Lantus Storage Question

[Tiggers_Dad]

So I found some Lantus off craigslist

4 Lantus Solo pens for $16, I gave them a 20 lol

It expires 2015 dec

My question is, they didn't refrigerate the insulin at all and they kept it in their basement i.e. 60 degrees supposedly
Is the insulin still good? still 100% potency?
It is clear and clean, no bubbles no indication of use
looks brand new/unused to me


Its for Tigger, they are giving him Lantus now in the hospital and are thinking a 2u shot once a day is enough

 

[Larry and Kitties]

How long at 60F? All the manufacture says is 28 or 30 days un-refrigerated.
I would say it is good for at least a couple of months

 

[phlika29]

Have a look at this thread. It might answer your question and will be helpful for how you handle it in the future

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-info-proper-handling-storage.151/

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

I have to speak. I remember Tigger was having issues..... but you need to explain to the vet not to treat lantus like vetsulin.
It is a depot insulin.... it builds up in the system and needs a consistent dose.....every 12 hours.... better to start with 1 unit twice a day.... and increase as necessary after the depot forms.
( and it can be fast tracked)
you should print this info for the vet http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-what-is-the-insulin-depot.150/
2 units might be too much and if they aren't testing often enough ( not all of them do) ....

and then his numbers will really be wonky odd..... because of getting it only once a day....
lantus just does NOT work like that.....
sounds like this might be your vets first time using lantus.

 

[phlika29]

You might want to also print off the tight regulation protocol and the start low and go slow protocol as they help decide starting doses

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-tight-regulation-protocol.1581/

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/lantus-levemir-start-low-go-slow-method-slgs.129446/

 

[Tiggers_Dad]

How long at 60F? All the manufacture says is 28 or 30 days un-refrigerated.
I would say it is good for at least a couple of months

I am not sure how long as I bought it from a stranger
I'll have to just test the usual dose and monitor closely, it can't be any stronger only weaker right?

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Correct, it will only become less effective when it degrades. If cloudy or if there are particulates I would not use it.

 

[Stacym20]

@Tiggers_Dad How is the insulin working out for you? Someone is shipping me some Levemir pens from the Dallas area to the St. Louis area but they aren't going to pack it in a cooler or include an ice pack. The insulin has been stored in the fridge, I'm just worried about it getting to me without refrigeration. But for the price, I'm willing to take a risk.