glargine longevity

[Phyllis]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has any information on how long glargine lasts in the fridge. The package says dispose after 28 days. I've been using this bottle about 5.5 weeks. My cats specialist says she has some who can go 2 months and can tell when it's getting ineffective by the glucose readings. I am doing regular glucose testing as we are still working on his dosage. Now at 3.5 units twice daily. But the last couple of days it seems to be higher and I'm wondering if the insulin is ineffective. It's a shame cause I've used less than half the bottle, but if I need to buy new, it's not a problem. I don't have a lot of control over his eating cause I have 20 cats right now. (3 are rescues/fosters going to forever home after Christmas). I would appreciate any information anyone can share. Thank you!

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Assuming you handle it well ie don't shake it and you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to six months. Is it cloudy or does it have particles in it?

I used mine twice a day for two cats so that's four draws a day and it lasted four months before I started to get suspicious it wasn't right. And I am not sure even after I changed it, that it even was bad. But then I moved to pens which mean you don't throw out as much if it does to bad .. You get a pack of five solostar pens with 3ml in each as opposed to a 10ml vial.

 

[Tara & Buster]

I have used the vials and haven't really had great luck with them. I wasn't using the first vial I had properly and it lasted about 2 months. I watched the video for proper handling by the time I picked up a second vial and it still seemed to last only 2 months, although that might be debatable to be honest. I switched to the SoloStar pen and I like it much better. You use it a little bit differently, but so far so good.

Here's the link to instructions on how to handle the various kinds of insulin. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151
It's very important to make sure you don't shake it, keep it refrigerated (not in the door) and follow the instructions for either shooting air into the vial or NOT shooting air into the pens. Cats will be cats so sometimes it's hard to tell if the insulin has lost it's potency or maybe kitty is just running high. For peace of mind, I just got new insulin and moved on. I wasted a lot with the vials. I would recommend getting the pens if you can get a script for them.

20 cats! Holy smokes! Bless you for caring for caring for all those furry friends!!

 

[Dyana]

I used to use the vials for 6 months or so.. mind you, that was before I joined this board. But, I have heard of many many people who use the insulin to the last drop. I presently use Levemir, and will start a new pen when getting close to the end of the insulin or close to the point where I can't insert the needle without touching the stopper. I often think it's the insulin wearing out, but it turns out the insulin was fine. Just keep it refrigerated and it will last you a long time.

 

[Frosty]

Hi Phyllis. I can't give you any expert advice but here is the link to a sticky addressing this issue.
http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151

I use Lantus but buy the pens. They cost more than the vial up front, about $220, but last longer. You get 5 pens in a box. Since you're only using 1 pen at a time the others remain in the fridge unopened so even if you do discard each pen after 28 days you will have about a 5 month supply. I have used mine longer provided they haven't dropped or shaken. The pens come without a syringe. If you switch to them DO NOT buy the syringes that fit the end do the pen. You use the same syringes you are using now. You just withdraw the insulin by inserting the syringe tip into the small gray dot at the end. Prior to inserting the syringe into the pen be sure to push the plunger all the wy in and hold it there as you insert it in the pen. When you draw the dose DO NOT let the plunger go until you remove it fromthe pen or it will shoot the insulin back into the pen and contaminate it.


I'm sure one of the more experienced people will come buy and give you a more specific answer.

You will get a more prompt answer if you place a "?" at the front of your subject line.