Help please! Quick Lantus question

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WorriedMom

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Hi,
I mistakenly left the Lantus out for about five hours today. My apartment is overheated and it's usually in the upper 70's in here. Do I need to get a new one?

I've been replacing it every month, so if need be I can always use my pen from last month which had not been left out - just might've gotten a bit stale, or if I really have to I guess I can run to my vet to get a brand new pen, as their pharmacy is open all night. I just don't know if I'm overreacting or not. It's a brand new pen that I bought last week for $68 :(

I'm beating myself up over this but I guess with 730 chances a year for this to happen it's bound to happen every so often.

Having read that article that is linked on this site, about even the manufacturers not having a good answer for situations like these, I figured my vet would only be guessing. The vet never told me to replace every 28 days...

I can't home blood test, only do urine tests, so I can't answer what her bg is.

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
I have mistakenly left the Lantus out and haven't had a problem. Although it is warm in your home, I think you will be OK.

You mentioned that your vet didn't tell you about replacing the Lantus every 28 days. That requirement is only for human consumption of the insulin. For feline use, Lantus can be used longer. I use the SoloStar pens, and I typically can use the entire pen and not throw any insulin out (didn't have the same luck with vials...there was just too much). Since you can't home test, you may want to be more conservative than those that do test; however, you still should be good for more than 28 days.
 
What?

OMG I've been running to get a new pen every month! An emergency vet (who did not sell Lantus) told me about replacing it every 28 days. Then I read the study about how insulin loses it's effectiveness after 28 days, so I thought I had to replace it.

I also thought that improper insulin storage and temperature fluctuations render it ineffective. I never wanted to chance DKA to save $68 so in the past I'd usually replace it after an accidental leave-out. I don't think I've ever done it right after spending the money on a brand new pen though....

I will go ahead and use this pen and watch her closely for changes. Thanks for the advice!
 
I'm sorry you have had to go to all the expense of replacing the insulin every 28 days. As I said above, since you don't home test, you will probably want to be a little more conservative than those that do. However, I can tell you alot of people here use the same insulin for months without ill-effect. This is just my opinion, but without testing I'd be comfortable using the Lantus for three or four months. Of course, keep an eye on your kitty's behavior and if you see signs that he isn't regulated, then start with a new pen of insulin.
 
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