How long do you keep your vials of insulin?

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kellykramer

kellykramer

Member Since 2013
I got Oliver's current vial of Lantus on 11/22/13 this was his first vial after switching from PZI.
It cost me $192 and we have not even gone through 1/2 of the vial.
I have read and heard it last about 90 days. WTH so could this be why his #'s are high lately and staying that way. With the random fur shots taken out of the equation. He just doesn't seem to go low hardly ever anymore, let alone stay there. I have raised his level to 2.75 U currently. Does seem to not be as high or go low and bounce randomly. So is this normal process or not?
 
It depends on if it is stored properly. I know some people's insulin will last 6 months when stored properly. A vial for us lasts about 2 months. I use every last drop. I'll sometimes question the potency of the end of the vial if we aren't getting the numbers I want, but so far it's lasted fine - and that was with us rolling the entire first vial bc we weren't told not to.
 
Rolling the vial ? In between your hands? How do you use every last drop in 2 months?
I will give it a few more days then may get a hold of the vet for a new vial. Not really much else to do.
I also am going to go back to the short needles. I am not liking the ones suggested that I bought online. Huge Box :(
Well am curious to read others thoughts as well.
Thanks Cobbsmom :)
 
You don't want to roll the vial. It can make the insulin break down.

Cobb is on a high dose...13 units twice a day, so we go through the insulin quickly.

I know a lot of people use the Solostar pens which last longer.
 
Hi Kelly,

I recommend that you watch the video on the Storage and Care of Lantus sticky. I found it super helpful to help make Lantus last and last. Also, I bought a box of long needle syringes that didn't work for us. I donated them to our local free clinic, they were very grateful. I also believe there is a place on the board index to donate to this site, which can be very useful to others.

I hope Oliver gets his groove on soon!

Rebekah
 
you should be able to use your vial for as much as 6 months, kelly. as long as it isn't contaminated (showing threads or floaters) it is probably ok.

if you suspect it's not good, you can buy a new pen, then try a couple of shots out of the new pen while leaving your vial in the fridge. if his numbers come down, then maybe the vial wasn't good. but if it's more of the same, it's probably not the insulin.

if you don't see a change, then i'd put the pen in the fridge and use more of the vial.

that's what i've done a couple of times. i thought the insulin might've gone kaput but each time it was the same with new insulin. so i just finished up the previous vial.

it's also possible he's got something else going on that is affecting his BGs.
 
Something else going on? Like? What should I be looking for?
Does anyone else roll their vial lightly in their hands to warm it up and mix NOT shake? Is what all the videos and my vet suggested?
I have and do this before each shot. I dont see floaters but my vision is sometimes not so HOT! Ugh
Well I will watch the storing insulin video tomorrow. Its off to bed for me.
Thanks all and keep the info coming.
 
no - you aren't supposed to do anything to roll or mix your lantus. it's a clear fluid and there isn't anything to mix up.
you can warm it after it's in the syringe.

if you've been doing that twice a day, i suppose it might have an effect on it.

Here's the link about Care & Handling of Lantus and the video is about halfway down. My sweet punkin provides the background music for the video. :lol:
 
I used to get the vial for Furball. I switched to the pens because of the cost. I used her first vial for almost one year without any problems. As long as it is kept in the fridge, not shaken and you don't see any floaties, it should be okay.
 
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