Did I just ruin the Lantus?

[Nancy&Pepper (GA)]

I just started Lantus. The directions were to inject the air from the syringe into the vial, then flip it over and draw out the lantus. I wasn't thinking and I flipped it over first, then injected the air into the lantus. Do I need to run out and buy a new vial?

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

No, you're fine - the reason you insert syringe and push then turn over gets the last bubble of air that sticks on the needle off. You ARE using a vial instead of a pen cartridge aren't you? If you're using a pen cartridge, you do NOT insert air...they work on negative pressure.

BIG HUG!

 

[Nancy&Pepper (GA)]

I am using the vials, not the pens. So I didn't contaminate the Lantus by injecting the air through it?

 

[BJM]

Nope. Its fine.

There is a fixed volume at a fixed pressure in the vial.
When you inject air, it increases the pressure.
This allows you to more easily draw out the insulin you need - it helps push it out to return the pressure to normal.

 

[Nancy&Pepper (GA)]

Thanks so much. I'm so grateful to all the people on this board who are willing to answer my questions.

 

[BJM]

Been there, had those too! :smile:

 

[squeem3]

To prevent the bottle from breaking if you ever accidentally drop it (has happened to many people here on FDMB), wrap the bottle in something cushiony. You can buy insulin bottle protector/sleeves at the pharmacy like these: http://www.americandiabeteswholesale.com/catalog/insulin-vial-covers_73.htm Or DIY by wrapping some bubble wrap or a paper towel or something similar around the bottle.