? How do you reduce wasted insulin?

[megmonger]

We're on our very first bottle of Lantus, and I'm realizing that if this stuff only lasts for 28 days in the fridge I'm going to be throwing away 90% of it. I was wondering how some more experienced folks reduce the amount you end up having to waste? I bought the 10 mL bottle, so I'm thinking first step is to buy a pen instead. (We use Marks Marine Pharmacy and it looks like the pens are 3 mL instead of 10 mL). Or do people split bottles? Does it hopefully last a bit longer than 28 days? Since it took about a week and a half for our first bottle to arrive and we're 10 days in, I'm starting to calculate when I'll need to ask the vet for our next script (they require in-person hardcopy pickup). So I am thinking now is a good time for me to adjust course so I hopefully am not throwing away quite as much money next time.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

If it's kept in the refrigerator, it can last up to 6 months.....the company only asked the FDA to approve it for 28 days so that's what they legally have to say.

With the vial, you just watch the numbers....if they start to trend up without any other good reason, it's time to suspect the insulin has lost it's punch (as long as it's still clear and doesn't have any "floaties" in it)

The great thing about the pens is that they do only hold 300 units, so you can usually use every drop before it goes bad (unless your cat is on a VERY tiny dose)

Another thing about using Marks Marine Pharmacy that you may not know....once they have a copy of your script, all you have to do is reorder....you don't have to supply them with a new script each time!!

When I first found Marks, it was July of 2014...I've reordered several times and never had to supply them with another script.

 

[Meridith and Zeke]

From my understanding, It actually does last longer then that. Keeping it cold, drawing doses correctly etc all help it keep longer. I remember seeing a post somewhere about what to watch for with it so you know when it is going bad, like does it still appear clear. Someone here can probably direct you to the right page for that.

This link might get you close to there.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/where-can-i-find-________.127890/

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Lots of good information in the Syringe and Insulin Info Sticky Note. Make sure you take a read through all the Sticky Notes. It's a little overwhelming amount of stuff to read at first. I keep reading some of them. And keep asking questions.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

The insulin last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. But, when your vial is done, you might want to look into the Solo Star Pens instead because you can get every last drop of insulin out of them. With the bottles, when you get close to the bottom, it is very hard to draw up.