Question on getting new Lantus

[Melanie and Smokey]

I think our Lantus is starting to get weak. We have reduced dose, but she seems to be staying a little higher than I expected. I don't want to get another vial since we could be off of Lantus by the end of the month and I'd hate to open a full vial and waste it. Even if we don't go off of it, we would hardly be using anything and would still waste alot.

I am not sure what to ask for in the other stuff - are the cartridges and pens both usable with syringes or do they have other needle tips that they are used with?

Or do I hold out with this vial while we reduce to OTJ unless her numbers really get wonky?

eta: We are still on the vial we started with at the end of Dec. Both vet and pharmacist said it would last for quite a while if kept in the fridge - pharmacist said until the expiration date which is 2011.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Yes, we use the cartridges and pens with regular syringes. The pens only dispense in 1 unit increments so are not really suitable for kitties. The end of the cartridge/pen has a rubber stopper just like a vial.

 

[Monique & Spooky]

Lantus can last quite a while many people have used the same vial/pen etc. for many months, others have noticed it went bad after a month or two. Read the "stickys" in one it describes how Lantus looks when it goes bad (cloudy, "floaties" or white flakes) if you think you will be going OTJ soon, you might want to try and keep using for a few more weeks, if things don't improve or you notice it looks funny I would recommend getting a package of pens. Each pen has 3ml (300 units) of Lantus. You can use the syringe with them (in the sticky is also a description and pictures of how to do it) there are usually 5 pens in a box so total 15ml (1500 units) which is more than is in a vial (10ml=1000 units) the cost is about the same per unit (the pens cost more but you get more) the advantage is if you open 1 pen and use it then you do end up OTJ you still have 4 unopened pens and as long as kept refridgerated they will be usuable until the expiration date (usually about 2 years) so you can keep them or 1 of them just in case the honeymoon ends sometime or you can sell the unused ones to somebody who needs it or donate to a needy kitty here.

You can also check on the Supply closet forum on the board to see if anyone has any to give away or sell, you can also post a "Lantus wanted" maybe someone will have an offer.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I don't usually recommend getting the vial since you end up with more Lantus if you get the pens/cartridges, but at the rate that Smokey is moving down the ladder, a vial may be more cost effective. The pens/cartridges work the same as the vial. You don't need the needle that comes with it if you opt to go that route. You just use a syringe.

 

[Miriam and Putty (GA)]

You may want to call around to pharmacies in your area to see if they will sell you 1 pen or cartridge. I was able to do that at one place in my town.