QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN

[Marje and Gracie]

I just bought some solostar pens...my first :!: The Lantus box it comes in AND the bright yellow labels stuck all over it AND the instructions inside state that once
the pen is opened it should be stored at room temperature and not in the frig.

I could have sworn some of you (Sienne?) were discussing how you store your pens in the frig...the ones you haven't used and the one you are using. Did I miss something? I
spoke to the pharmacist and he said that perhaps it has something to do with whether you use the pen like it's supposed to be used or whether you are using it more
like a vial and taking the insulin out of it with an insulin syringe. Does anyone know? Do you keep your pens in the frig after you open and start using one?

Secondly...can someone please tell me how to withdraw the insulin from the pen because I haven't opened it yet. I saw the photos...it looks like I just insert my needle in the end and pull it out taking care to not inject air or insulin back into it. Does it dull the insulin needle when you do that?

Sorry....novice here on the pen usage. THANKS!

 

[Nina and KB]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

I use those. They have a rubber opening just the vials and cartridges so you draw up the dose the same way. Nicer, though, because the pen has a cap.

I refrigerate all insulin. Humans go through it quicker and I think some do leave it out once started but I would refrigerate it. The pharmacy keeps it refrigerated.

 

[Laurie and Mr Tinkles]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

Yes, store the pens in the fridge...both the opened and unopened. The insulin will not stay good as long if you store it at room temperature. Yes, you insert your syringe in the rubber stopper in the end of the pen, do not inject air or insulin back into the pen. It will not dull the needle.

 

[Barb & Checkers (GA)]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

Marjorie, I called the co. twice with that question, and got the same answer both times.
They say not to refrigerate it because they assume people are using it as it was meant to be used, with a needle attached to the pen.
They do not want people to put the pen with needle attached into the fridge, because it can get contaminated more easily. Personally, I don't see how keeping it on a counter top is less contaminating, to the attached needle, but that's what they say. That concern is moot though, 'cause we don't use an attached needle.

You can find the 800 number on the box, and call yourself, to ease your mind.
I have always kept mine refrigerated. I put the cap back on immediately, and back in the fridge it goes.
And yes, there is a rubber(?) stopper on it, and insulin is withdrawn same as a vial.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

we use these too - in the frig, needle into the rubber stopper at the end of the pen. I love these pens - works great!

 

[Kathy&Powder]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

Hi Marjorie. I'm not sure who posted it in LL but about the leave out of refrigerated or the length of time it is good but they said it is because they haven't tested it for longer use. Like Nina everything I have read not by the manufacturer says the pens can last up to 6 mos in frig. Nina is right most humans will use one or more pens a month so going bad is not a concern. Since they recommend leaving the pens you aren't using in the frig. it isn't going to hurt them being in there. You can tell its bad if it gets cloudy or you see floaters in the syringe. I've also seen it suggested that if its been in use a while and kitty numbers aren't good that it could be less potent.

I keep my pen in there because it will be good longer and most of our kitties use tiny doses. It just seems a good practice to keep insulin refrigerated. Hospitals do. I have a client on it and it is always refrigerated with our company. Remember their interest is profits ;-)

I think it may have been Pat or Sienne who suggested to take the syringe move the plunger back and forth a couple of times. After taking off the cap put pressure on the end of the plunger and then put he needle in rubber end gently withdraw a little more than you need. Then do just as you have always done.
I use Victoza pen with needle keep it in the frig with the needle on even though they say not too and there has never been a problem with contamination or potency problems. Hope this has helped.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

Hi Marjorie, Another reason the manufacturer says not to refrigerate an opened pen is because most humans use large amounts of insulin. If they injected it right out of the 'fridge, it would be uncomfortably cold. Also, many people carry their pens around with them.

Ella

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

I don't remember if it was on this Board or the old Board, but Monique/Spooky had a long post about the Lantus pens. (Monique is a pathologist so she got interested in this and she's in Germany where Lantus is manufactured.) Apparently, the pens are an innovation. Most insulin needs to be refrigerated. This made travel quite difficult for human diabetics. With the development of the pen and it not requiring constant refrigeration, travel became much easier. I don't know if it's the way the container for the pen is constructed or why this is but that was one advantage of not needing to refrigerate the pens.

I keep my Lantus in the refrigerator. When I spoke with the veterinary pharmacist at the U of IL, they encourage people to keep the container refrigerated because animals use a fraction of the dose that humans use. Admittedly, there are no studies that say this improves the longevity of the insulin.

Draw the insulin out of the gasket at the top of the pen. Just think of the pen as a mini-vial. It works exactly the same way except there's a plug at the bottom that will move toward the top of the cartridge as you draw off insulin so there's constant pressure.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Re: QUESTION ON SOLOSTAR PEN..IMPORTANT

You all are SOOOO wonderful for giving me such great, consistent answers!!! I really appreciate it. I'm going to try the pen tonight ....what do I have to lose and it might help Gracie's numbers...if it doesn't, then we know she needs a dosecrease. I was never going to even come close to using all the lantus in the vial and I'll just claim it on Gracie's insurance. I just think because we weren't as careful about it when we got it (stored it in door, temp fluctuations, jiggling, etc) then it might have kaputted out on us after 40 days. We'll see....I could be totally off base...wouldn't be the first time :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks again for all the great,informative info.