Lantus pen vs vial question

Lisa A

Lisa A

Member Since 2015
My cats have been on prozinc for 4 years and they are not regulated so we are going to try Lantus - Is the Pen or the vial the best option ? I also heard if we try the pen you cannot Inject with the needle on pen you need a u 100 needle is that true and is that recommended ? How do you use the u 100 to get the insulin from the vial -
My pharmacist said they come 5 pens to pack for 500. Or the 10 ml vial is 300. - what is the main differences between using prozinc and Lantus ? Has anyone else switched and had a good outcome - regulation? Thx much - Lisa
 
Also the bottle says good for 30 days - but can it be used for longer than 30 days ?
 
I've only ever used Lantus. I started with the vial for $300 and ended up throwing nearly all of it away after 30 days. My vet said do NOT use after 30 days. Well, I used my second vial longer than 30 days--used it for almost two months and Max's numbers skyrocketed according to the fructosamine test. Of course, that was before I was home testing and before I switched him to an all canned diet. The vet said it was due to the "expired" Lantus, but who really knows? I've heard multiple people say their Lantus works for up to six months. I recommend home testing and seeing how long it works for you. A refrigerated, unopened bottle is good for up to and over a year I believe. Whatever the printed date on the vial is.

I can get a single pen at Walgreens for about $80 and it lasts me 30 days, and I use every drop of it since it's smaller than the vial (3ml vs 10ml). I used the pen needles at first, but didn't like them as well as the syringes. For one, you can only do full units using the pen as an injector, and two, you need to keep the needle in the cat several seconds longer to get your full dose. I like to shoot quick and be done with it, and Max likes that better too, so now I use regular insulin syringes to withdraw the insulin from the pen just like I did the vial. It's a perfectly safe and acceptable way of using your pen, and so is using the pen needles. It's just a matter of personal choice.
 
Giomax said:
I've only ever used Lantus. I started with the vial for $300 and ended up throwing nearly all of it away after 30 days. My vet said do NOT use after 30 days. Well, I used my second vial longer than 30 days--used it for almost two months and Max's numbers skyrocketed according to the fructosamine test. Of course, that was before I was home testing and before I switched him to an all canned diet. The vet said it was due to the "expired" Lantus, but who really knows? I've heard multiple people say their Lantus works for up to six months. I recommend home testing and seeing how long it works for you. A refrigerated, unopened bottle is good for up to and over a year I believe. Whatever the printed date on the vial is.

I can get a single pen at Walgreens for about $80 and it lasts me 30 days, and I use every drop of it since it's smaller than the vial (3ml vs 10ml). I used the pen needles at first, but didn't like them as well as the syringes. For one, you can only do full units using the pen as an injector, and two, you need to keep the needle in the cat several seconds longer to get your full dose. I like to shoot quick and be done with it, and Max likes that better too, so now I use regular insulin syringes to withdraw the insulin from the pen just like I did the vial. It's a perfectly safe and acceptable way of using your pen, and so is using the pen needles. It's just a matter of personal choice.
Click to expand...

How do you use the Needles (U 100 - I assume) to get the insulin out - I was reading and I see you have to prime the pen is that correct? and how is that done exactly - my vet has no idea
Thx so much
 
Prime the pen? I've never done that. It's exactly the same as using a vial. You just stick the needle into the stopper and withdraw the insulin.
 
I started with Lantus,used it for about 6 months. My cat was reacting to the shot. Skin twitching & he'd sometimes jump when I injected like it hurt him. I found out Lantus is acidic "The acidic nature of Lantus can sometimes cause stinging at the injection site." ( most cats do not react to Lantus my cat did)
I switched to Levemir which is NOT acidic,it's neutral & does not sting when injected. I think he's doing better on Levemir & I'm glad I switched. I use the pen & draw the insulin with a syringe.You want to get the syringes with the half unit marks. That's the way nearly all of the people on the Lantus forum use the pens.

My Ravan only uses 1 unit of insulin so a pen can last up to 4 months. I've been here a year & have never had a problem using the insulin to the last drop. My Vet told me it was Ok to use it until the pen was empty.
This was taken from the Lantus forum " 3 ml Lantus/Levemir pens/cartridges, refrigerate them after opening and routinely use them for 6 months or more - when refrigerated, opened cartridges of these insulins are extraordinarily stable"

Both Lantus & Levemir are slow acting insulins. There's a lot of great information about the insulin & syringes in the Yellow sticky notes. Some people buy the insulin from "Marks Marine Pharmacy" (canada) the price is much better than at any place in the USA. There is also a person on the Supply Cabinet that sells Levemir pens for a good price his name is Alan. ( a lot less than $100 )

There are long time advisers here that really do know a lot more about these insulins than most vets do.I've only been here a year & do not give dosing advice. Be careful about taking advice from someone that doesn't have years of experience.

It's a good idea to take some time to read the Sticky notes. The more you learn the easier it will be to help your kitty! One really important thing I learned is to eliminate ALL DRY FOOD There is a really good article by Dr. Pierson about Kibble & all dry food.Why it's so harmful for your cat.
I've seen several cats go into remission just by stopping all dry cat food.

( can I ask why you stayed with Prozinc for 4 years?)

I hope to see you on the Lantus/Levemir forum.
Best of Luck with your Kitty!:)
 
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/testing-and-shooting-tips.85113/

If you use Lantus or Levemir you need to use a u-100 syringe I use { Monoject 3/10 cc/ml 31Gx5/16 " (8mm) }

Prozinc uses a u-40 syringe You Cannot use that size with Lantus or Levemir!

Lantus & Levemir do NOT need to be mixed (shaken or rolled around) & you do NOT inject air into the Pen. ( I just saw a video & the VET said to inject air!)

It's a VERY good idea to join the Lantus/Levemir forum & get some expert advice before you start.
 
Why is injecting air into a vial or pen even a thing? Why would you want to create tons of tiny bubbles??
 
Giomax said:
exactly the same as using a vial.
Click to expand...

A vial of insulin is a sealed environment & you need to inject air to easily get the insulin out. A pen of insulin is NOT a sealed environment & you do NOT need to inject air first.

Lisa A said:
my vet has no idea
Click to expand...

This is exactly why you really need to get advice from the Experienced people on the Lantus/Levemir Forum! Most of the vets are NOT experienced using Lantus insulin ( that's why they often prescribe Prozinc) Some of the people here have been using Lantus or Levemir for many years & have advised hundreds of people
on the correct way to use it. Kitties have gone into remission in a few months following the "Correct" advice!! Some vets have started cats off on a too high dose & have advised to shake or roll the Lantus to mix it! WRONG INFORMATION!

You'll learn so much here that you can inform your vet about the Correct way to use Lantus insulin! :)

If you do come on the Lantus forum you'll need to provide some information. What state you live in (time zone) what's Kitty's name, age & how much insulin is he /she getting. If you want to help your cat you'll be very glad you joined!
 
This page has a lot of good information about both vials and pens, including a very nice video that demos using both.

When I ordered a five-pack of Lantus pens from Marks Marine Pharmacy the cost was $190, including express shipping in a cold pack.

The greatest virtue of switching to a pen is that you'll finish one up before you have to worry about the insulin getting old. You do want to draw with a syringe, otherwise you won't get the control you need over size of dose.
 
JoyBee&Ravan said:
A vial of insulin is a sealed environment & you need to inject air to easily get the insulin out. A pen of insulin is NOT a sealed environment & you do NOT need to inject air first.
Click to expand...

Hmm. Never had to inject air into my vial. Insulin came out just fine! :o
 
Giomax said:
Never had to inject air into my vial. Insulin came out just fine!
Click to expand...

Basic physics. An insulin vial is a sealed environment. If you try to draw insulin out without first injecting air in, you’re fighting a vacuum. (Of course, it’s not a perfect vacuum. The vial’s flexible plastic seal is designed to allow multiple needle stabs while keeping the vial from springing a leak, and air can eventually work its way in. But still, if you don’t inject some air into the vial first, filling your syringe takes longer.)
 
Tom & Thomas said:
a five-pack of Lantus pens from Marks Marine Pharmacy the cost was $190
Click to expand...

I don't want to buy 5 pens,that would probably last nearly 2 years! (a lot can happen in that time) Do you happen to know if they sell just one pen? ( I typed in Levemir at their web site & didn't get a response?)
 
JoyBee&Ravan said:
A vial of insulin is a sealed environment & you need to inject air to easily get the insulin out. A pen of insulin is NOT a sealed environment & you do NOT need to inject air first.



This is exactly why you really need to get advice from the Experienced people on the Lantus/Levemir Forum! Most of the vets are NOT experienced using Lantus insulin ( that's why they often prescribe Prozinc) Some of the people here have been using Lantus or Levemir for many years & have advised hundreds of people
on the correct way to use it. Kitties have gone into remission in a few months following the "Correct" advice!! Some vets have started cats off on a too high dose & have advised to shake or roll the Lantus to mix it! WRONG INFORMATION!

You'll learn so much here that you can inform your vet about the Correct way to use Lantus insulin! :)

If you do come on the Lantus forum you'll need to provide some information. What state you live in (time zone) what's Kitty's name, age & how much insulin is he /she getting. If you want to help your cat you'll be very glad you joined!
Click to expand...
How do I go about joining the Lantus Forum...can you send a link?
 
JoyBee&Ravan said:
I started with Lantus,used it for about 6 months. My cat was reacting to the shot. Skin twitching & he'd sometimes jump when I injected like it hurt him. I found out Lantus is acidic "The acidic nature of Lantus can sometimes cause stinging at the injection site." ( most cats do not react to Lantus my cat did)
I switched to Levemir which is NOT acidic,it's neutral & does not sting when injected. I think he's doing better on Levemir & I'm glad I switched. I use the pen & draw the insulin with a syringe.You want to get the syringes with the half unit marks. That's the way nearly all of the people on the Lantus forum use the pens.

My Ravan only uses 1 unit of insulin so a pen can last up to 4 months. I've been here a year & have never had a problem using the insulin to the last drop. My Vet told me it was Ok to use it until the pen was empty.
This was taken from the Lantus forum " 3 ml Lantus/Levemir pens/cartridges, refrigerate them after opening and routinely use them for 6 months or more - when refrigerated, opened cartridges of these insulins are extraordinarily stable"

Both Lantus & Levemir are slow acting insulins. There's a lot of great information about the insulin & syringes in the Yellow sticky notes. Some people buy the insulin from "Marks Marine Pharmacy" (canada) the price is much better than at any place in the USA. There is also a person on the Supply Cabinet that sells Levemir pens for a good price his name is Alan. ( a lot less than $100 )

There are long time advisers here that really do know a lot more about these insulins than most vets do.I've only been here a year & do not give dosing advice. Be careful about taking advice from someone that doesn't have years of experience.

It's a good idea to take some time to read the Sticky notes. The more you learn the easier it will be to help your kitty! One really important thing I learned is to eliminate ALL DRY FOOD There is a really good article by Dr. Pierson about Kibble & all dry food.Why it's so harmful for your cat.
I've seen several cats go into remission just by stopping all dry cat food.

( can I ask why you stayed with Prozinc for 4 years?)

I hope to see you on the Lantus/Levemir forum.
Best of Luck with your Kitty!:)
Click to expand...
My cat was on prozinc for 4 years before we started testing daily...basically he was acting ok so my vet advised we did not need to test daily, but since he stopped eating right before Christmas - we then learned how to test and we do it at least twice a day....his numbers are all over the place...and he still isn't eating like he was before BUT we do give mirtazapine twice a week to help with that....which I am not sure if that helps or hurts his numbers....also are we supposed to always test glucose before they eat or during?
 
JoyBee&Ravan said:
I don't want to buy 5 pens,that would probably last nearly 2 years! (a lot can happen in that time) Do you happen to know if they sell just one pen? ( I typed in Levemir at their web site & didn't get a response?)
Click to expand...
I see a single Lantus pen for $50 + $25 s/h. I only find five-packs listed for Levemir but you could ask. Their customer service is fantastic.

[Edited to delete question about why not Lantus when I saw the query was from JoyBee&Ravan not Lisa A.]
 
Last edited:
Tom & Thomas said:
five-packs listed for Levemir
Click to expand...

I just called Marks Marine Pharmacy They do not sell Levemir insulin just one pen. They said most people order the Lantus so they don't want to break up a box of Levemir for only one pen.

Here's the phone # if anyone's interested 1 877 888-9265 5 pens cost $165. plus $25 for shipping & handling It's sent in an insulated container with express shipping Like 2 or 3 days.
One pen cost $50. So even with the $25 charge it's still a great price!
 
Lisa A said:
.his numbers are all over the place..
Click to expand...

At the top of the Lantus forum page is a bunch of Yellow Sticky notes. The 1st one says "The Basics: Start here" I'd suggest you try to read as much as you can. When you post on the forum put a (? the date & Need help getting started )
Someone will come on & help you to get a spreadsheet going That will provide information that's needed before anyone can advise you.
Both kitties names, their age, how much insulin they get. What are you feeding them? Where are you located? (time Zone) The more info the easier it will be to help you!
Little by little it will get easier! We all were new here at one time & everyone here wants to help.:) You only want to take dosing advice from the people that have years of experience. They donate their time to help all of us when we have important questions.
Don't be afraid to ask questions,lots of questions!

Best of Luck to you I'm sure you'll be Happy with the advice you'll get here! :):bighug:
 
Lisa A said:
I was reading and I see you have to prime the pen is that correct?
Click to expand...
Priming the pen is only necessary if pen needles are used. Priming the pen ensures one is giving an accurately measured dose. When using syringes priming the pen is not necessary.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top