Using Syringes In Lantus Pen Question

[Louellen]

Hi All:

I've been told by my vet to up Morrigan's dosage to 1.5U from 1.0U. Up until now, I've been using the Solostar pen injector system and will now be switching to U100 3/10cc syringes. (I had a previous diabetic cat over a decade ago where we used vials of an OLD insulin so, new to using the pens).

Question: I understand that there's a "negative vacuum" to the pens and air shouldn't be injected into the pen. So, having watched a video posted in the Lantus section, I see that you're supposed to PUSH the air out BEFORE sticking the needle into the pen. Then, pull out the amount you need and a little extra, holding onto the syringe end so as not to allow what's in the syringe to be sucked back into the pen. Then, once out of the pen, discharge what's not needed into the air/a tissue....after "flicking" it to remove bubbles, of course.

My question is....given that sometimes, it's difficult to get the EXACT dosage if you push out a bit too much...what do you do then? Do you discard the syringe and start over????

Forgive me if this has been answered over and over again but, from previous experience with syringes...they can get sticky and therefore tricky. I just want to make sure that I'm doing this right as the techniques have changed from the vial method I used to use.

 

[BJM]

If you draw in a little more insulin into the syringe than you need, then withdraw the syringe, you can push out any excess (carefully, of course).
Try twisting the barrel of the syringe to expel excess; it seems to give better control.

 

[Louellen]

Thank you BJ! I was hoping to try this tonight with Morrigan on her REGULAR dosage so that I can start on the new dose tomorrow when I'll be around to watch her for the day and test with the increase.

I will try just that. Thank you.

 

[Vyktors Mum]

When I accidentally push a bit too much out I draw more from the cartridge using the same syringe. I don't think its a problem - can't see how it would be since the syringe hasn't been anywhere except in the cartridge. The important thing is you don't try injecting any excess back into the cartridge.

 

[Louellen]

Thank you Vyktors Mum! THAT was the question I was concerned with most and I tend to agree with you....unless someone else has a reason to differ. I've done 2 shots now with the syringe and was lucky enough, using BJM's "twist" suggestion, to get the dose "right on"....BUT...it's not easy to get it exact without over squirting out. It makes perfect sense that if I don't get enough, I can withdraw more WITHOUT injecting back into the pen. I get why that's important to NOT do.

ETA: It seems so ridiculous that I did this, day in and day out over a decade ago but, can't remember how now...then, again....I was using a vial at that time and injected air into the vial and could play until I got the exact dosage etc.. This is all new but, I'm getting it.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

I too just put the syringe back in and draw a bit more - the 'twist' method is the best control as it makes drops come out rather than a squirt. If you watch carefully and twist out more, the drop may still be at the needle opening allowing you to draw a bit back in...

 

[Louellen]

Thanks Squeaky and KT! That makes sense too! It's good to have other people's experience to draw on (pun intended)