Lantus expiration

[Milhous]

Hi,


I know this has been covered before, but I have to ask it again anyway. Our doctor told us that Lantus would be good for 6 months if refrigerated. The pharmacist just told me should be replaced 28 days after the seal has been punctured regardless of whether it is refrigerated or not. I see every possible answer to this question online, so I'd like to know what the experience of people on this board has been.

Thanks,

Mike and Milhous

 

[Anne&Muffin (GA)]

I think it varies a lot, but not sure I've ever seen anyone on this board get 6 months out of it. I replaced mine after 3 months because Muffin's numbers started going a little higher, but it turns out she was getting sick, so I really don't know if I changing it then was necessary or not. Honestly I feel I could have gotten more time out of it, but it's one of the easy things to change.

 

[Ronnie & Luna]

have a look at this sticky: Proper Handling & Storage as posted up above with the Lantus forum stickies.

In-use and unopened Lantus and Levemir should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C).
Be careful your refrigerator is not so cold that the insulin freezes. Do NOT use Lantus or Levemir if it has been frozen

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR INSULIN IS NO LONGER GOOD?

When you lose regulation for no reason.
If you see any hint of "floaties"/"tiny particles"... discard the insulin.
If insulin is cloudy or discolored, or if rubber stopper is cracked... replace insulin immediately.
The manufacturer of Lantus recommends discarding the insulin after 28 days of use.

However, many Lantus users have been able to use a vial/cartridge/pen for as long as six months.
The manufacturer of Levemir recommends discarding the insulin after 42 days of use.
Many Levemir users have been able to use a vial/pen for six months. However, many Levemir FlexPen users do toss the pen when the insulin gets down to about the "12" mark on the FlexPen.

this is about average around here.
28 and a bit (opened and stored properly) in some cases, some members get longer than that, so it can vary, your numbers may give you an indication if you home test frequently for example.
as for sealed, check the sticker stamp on your insulin, there should be a date.
I still have my vials from last fall (sealed) and they have a ways to go before they expire.
my opened vials I replaced around 28 days (nervous nelly :lol: )

If you are in doubt, seeing wonky numbers, or particles in your vial, replace your opened insulin with a fresh one.


ETA: here is a discussion thread with good info for you from back in July: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=19194&p=191346&hilit=when+to+replace+lantus#p191346
hope that helps!

 

[Donna & Buddha]

We're getting near the bottom of our very first cartridge. We first tapped it on Aug. 26. We're still getting decent numbers. We've kept it refrigerated. I'm wondering if we'll see a bigger drop on the same dose when we start a new pen in a couple of days. But overall I've been very satisfied with Lantus' performance.