Question abour Levemir odor

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Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Member Since 2010
Hi,
After 48 days on the last cartridge of Levemir, I opened a new cartridge this morning. The insulin smell is much weaker than that of the previous cartridge. Is it typical for a fresh cartridge to have less odor? Conversely, is is typical for Lev. to have a stronger smell as the insulin gets old??
I am relatively new to Lev. and am still learning how this insulin works (we adopted Rusty through DCIN in late November; he was on Lev. and we decided to keep him on it; my previous experience had been with Lantus).

Thanks for help!

Ella & Rusty
 
I usually barely notice the odor - unless I get some on my fingers or something. Have not noticed any difference in old/new carts, but I don't pay much attention. I have read some folks here thinking it gets slightly more potent (the insulin action) at the end of the vial, but I have also not seen that myself.

I suspect that your new insulin is ok. How are Rusty's numbers on the new cart?
 
Hi Shiela, Thanks for your input. I'll know better tomorrow how his numbers are because I may have given a fur shot this morning. However, at +5 he came down over 30 points. His numbers have been higher lately, so since I was getting to the end of the cartridge I decided to change it. Generally he has good numbers (upper greens and low blues) and shallow curves.
Thanks again,

Ella
 
Do you mean you notice the odor from a droplet on your syringe? There shouldn't be any odor coming from the cartridge.

I think it has a strong odor period. Maybe you didn't notice the smell as much previously because of sinus issues or cold?
 
Hi again,
Many thanks for your responses to my question. I was referring to the smell of the drops of Levemir that I eject into a paper towel while fine-tuning Rusty's dose (I always draw up more insulin than I need and then expel some to get to the correct dose line on the syringe). The cartridge itself does not smell. And the only time I smell insulin on Rusty is when I happen to give a fur shot (he has long hair and I have trouble sometimes finding skin!).
In any event, the new cartridge seems to be having the desired effect thus far.
Thanks again.

Ella & Rusty
 
Yes, thanks for adopting him! He is a beauty. I was tempted myself, but I had just gotten Jeddie.... cats (especially FDs) are like potato chips: you can't have just one!
 
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