Syringes for Lantus???

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oreosmom

oreosmom

Member Since 2012
Hi All,

We are shooting 1 3/4 units and I can't see the syringe markings very well since it is soooo small! There are no half unit markings. I am using a photographer's loupe to see the half units!! We are using 29 gauge x 1/2 inch length 3/8th cc for U-100 insulin purchased at CVS. This was our vet's recommendation. She felt the 1/2 needle was important for some reason I can't recall.

What would you pro's recommend ?

Many thanks again,

Carol, Oreo' Mom
 
Get some syringes with 1/2 unit markings, and you will have less problems.
I used a magnifying lens on a goose neck that I attached to a cabinet shelf.
 
I use syringes with half-unit markings, calipers, a lighted magnifier and my bifocals. ;-) :-D

Libby (& Hershey, too!)
 
Thanks all,

I love your creative ideas to see the half markings! Our vet said to use the 1/2 inch needle. Does that make any difference? And do I need a prescription to get the needles?

Thanks again,

Carol...Oreo's Mum
 
Hi Carol. I use 3/8" syringes I purchase at WalMart. That's the cheapest, by $3.50 a box, than the CVS or Walgreens here. They have the 1/2 unit marking. You'll have to ask for them at the pharmacy counter where you would pick up your medications. I had the same problem reading the dose, even with the 1/2" markings. Someone on this forum, I think it was Carl or maybe Peter, suggested that I get a pair of clip on magnifiers for my glasses. I bought a pair that enlarge 2X for less than $15. They work great. By the way our vet suggested the 1/2" needles also. He said he recommends them because a lot of folks don't get the needle all the way through the fur and skin.
 
The Monojects are avaiable with 1/2 inch 29 gauge needles: http://www.americandiabeteswholesal...t-ultra-comfort-insulin-syringes_1289_178.htm


oreosmom said:
Our vet said to use the 1/2 inch needle. Does that make any difference?
Click to expand...

Needle length is prefernece. You can use the shorter 5/16 inch ones if you prefer. You can fully insert the 5/16 inch needle right into the tented skin. With the 1/2 inch needles, I would insert no more than half the needle into the tented skin.

oreosmom said:
Thanks all,
And do I need a prescription to get the needles?
Click to expand...

Insulin syringes come with the needle already permanently attached.

If you want different insulin syringes with a different needle length or gauge or even brand, you will need your vet to write a new prescription. Or, just buy your insulin syringes online with no prescription. AmericanDiabetesWholesale.com is popular. Use the blue ADW ad link at the top of the board so that FDMB gets a commission after you make your purchase :smile:

There are insulin syringe magnifiers available that makes it easier to read the markings. Here is one: http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7002&id=7420
 
Hi Carol,
I think the 1/2- inch needle is excessively long. The link that Sienne gave you is for the 5/16'' (8 mm) needle, which is what most of us use. It depends on what state you live in whether or not you need a prescription for syringes. If you place your order through ADW they will contact you if your state is one that requires a prescription. If it is, ask your vet to phone it in. Then, the next time you order, simply write on the order that your prescription is on file.
I can't imagine why your vet insists on a 1/2-inch needle. We used to call them "nails". I use Terumo syringes, which have a slightly longer needle than the 5/16'' Monojects, but which are still short: 3/8'' (9 mm).

To summarize:
U-100.
0.3 cc (for 30 units or less--[if you get syringes designated for 50 units or less, or for 100 units or less, the markings will be very close together and impossible to see!]).
half-unit markings.
31-gauge (the thinnest, therefore the most comfortable).
short needle (5/16 of an inch; or 3/8 of an inch).

Good luck.

Ella & Rusty
 
I use my very old reading glasses (I think they're about 20 years old.. I need to get my eyes checked soon anyway), and my Mag Eyes that I use for my cross stitching.

With regards to the syringes, I use the Relion 33 gauge, 3/10cc, 8mm with 1/2 unit markings from Walmart, and they go for $12.58/box of 100. I know that others on here have given you other ideas, too. :-D Good luck!
 
I absolutely love Terumo syringes: http://www.americandiabeteswholesal...ro-insulin-syringe_5891.htm?source=SiteSearch I was using a prescription to get syringes locally, but I don't need one for these.

I use a magnifying glass and calipers http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-digital-caliper-47256.html. The calipers are so easy to use and they give me a ton of confidence in the doses.

I even use a little camping headlamp for the blood testing so I get a nice, bright spotlight on his lil ears. I'm starting to sound like a mad scientist....
 
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