Insulin expiration

[Judy Zutell]

Oscar, my 12 year old long hair kitty was diagnosed with diabetes in January. He's been doing great with the insulin shots. But does anyone know just how long insulin is effective? One month? Three or more? He's on Lantus, 3 units twice a day. The last couple days he's been seeming ravenous! Wonder if it's time to refill the prescription? Thanks!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

the vials usually can last 4-6 months if they're cared for properly, but the only way to truly know if it's losing efficacy is to be home testing and watch the numbers....if they start to go up and there's no other reason, it's time to suspect the insulin is pooping out on you.

Most of us use the pens for that reason.....each pen only holds 300 units so most of us can use every drop in each pen. They come in boxes of 5 so the other pens stay unopened until we need them and they're good until the expiration date on the box...usually 2 years.

I don't know where you're buying your Lantus, but most of us buy it from Canada from Marks Marine Pharmacy. It's 1/3rd the price compared to the US and that really helps

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I have used a vial of Lantus till it was gone for about a year with no problems.