Should I switch to Lantus pen?

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ryanms3030

ryanms3030

Member Since 2013
Hello all. Whitey has been on Lantus for about 2 years and I have been doing the regular lantus with syringes. I am taking him to a new vet this week for a annual check up and meet and greet since old vet is too far away from where I live now.

I need a refill on Lantus , should I request the pen? Regular Lantus runs me about $130/vial. I have heard the pen may be more cost effective. Is that true? any other advantages?
 
How much of the vial do you use before y have to discard the remainder of the vial? Thge pens are more expensive per unit/ml than the vial but usually you can use up an entire pen (3 ml) whereas one seldom uses up the entire 10 ml vial.
 
Yes, the pens are great. Even paying full price, it would cost around $200 for a 10ml vial of Lantus that you only get around 5mls out of before it expires ($20 per ml). For the pens, it costs around $230 for a 5-pack of 3ml pens (15mls total). Since you can use them to the last drop, that comes out to about $15 per ml.

You use them the same way as you would a vial: with a syringe and not the pen tips. Here are some more cost-saving ideas for Lantus from DCiN.
 
I have had my current vial for 3 months and maybe used 1/3 or 1/4 of the vial doing between between 1 and 1.25 unit injections twice a day. So if the pens let me use it all instead of discarding 65% of the bottle I guess it's a no brainer in the long run?
 
Just wanted to report back. Got script for pen. Got it filled at Target. They sold me one pen no questions asked and took the manufacturer discount card. Cost me $25 instead of the $160 I paid for my last 10 ml vial. That's a small victory. Now I have to figure out how to use this with a syringe
 
Pop the cap off, insert syringe and withdraw insulin. Do NOT inject air. It has a small pressure mechanism so that isn't needed.
 
I am new to the forum and to feline diabetes, my Katie was diagnosed yesterday. I keep hearing about the pens, and my vet said It was a waste and I wouldn't use all of it like the vial. I am interested in learning more and also about where you got the discount card and how to use it?
 
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