Pens Versus Vials?

[Teresa and Poopy]

After having a discussion (exchange of thoughts and found information on the web), thought I'd bring this to the group and ask for input.

From the website http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000004/

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Store unopened insulin glargine vials and pens in the refrigerator. Never allow insulin glargine to freeze; do not use insulin glargine that has been frozen and thawed. Unopened refrigerated insulin glargine can be stored until the date shown on the company's label.

If no refrigerator is available (for example, when on vacation), store the vials or pens at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Unrefrigerated vials or pens can be used within 28 days or after that time they must be thrown away. Insulin glargine pens that have been used must be stored at room temperature and may be used for up to 28 days after the first use. Throw away any insulin that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold.

From website http://www.lantus.com/starting/how-to-u ... antus.aspx

Lantus® vials can be either refrigerated or kept at room temperature (no greater than 85°F) for 28 days after first use.

And

[Lantus®] can be refrigerated until the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, it should be thrown away.

You can store unopened Lantus® at room temperature for up to 28 days. It must be used or discarded within 28 days.

What this tells me is...the manufacturer wants us to toss opened, unused insulin after 28 days. It is also telling me pen or vial, either one, can last longer than 28 days if kept refridgerated, regardless if opened.

There's also a sticky here that says both pens and vials can last longer than 28 days...but I'm curious as to how long?

My questions are these...

Do you use pen or vial?
How long does it last for you?

Any other input?

Thank you in advance for your participation.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

People here and on the German Lantus forum have used their Lantus for up to 6 mos. or until they used the last bit. Of course, they handled the insulin carefully to get that kind of duration. (My guess is that this would be a vial unless the cat is on a very small dose.)

I've been getting over 40 days from a pen. I'd probably get longer if I could figure out how to get rid of bubbles since sometimes I have to draw more than one syringe to get a bubble free dose.

I tend to think the pens are more economical - there's less potential for waste. With a vial, here's a greater chance that the insulin may turn toasty before you use all that's there. With the pens, you have a smaller amount in each pen so there's a greater opportunity to use up what's in the pen. The other factor is that if you drop a vial, you lose all of your insulin. If you do something to damage the pen, it's not all of your insulin (providing you bought a 5-pack of pens).