Question about predrawn Lantus

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cindy523

New Member
Help, I feel like such an idiot!

I'm broke--really, really broke...I haven't paid all of my June rent yet, and my cat's insulin ran low. I had told my landlord I'd have the full rent to her by the 21st...was getting nervous about his insulin--would it last until I had the money for a new bottle on the 24th? So I predrew syringes to see how much is there..um, yeah...and read AFTERWARD that you aren't supposed to predraw Lantus, that it can cause to to become turbid and degrade. Arggghhh! So, now I have 18 syringes of pre-drawn insulin....that may degrade. It's enough to get him through until I can buy a new bottle...but, is there a danger?

I feel so da*ned stupid.

If it comes down to risking getting evicted or his insulin, I will go down on the side of getting new insulin this week and be short on my rent.

Any advice? He's 7 years old, getting 1.5 units 2x a day, and is and has been EXTREMELY stable for a couple years...

I just don't want to blow it. He means the world to me.

Thanks,

Cindy
 
I have no experience with Lantus, but I am sure you will get an answer soon! Try posting your general location up. There may be someone in your area that can donate a Lantus pen for you.
 
Thank you, Kelly!

I guess I'm just wondering...since I've already drawn it up...what are the chances it will stay stable in the syringes for 10 days? And is it safe to use?

Or should I just go ahead and buy a new vial this week and draw from that? (although that will mean being $100 short for the rent due).

I'm just trying to weigh the risks, and make the best decision, all around. Don't want to risk losing my apartment, but also dont' want to risk my cat's health (kind of a rock and a hard place, no?)

Thanks!

Cindy
 
I just thought of something else Cindy - I have heard of pharmacies at Sam's Club and Costco sometimes allowing people to buy one pen at a time and it is only like $35 or around there. You don't need a membership to purchase from their pharmacy. Its worth a shot (no pun intended lol) If it in fact is not a good idea to use those syringes.
 
Cindy, I have no idea what the answers to your questions are. However:

1. A question for you: in your second post, you mentioned purchasing a replacement vial of insulin. Are you actually purchasing your Lantus in vials, or are you getting the cartridges / pens? I'm asking because, depending on how it's handled, Lantus can have a shortened shelf life once it's opened. Given the amount of insulin most cats needs, a lot of folks have found it more economical in the long run to purchase the pens or cartridges. They come in packs of five and, if the insulin starts to poop out, they can move on to a new pen / cartridge with minimal waste of insulin and money. So you may want to consider getting your Lantus in pens or cartridges in the future.

2. Because a lot of our Lantus folks use pens or cartridges, you might try posting to either the Lantus or the Supply Cabinet forums and see whether anyone would be willing to sell you a single pen or cartridge. The cost would be less than buying an entire vial, possibly significantly less if someone local to you came forward and you could arrange an in-person exchange. (That is, of course, if it turns out that you need to replace the insulin, which I have no idea whether you need to do so or nor.)
 
Thanks, JJ.

I've been buying it in the vial...I've read Lantus should be discarded after 28 days...but the past 2 vials have lasted me ~6-7 months (I purchased the one I just emptied in November). I don't know why that is, but it's working. And I know it's okay (the insulin) b/c if I ever miss an injection for any reason, I note the signs immediatey...he drinks more and eats more for the following 24 hours...then 'catches' up and stablizes after a couple days...so, the insulin is working.

I've not heard of the pens until today. Will look into it.

Cindy
 
we've had the discussion before, and i hope if you search the term here on fdmb you'll find a discussion that includes a link to some research on that.

my recollection is that it is fine up to 2 days, then degrades too much (i believe it's still 70% effective at the 2-day mark but don't quote me on that percentage).

originally we were told never to predraw the insulin, then a subsequent discussion probably about how long a cartridge lasts after first use included a research paper on effectiveness of predrawn lantus syringes. (personally i'd shoot the insulin back into the cartridge as long as it isn't a brand new one. money is money and i'd take that risk. just try not to expose any of the insulin to air. i was also told when i first started never to shoot the excess drawn insulin back into the cartridge but i did it without thinking and my cartridge lasted a long time -- probably longer than most of mine have)
 
Cindy,

Do you still have the vial? I would put all the insulin in the syringes back in the Lantus vial, very slowly.

The degradation is the interaction of the insulin with the plastic syringe. It is particularly true of Lantus. If you don't have the vial, can you get a sterile glass tube with a rubber stopper? Will salvage your remaining insulin.

I personally use Lantus and have for several years.

Good luck,

Claudia
 
Yes, I do still have the vial, b/c there was a teeny little bit of insulin left in it that I couldn't get out...I am a bit paranoid about putting it back in--afraid of contamination...but maybe it would work okay. I mean, the syringes are capped and everything. Hmmm. Maybe I should try that. B/c it's degrading even as I type... :?

Cindy (and T)
 
Okay, so I went ahead and put the insulin back into the vial. I wiped the top of it with rubbing alcohol first, then very slowly emptied the contents of each syringe back into it. It looks good--not looking cloudy yet.

Thanks cjleo...this was a very obvious solution that I just couldn't see.

He will still be 'short' 2 shots before I can get new insulin, but--in my experience with him--he does fine missing a shot every now and then, as long as it's spaced by a few days.

Omg, I will be so glad when this period of being broke ends...these are not the sort of choices I like or the sort of things I am willing to 'give up'... the well-being of the love of my life.

Thanks again,

Cindy (and T)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top