Solostar pen question?

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tipper11

tipper11

Member Since 2011
Just back from Costco with one pen. I thought I would be purchasing a 5pk, but they said thats what the vet ordered.
I was also given special needles to extract the insulin, I just assumed the my regular syringes would be OK - am I wrong?

Also, refrigerate before use, once opened store at room temperature??

FYI- skip Costco at the first of the month, very busy.
I felt very rushed and unable to ask a question.

Thanks for your help,

Patty
 
Patty--Welcome to lantus land--
You use regular syringes & stick needle into the top of the pen & just draw your dose--No need for the needle that comes with it--Keep Lantus In The Refrigerator!! Must refrigerate for maximum use!
I get it through Global Health Supplies (877-278-5344)-5 pens for $108.00 & in 10 days!
You will need a prescription so..Hope this clarifys for you!
 
Thanks Roni,
I just paid $82.58 for one pen and 100 BD ultra fine pen needles.
I'm sure I can't return the needles. The breakdown of cost was $32.55 for the syringes and $45.17 for the Solostar single pen.
Tried to get the tech/cashier to explain and she said thats what your Vet ordered.

On the pen packing and the print out with the RX it states: Do not refrigerate cartridges or pens that are in use.
I have it stored in fridge now and will continue to store there after opening correct??
 
video of how to use your regular syringes with the pen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAm5VaXijZU

and yes, always store in the fridge.

fwiw, i got a 5 pack of pens in december 2009 when they had a coupon for a free pack out. i didn't start using it until february 2010 i believe and i'm on my 4th of those pens now. i use them to the last drop, literally and still get numbers under 100 out of Mousie on it at that point.

I have kept that 5 pack of pens laying on the top shelf of the fridge since the day I brought it home from walmart.
 
You don't need the needles. I would call and see if you can return them. You use a syringe the same way you would with the vials.

You're actually fortunate that Costco would sell you one pen. Most places won't do so. If that's convenient for you to buy the pens that way, great! However, you might ask your vet to make sure s/he ordered refills. (Does it say there are refills on the label.)

Store the pen in the refrigerator both before and after opening. It will increase the lifespan of your Lantus. Many people, like Cindy, use their insulin for longer than the 28 days the manufacturer recommends. I switch mine out after about a month.
 
Thanks everyone,

I do have refills on the pen. Good question, if I decide to do mail order is it ok to ship in the warmer months?
 
I just got a box of pens from Pharmacy Rx World for $95, free shipping. It took 10 days to get them, but they were well packaged in a styrofoam cooler with 2 ice packs. The ice packs were melted, but still cold.

My suggestion would be to order in the spring and fall, avoid the very cold months and the very hot months if possible....however, I think many people have mail ordered in the summer. You wouldn't want it to sit in your mailbox or on your doorstep all day during very hot or very cold weather, so if you don't think you'll be home to receive it, you might want to ask the PO to hold it for you to pick up.
 
The pens do say not to refrigerate, but that's also for people that are likely to use up the full pen in the 28 days they say it's good. Keeping it refrigerated will allow you to get more use out of it. I originally thought of just using the needles that fit the pen, but from my understanding, the pen isn't very accurate at all in the small doses we are using.

I buy them from Walmart, and the 5 pack is $220. There is a $25 coupon on the Lantus site for your first Solostar prescription, and I used a AAA card to save another $25. I was at about $175 for the pack. These will last me roughly 8 months, so I don't mind spending a little extra to make sure I'm getting stable insulin.

http://www.lantus.com/solostar-insulin-pen/solostar-coupon.aspx

Jason
 
On the pen needles...you can only dose in 1.0u increments with them, so they are not good for the dosing protocol we use.

As to the refrigerate vs don't refrigerate issue and how long Lantus lasts once opened....this discussion may be very helpful for people to read. http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... sg-1906669

There are plenty of people using mail order from Canada. I have yet to see anyone complaining about the insulin not holding up well....on the contrary, every discussion I have seen indicates that the pens from Canada have longer life than ones purchased locally. I have been using locally purchased pens, this is my first purchase from Canada, so I'll keep everyone posted on my experience. My pens have been pooping out at or BEFORE 28 days. I don't even try to go past 28 days anymore with this batch.
 
I used to purchase Flovent from Canada for Belle, but thought things were more restricted and expensive now. At $95, they are definitely cheaper, but is it still as easy as just sending them your prescription?


Laurie and Mr Tinkles said:
On the pen needles...you can only dose in 1.0u increments with them, so they are not good for the dosing protocol we use.

As to the refrigerate vs don't refrigerate issue and how long Lantus lasts once opened....this discussion may be very helpful for people to read. http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... sg-1906669

There are plenty of people using mail order from Canada. I have yet to see anyone complaining about the insulin not holding up well....on the contrary, every discussion I have seen indicates that the pens from Canada have longer life than ones purchased locally. I have been using locally purchased pens, this is my first purchase from Canada, so I'll keep everyone posted on my experience. My pens have been pooping out at or BEFORE 28 days. I don't even try to go past 28 days anymore with this batch.
Click to expand...
 
Laurie and Mr Tinkles said:
On the pen needles...you can only dose in 1.0u increments with them, so they are not good for the dosing protocol we use.

As to the refrigerate vs don't refrigerate issue and how long Lantus lasts once opened....this discussion may be very helpful for people to read. http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... sg-1906669

There are plenty of people using mail order from Canada. I have yet to see anyone complaining about the insulin not holding up well....on the contrary, every discussion I have seen indicates that the pens from Canada have longer life than ones purchased locally. I have been using locally purchased pens, this is my first purchase from Canada, so I'll keep everyone posted on my experience. My pens have been pooping out at or BEFORE 28 days. I don't even try to go past 28 days anymore with this batch.
Click to expand...
I get my pen cartridges (5 pack) from Costco in Canada and have used each 1 until the last drop. I am on my 4th one now.
The price for them in Alberta is around $78.
 
I did a full report on how I ordered, how long it took, etc. in the thread in the Supply Closet here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11530&p=399869#p399860

It was very easy. I ordered online, got an email confirmation, faxed my script to them and followed up with a phone call.

You aren't ordering your Flovent (Flixotide) from 4 Corners Pharmacy? You're spending too much....much cheaper there. (I have an asthmatic kitty too.) http://www.4cornerspharmacy.com/
 
tipper11 said:
Thanks Roni,
I just paid $82.58 for one pen and 100 BD ultra fine pen needles.
I'm sure I can't return the needles. The breakdown of cost was $32.55 for the syringes and $45.17 for the Solostar single pen.
Tried to get the tech/cashier to explain and she said thats what your Vet ordered.

On the pen packing and the print out with the RX it states: Do not refrigerate cartridges or pens that are in use.
I have it stored in fridge now and will continue to store there after opening correct??
Click to expand...
Costco did the same thing to me when I got the box of Lantus.
I went back to the pharmacy and explained to them that I needed the syringes and not the pen needles and they exchanged them for me.
I just told them that I need to dose @ 1/2 units so the pen needles won't work.
Hopefully they will do the same for you.
 
Belle used the Flovent and she passed away last year, but her asthma had gotten much better with a move from NJ to SC. Before hand she used Flovent and needed steroid shots frequently, once in SC(and a new house), maybe a shot a year and no Flovent after the third year. Fresher air and a new house did wonders.


Laurie and Mr Tinkles said:
I did a full report on how I ordered, how long it took, etc. in the thread in the Supply Closet here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=11530&p=399869#p399860

It was very easy. I ordered online, got an email confirmation, faxed my script to them and followed up with a phone call.

You aren't ordering your Flovent (Flixotide) from 4 Corners Pharmacy? You're spending too much....much cheaper there. (I have an asthmatic kitty too.) http://www.4cornerspharmacy.com/
Click to expand...
 
I'm sorry about Belle, Jason. :sad: I didn't realize she was GA.

The northeast is pretty bad for asthma/allergies, I live in the Hudson Valley in NY...we call it Sinus Valley! :lol:
 
Thanks Laurie. I haven't had the heart to add that by her name.

Nj was bad, but when I moved to Staten Island for 6 months while my house in SC was being built, she had to get shots every few weeks. It was great to see that end in the new house.

Laurie and Mr Tinkles said:
I'm sorry about Belle, Jason. :sad: I didn't realize she was GA.

The northeast is pretty bad for asthma/allergies, I live in the Hudson Valley in NY...we call it Sinus Valley! :lol:
Click to expand...
 
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