Refrigerator life of Lantus

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Zumbo1

Member Since 2019
We are fairly new to this, and I have read that Lantus (for human use) should be used within 28 days of opening. I have read some members of this forum using it for six months or longer. What are people's experiences with older vials?
 
When I started using Lantus, the vial had already been open for more than 6 months. It is now around a year old, and although I have not used it since December, it is still clear.
 
Zumbo1 said:
We are fairly new to this, and I have read that Lantus (for human use) should be used within 28 days of opening. I have read some members of this forum using it for six months or longer. What are people's experiences with older vials?
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If kept refrigerated general consensus is 3-6 months. The 28 days is meant because humans do not always keep insulin refrigerated 100% of the time. If left out for a day and re-refrigerated it can lose potency, so the tests manufacturer’s have done are only tested up to 28 days and they can’t guarantee is any past that time, it still is fine as long as it has been refrigerated the whole time.
 
Yup, I use a bottle until it runs out, 6+ months, just keep it in the fridge when not in use. I recommend getting a film or pill bottle, putting a ball of cotton in the bottom, and storing the bottle in there. Gives it a little cushion and stability so you don't have to be so worried about it rattling around loose in the fridge or if you happen to drop it. I store mine in the little butter door at the top of the fridge and have never lost a bottle prematurely.
 
Also forgot to mention that exposure to light also degrades Lantus prematurely (per the manufacturer) so would not keep a vial on the counter longer than a few minutes. The pens have a cap and that keeps the light out as long as it is covered.
 
I had a year's worth before I even started using it. As long as it's refrigerated you should be just fine. The 28 days is for humans because they normally carry it with them.
 
I found one way to keep insulin pretty much at same temperature and protected from accidents -- store it inside a metal vacuum type coffee mug with a screw on lid, in the refrigerator .. pen or vial comes out for insulin to be loaded into syringe, goes straight back into the Rx bottle inside the cup, can wait a few moments while you clear other things up, cup will still be at refrigerator temperature -- this might also help should you have a power outage
 
Are you using the vial or pens? If the vial, you may want to ask you vet for a prescription for the pens when you need more. Generally the insulin starts losing its effectiveness around 6-8 weeks, long before you will use all of it. By home testing, you will be able to tell how well it is working and when to get a new vial.

The reason for suggesting the pens is they will last longer and you will be able to use almost every drop of insulin. Depending on your dose, one package of pens could last 9 months or more. You will use the pens like mini vials.

If you are using a vial, place it in a pill bottle with either cotton or paper towel around it so it is snug in the pill bottle. This will protect it if it is ever dropped. You don't want to be in a situation where you need more insulin because the vial broke and your vet or pharmacy is closed.
 
I am interested in the pens. What concerns me is that I saw somebody posted that it takes more needle time (approx 10 seconds is what they mentioned) when using the pen. Right now Buster gets his shot while eating and he never even notices, it's in and out so quickly. Is that true about the pens? And thank you for your feedback.
 
Zumbo1 said:
I am interested in the pens. What concerns me is that I saw somebody posted that it takes more needle time (approx 10 seconds is what they mentioned) when using the pen. Right now Buster gets his shot while eating and he never even notices, it's in and out so quickly. Is that true about the pens? And thank you for your feedback.
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Whether using a vial or pen, the insulin is drawn out with a syringe. We don’t inject directly from a pen into the cat. Only difference is using a vial you are injecting air into vial in amount you want to draw out of insulin, but we do not inject air into pen cartridge, the pens work on a different vacuum principle and you do not want any air put in pen.
 
I don't think they recommend using the pen injector needles, rather draw insulin out of pen's rubber stopper with a regular insulin syringe/ needle. It is recommended that doses be increased by .25 units and you can't do that with a pen. Go to the Lantus board and start posting there if you are using Lantus currently. There is some extremely valuable information in their stickies about using Lantus which operates differently than vetsulin and the others. I have just recently started using Lantus and post there but was just looking at the main site to see whats new. I have a vial I ordered from Canada but am currently using a pen that I purchased (2) from the supply closet.

You said Buster is currently getting shots. I don's see a link to a spread sheet showing his dose and test results. If you haven started one I would suggest you do so and that way these wonderful experienced people here can help you with advice. I dont have the link to start a spreadsheet but someone will post it or I will look further for it.
 
Zumbo1 said:
I am interested in the pens. What concerns me is that I saw somebody posted that it takes more needle time (approx 10 seconds is what they mentioned) when using the pen. Right now Buster gets his shot while eating and he never even notices, it's in and out so quickly. Is that true about the pens? And thank you for your feedback.
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Like Julie and Sybil have said, use the Lantus pens as mini vials to draw from with a syringe. Here's a helpful video that I seem to be posting a lot lately :smuggrin:.


Are you home testing? It would be helpful to setup a Signature and Spreadsheet. If you need help with them, just ask for assistance :)
 
Copy and pasted from: Insulin Care & Syringe Info: Proper Handling, Drawing, Fine Dosing

How do you know when your insulin is no longer good?
  • When you lose regulation for no reason.
  • If you see any hint of "floaties"/"tiny particles"... discard the insulin.
  • If insulin is cloudy or discolored, or if rubber stopper is cracked... replace insulin immediately.
  • If the insulin has frozen, it's no longer good.
How long will my insulin last?
  • The manufacturer of Lantus recommends discarding the insulin after 28 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Lantus users have been able to use a vial/cartridge/pen for six months and longer. Some use pens and vials to the last drop.
  • The manufacturer of Basaglar recommends discarding after 28 days of use. It's too new to know for sure, but we anticipate Basaglar to last as long as Lantus with proper handling and refrigeration.
  • The manufacturer of Levemir recommends discarding the insulin after 42 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Levemir users have been able to use a vial/pen for six months and longer. Some have used pens and vials to the last drop.
  • Unopened Lantus, Basaglar, or Levemir are good until the expiration date stamped on the box if refrigerated and handled properly.
Lisa and Witn (GA) said:
Are you using the vial or pens? If the vial, you may want to ask you vet for a prescription for the pens when you need more. Generally the insulin starts losing its effectiveness around 6-8 weeks, long before you will use all of it. By home testing, you will be able to tell how well it is working and when to get a new vial.

The reason for suggesting the pens is they will last longer and you will be able to use almost every drop of insulin. Depending on your dose, one package of pens could last 9 months or more. You will use the pens like mini vials.
Click to expand...
Initially we thought Lantus was very fragile and lost potency quickly. Through experience we've found Lantus pens and vials are not as fragile as once thought as long as they're kept refrigerated and handled properly.
Zumbo1 said:
I am interested in the pens. What concerns me is that I saw somebody posted that it takes more needle time (approx 10 seconds is what they mentioned) when using the pen. Right now Buster gets his shot while eating and he never even notices, it's in and out so quickly. Is that true about the pens? And thank you for your feedback.
Click to expand...
Copy and pasted from: Insulin Care & Syringe Info: Proper Handling, Drawing, Fine Dosing...

When dosing cats, there can be more negatives to using pen needles with an insulin pen than positives:
  • Inability to administer doses in increments of 0.25 - 0.50 units with pens.
  • Forgetting to "prime" the pen prior to each use will result in a smaller dose than intended. Priming the pen involves wasting 2 units of insulin for every shot.
  • One must keep the pen needle in for 5 - 10 seconds after the shot or you'll run the risk of not administering a full dose (can be tough with some cats).
  • Manufacturers do not recommend refrigerating an in-use pen. Therefore, shelf life may be shortened to 28 days (Lantus & Basaglar) and 42 days (Levemir).
  • Some FDMB members have reported shots administered from insulin pens are more uncomfortable than from a syringe (?)

Hope this helps and also hope to see you posting often! :)
 
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