Old Lantus Insulin

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mkdehner

Member Since 2013
Hello All,

Question for anyone who can help me. My kitty (15 yrs) dx Mar 2012 is running 400's +6 nadir. The insulin she is on (Lantus) works well, but not able to buy anymore until next weekend. Obviously showing signs with increased urination, drinking, etc. Should I up her dose (she's on 0.5ml BID) temporarily or just wait to get new vial ($150)? Also been told roll or not roll?? Thank you.
 
Lantus is at 6 months. Still clear but was opened on Aug 23 2012, so know that it's probably at it's weakest. Been refrigerated but in the door and told to keep it there and roll vial multiple times also warm up the whole vial before taking the dose out. Think that the insulin is not going to be working for her and need to get another asap. Suggested by others on feline diabetes site on FB to keep vial in original packaging in main part of fridge on center shelf.
 
Yeah it could be wonky. And the door isnt a great spot for it.

Do you have a spreadsheet of her readings? Would like to see how low she is dropping (her nadir) just in case she is bouncing on this dose.

Also what are you feeding her?

Wendy
 
Thank you for that link (video). Was on Hills m/d dry but switched completely to FF classic and Friskies Pate about 3 wks ago. No more vomiting like she was before. Also bought an automatic feeder which I can space out her feedings to regulate her BG. After viewing the video, I've found out I've been administering her insulin wrong. Always was injecting air/insulin into the vial over and over again. Nice trick with the screwing of the syringe. Will keep this in mind tonight. Working on a spreadsheet to collect her numbers. Thing is she was on Prednisolone and the vet said to not adjust her dose or do a curve for at least a month after off the Pred. She also has Hyperthyroidism and Hepatic Lipidosis.
 
I have asked some experienced dosing members to come over and comment but I suspect they may be reluctant to recommend a dose increase without seeing some numbers to make sure she isnt dropping too low at other times. Can you give us some readings and corresponding times in relation to the shot for the last few days until you get a spreadsheet set up? ie

8am - gave shot measured at 400
12pm (+4) measured at 200
4pm (+8) 340

and so on?

Oh and here is a link to how to set up a spreadsheet.. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207
 
mkdehner said:
Lantus is at 6 months. Still clear but was opened on Aug 23 2012, so know that it's probably at it's weakest. Been refrigerated but in the door and told to keep it there and roll vial multiple times also warm up the whole vial before taking the dose out. Think that the insulin is not going to be working for her and need to get another asap. Suggested by others on feline diabetes site on FB to keep vial in original packaging in main part of fridge on center shelf.
Click to expand...
Never keep the insulin on the door and Never roll the vial (or pen)! Whoever told you that was gravely mistaken. The insulin needs to be in area where it is protected in the fridge and it does not need mixing or warmed up...I don't know what you mean by "original packaging" but you could keep it nested in a paper towel placed in an empty margarine tub :-D
 
There is nothing wrong with rolling a vial or pen of a clear insulin like Lantus. On the other hand it does no good to roll it either.
Some air is going to get into the vial anyway so injecting air really does little if any harm.
 
Injecting air into the vial of insulin is not bad. I understand that injecting the excess insulin back into the vial after drawing up a little excess is not a good idea. I was told this can inject some of the lubricant from the syringe barrel back into the vial and "possibly" contaminate the insulin, shorten the life expectancy of the insulin.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
There is nothing wrong with rolling a vial or pen of a clear insulin like Lantus. On the other hand it does no good to roll it either.
Some air is going to get into the vial anyway so injecting air really does little if any harm.
Click to expand...
This is from the sticky on the Lantus TR board " proper handling....":


"Lantus and Levemir should be inspected visually prior to administration and should be used only if it appears clear and colorless.
Never shake or roll your vial, cartridge, or pen.
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."

I tend to believe the stickies I read :-D
 
Deb & Wink said:
Injecting air into the vial of insulin is not bad. I understand that injecting the excess insulin back into the vial after drawing up a little excess is not a good idea. I was told this can inject some of the lubricant from the syringe barrel back into the vial and "possibly" contaminate the insulin, shorten the life expectancy of the insulin.
Click to expand...
This also from Lantus TR proper handling... sticky:

"If you draw up too much insulin in the syringe... squirt excess either into the air dramatically like they do on TV or into a paper towel... anywhere but back into vial/cartridge/pen. There is a silicon coating inside the syringe. It may contaminate the insulin vial with silicon (this is probably what makes "floaties", it forms a white precipitate). Better to waste a drop than ruin whole vial, cartridge, or pen."
 
Form the package insert for lantus:
Wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab. You do not have to shake the vial of LANTUS before use.

Use a new needle and syringe every time you give an injection. Use disposable syringes and needles only once. Throw them away properly. Never share needles and syringes.
Draw air into the syringe equal to your insulin dose. Put the needle through the rubber top of the vial and push the plunger to inject the air into the vial.

from:
'http://products.sanofi.us/lantus/lantus.html
The bold is mine
 
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