're also the most convenient. She said they might be able to order vials, but not sure as it's new & could take a couple days. Even though the pens are more expensive, I like that the ones not in service are sealed.

I'll get the syringes on order now that I know what to look for. Also like the thought that I can regulate dose by .5 increments

Pharmacist said to use for 28 days after they're opened but I know that number is very precautionary & members of this group go longer. What's the general thought on this?

:cat:
 
Susan for Artemis said:
I'm still new at this, so please bear with me -

The actual questions:
What is the downside to using the pen needles?
What syringe should I use for a 1u dose and where do you get them?
I think I want a shorter needle (5/16 & 3/10?) and lower volume syringe.
I'm great with the google shopping online; need the right words.

The long story:
I saw my regular vet yesterday & she switched Maus from vetsulin to generic glargine. I frequently pushed through the other side with the 1/2" needles & she agreed shorter needles would be worth a try. RiteAid had the best price on the insulin but I ended up getting a box of pen needles, my only option for shorter needles. Also, only 1unit mark syringes were available.

I gave her the first dose this morning. The pen needle worked fine & was easier to give a flank shot but I don't like that I need to leave them in so long (up to 10 secs). Pharmacist didn't tell me that. I want to know when I push, the dose is in. Plus, they seem stupid expensive for what they are, more than the 3 pens of insulin.

I'd also like to try the smaller volume syringes (3/10?) since her dose is only 1 unit.

Maus is thin & fuzzy & I was frequently having fur shots (went through, not a miss). Technique tips?

ps: my vet loved the SS & asked me to email her weekly reminders to take a peek.
Click to expand...
Walmart sell the Relion brand 3/10ml syringe They come in 8mm or 6mm. I found the 6mm to be to short and did not go in enough. The 8mm are perfect.
 

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I think most people here use them up to 4-6 months...if I'm not mistaken the 28 days is if unrefrigerated/at room temp. Alternatively, if the insulin seems to be losing efficacy (shorter duration, numbers creeping up) and a vial is getting close to that 4-6 month mark, most people choose to start a new one

I had a high dose cat so was never fortunate enough to come close to 4 months on a single pen lol
 
Hello and welcome from another who switched from Caninsulin to Lantus. Vetsulin is just the US branding of Caninsulin.

Take a read through this Sticky Note: Insulin Care & Syringe Info: Proper Handling, Drawing, Fine Dosing
It talks about insulin storage, and the down sides to using the pen needles. One of which is that you have to keep the working pen out of the fridge per manufacturer recommendations, which does mean it may not last past 28 days.

Syringe length is a personal preference. With my long haired girl, I liked the 8mm or 5/16 inch needles. I tried the 6 mm ones (BD syringes) and they did not work so well for us.
 
trudy66 said:
Walmart sell the Relion brand 3/10ml syringe They come in 8mm or 6mm. I found the 6mm to be to short and did not go in enough. The 8mm are perfect.
Click to expand...
I just called my local Walmart and they don't have & not able to order the 3/10's. Maybe one closer to the city, but good to know to call ahead.
 
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