Lantus potency?

[SaraMV]

Taz has been on the same bottle of Lantus for 8.5 months and we're getting ready to start a new one. Does insulin lose potency as it gets older? Taz has been getting lower with his current dose and I just want to be on guard if new insulin is stronger.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

We know that Lantus is good for 6 months if kept in the fridge and looking at your SS it does seem to be still working well.
However seeing it is 8.5 months old I would start the new bottle on a cycle you can monitor just in case the potency of the old insulin is waning.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I have used a vial of Lantus for over a year for mu Badger with no problem. The vial came with Badger when I adopted him. I thought there was a problem so started a new vial but the cause was an ear infection. I used the rest of the vial until gone.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Yes it can lose potency once it is opened. That is one reason why we recommend the pens instead of the vial. With the pens you should be able to use almost every drop. You use the pen like miniature vials, using syringes to pull the insulin.

 

[SaraMV]

Thank you. I think I have enough of the old insulin for two more shots but I'm scared to test the new insulin for the first time tomorrow, because no one will be home for the first 4 hours when he drops his lowest. I think we'll start using it today, so we can monitor him.

Do you get the choice of vial versus pen? We've never had an option before. Truthfully I'm surprised this insulin is still working. In the beginning I rolled it quite frequently and a bit too roughly. I was always scared that I destroyed some of the crystals or whatever is in there. Lol

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Yes you should be able to choose whether you want a vial or pen with the same prescription, from what I have read other members post.