Question for Vetsulin users

[Melanie and Smokey]

Reading the stickies in the Vetsulin forum, I see it says to stick to the 28 day expiration. Is that what Vetsulin users find true? I have always used Lantus and Lev and with those they are fine past the exp date as long as refridgerated, but Vetsulin is a totally different bird. I have a new foster that the vet convinced the shelter ex director to put on Vetsulin due to the lower cost (different shelter than my other foster who didn't do well on Vetsulin). I can't imagine it is that much of a savings if you have to toss the vial at 28days. Do any Vetsulin users use their vials past the 28days?

 

[dirtybirdsoaps]

Hidey is now diet controlled but was first put on vetsulin, before I had him switched to prozinc. He was on it for a month, and my vet told me the vial would last 3-4 months. Hope that helps a little.

 

[Critter Mom]

http://www.vetsulin.com/vet/faq.aspx#gv12

"How long can Vetsulin be used?

It is recommended that Vetsulin vials and cartridges in use be replaced 42 days after they are first punctured."

http://www.caninsulin.com/faq-answers-p.asp

"How long can the Caninsulin vial be kept after opening?

Before use, Caninsulin should be stored in a refrigerator and not frozen. It is usually advised that any pharmaceutical product should be disposed of around 1 month after opening. The Caninsulin label stated that the product should be used for 21 days, 28 days or 42 days after first opening, depending on the country. This is based on studies that were carried out looked at Caninsulin use for up to 42 days after first use. Many of the authorities that regulate medicines do not allow product labels that permit the use of sterile products for more than 28 days after first opening."

Saoirse was on Caninsulin before switching to Lantus. The last couple of doses I gave her were from a vial that had been in use for just over the 28 days. It still worked but if I was not imminently switching to Lantus I would not have used it past the 28 day mark. Our vets advised me that a vial should only be used 28 days but the cartridges used in conjunction with the Caninsulin Vetpen could be used for longer (IIRC because there is less chance of contamination with the Vetpen but don't quote me on that). When switching to Lantus, our vets advised that the insulin would remain viable after first use for much longer than Caninsulin provided it was well handled and properly refrigerated.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Where did you get the 28 days? The package insert
http://www.vetsulin.com/PDF/Vetsulin-Package-Insert.pdf
says:
HOW SUPPLIED
vetsulin® is supplied as a sterile injectable suspension in multidose vials containing 10 mL of 40 IU/mL porcine insulin
zinc suspension. Vials are supplied in cartons of one, 10 mL vial.
STORAGE CONDITIONS
Store in an upright position under refrigeration at 2° to 8° C (36° to 46° F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Use
contents within 42 days of first vial puncture.

I myself would use up the vial unless:
- It does not look right
- It is not longer effective as shows by BG tests

 

[Melanie and Smokey]

Larry, its what the sticky in the Vetsulin forum says. Maybe someone used the number manufacturers for Lantus give by accident or they just used this part from the insert "Many of the authorities that regulate medicines do not allow product labels that permit the use of sterile products for more than 28 days after first opening." I am used to the Lantus forum where they give laymen time frames - what people have actually found to be useful, not what packaging recommends.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=302

an extra note about handling your insulin...
"Store refrigerated at 2-8ºC (35-46º F). Protect from light. Store in the upright position. Following withdrawal of the first dose use the product within 28 days. Discard unused material."
When in doubt and if numbers start to climb, think about replacing your insulin. Insulin poop out has been known to happen before 28 days and also after and is worth thinking on if numbers are going up and nothing else has changed.

What concerns me about Vetsulin is its combination of the 2 insulins, that after a certain time this blending becomes less stable.

Thanks for everyone's input!!!