Throwing out Lantus and to roll or not to roll?

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JennL

Member Since 2013
My cat,Big, is 14 and has been diabetic for a number of years now. We've been using Lantus exclusively and I've noticed a trend of the insulin not being effective after a few months. This is not conclusive but, to be on the safe side, I end up having to throw out about 1/3 vial and get another refill (for $190!!!!!) Anyone else notice this?

Also, I'm getting conflicting information from my vet/the pharmacist/this forum on whether or not to 'gently roll' Lantus prior to injection. Any definitive info is much appreciated!
 
No rolling; it is not a suspension.

Next time, get an Rx for the Solostar pens. With a bit of hunting, you may be able to purchase them 1 at a time, rather than in the 5 pack (the 5 pack sticker shock is higher than the 10 mL vial sticker shock!).

Each pen is 3 mL or 300 units and starts expiring AFTER you start using it. Store refrigerated on a stationary shelf. Remove the cap to use an insulin syringe to withdraw the insulin. Do not use the pen needles (not accurate enough for cats).
 
Thank you for the information! It appears that the Solostar pens can't be dosed in 1/2 units. I'm emailing my Vet to see what they say about the rolling mis-information. Yeah, throwing out 1/3 full vials is like tossing $65 into the garbage can. Do you know if $190 for a 10ml vial is an average cost?
 
You use an insulin syringe just as you are doing now, not the pen needles that come with the setup for Solostars. You can thus dose any amoount that you wish.

Lantus is absolutely not to be rolled. In fact, the more gently you treat the vial the longer it will last. This is why the suggestion was made to keep the insulin on a stationary shelf - ie not the door.
 
G
JennL said:
Thank you for the information! It appears that the Solostar pens can't be dosed in 1/2 units. I'm emailing my Vet to see what they say about the rolling mis-information. Yeah, throwing out 1/3 full vials is like tossing $65 into the garbage can. Do you know if $190 for a 10ml vial is an average cost?
Click to expand...

Jenn,
If you click on this link, and scroll halfway down the the page, there's a great video that shows how to draw the insulin out of the pens.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151G
Carl
 
Hi Jenn and Big,

Just want to say 'Welcome to FDMB'!
You've found the best place on the planet for advice about feline diabetes. :smile:
We look forward to following Big's progress.

Eliz
 
I have bought both lantus and Levemir single pens from Target Pharmacy. I used the syringe to draw the insulin out of the pen, just as I would from a vial. One of the pens I used to the last drop. give it a try.
 
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