What if there's a bad batch of insulin?

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Shell

Shell

Member Since 2022
I am not pleased with the AM and PM numbers at 2 units, 2x daily of Glargine. I am hoping it will stay consistent though, so I can get a curve after 7 days. I am expecting the dosage will need to be raised .25.

  • .25 would then after the curve be the correct increment to increase if numbers weren't in the right range, correct?

  • And, what is the highest dosage typical for cats on Glargine? I want to know because now, this seems to be getting to be a high dose.

I'm getting a new vile of insulin on 6/1.

  • If for some reason, the batch I have is not good, how can I help to ensure that the new batch won't be too high of a dose.

This is all a matter of serious concern.
 
2 units is not a “high” dose. There have been cats on here over the years that used over 10 units. Usually that would mean some kind of concurrent condition like acromegaly, but it’s not unheard of. Your cat needs what they need so don’t feel like you need to compare your dosage with other cats. One recommendation I would make is to switch to the pens instead of the vial. You would still draw from the pens the same way as the vial, but a vial is far more likely to “go bad” before you reach the end.. or worse, drop and break on the floor.
 
SpotsMom said:
2 units is not a “high” dose. There have been cats on here over the years that used over 10 units. Usually that would mean some kind of concurrent condition like acromegaly, but it’s not unheard of. Your cat needs what they need so don’t feel like you need to compare your dosage with other cats. One recommendation I would make is to switch to the pens instead of the vial. You would still draw from the pens the same way as the vial, but a vial is far more likely to “go bad” before you reach the end.. or worse, drop and break on the floor.
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Why thank you! I did not know this! I thought 2 units was high. I can mention pens to my Vet. Much appreciated.
 
2 units is definitely not very high. My girl got to 8.75 units and I've say waaaaay higher. A cat needs however much insulin they need and each cat is different.

If you are seeing higher preshot numbers, there's a good chance the cat is going lower the cycle or two before hand and then bouncing. I suspect the night of the 15th might have been one of those cycles. I don't mean going too low, but rather lower than Pumpkin is used to. It's about time for a curve as tomorrow is day 7 on this dose, to try to get an idea how low this dose is taking him.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
2 units is definitely not very high. My girl got to 8.75 units and I've say waaaaay higher. A cat needs however much insulin they need and each cat is different.

If you are seeing higher preshot numbers, there's a good chance the cat is going lower the cycle or two before hand and then bouncing. I suspect the night of the 15th might have been one of those cycles. I don't mean going too low, but rather lower than Pumpkin is used to. It's about time for a curve as tomorrow is day 7 on this dose, to try to get an idea how low this dose is taking him.
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Thank you! I didn't realize they could use so many units. I'll be doing the curve Monday, as I am going to lunch with my mom tomorrow.

And, when I do, if I find the numbers still elevated, I will raise the dose by .25 right?

Also, have you ever really heard of a bad batch of insulin?
 
How long have you been using your current pen/vial of insulin? I found it helpful to put when I started new insulin in the Remarks column of the spreadsheet. The only time I had insulin go off is when it went on a road trip with me - three days each way - and the temperature was really hot. I had it in a cooler bag with ice pack, they were long days and I suspect it got too warm. I noticed that her numbers were slowly getting worse. It didn't go bad all at once.

Have you checked the best before date on the insulin? As long as it's still clear with no floaties, and been kept in the fridge, it should be OK.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
How long have you been using your current pen/vial of insulin? I found it helpful to put when I started new insulin in the Remarks column of the spreadsheet. The only time I had insulin go off is when it went on a road trip with me - three days each way - and the temperature was really hot. I had it in a cooler bag with ice pack, they were long days and I suspect it got too warm. I noticed that her numbers were slowly getting worse. It didn't go bad all at once.

Have you checked the best before date on the insulin? As long as it's still clear with no floaties, and been kept in the fridge, it should be OK.
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No floaties, clear and well refrigerated. It looks like the expiration date is set for 03/31/2026. I've had it for about 5 months. I've heard they are usually good for 5 or 6, so I was planning to get a new one in June.

But, do I really need to then? If it's clear, cold and well kept? If I could still use it and it's good, I hate to waste it.
 
Have you considered getting pens? They have less insulin in them and generally good to the last drop.

You don't have to throw out the vial, but keep an eye on if the numbers are starting to creep up.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Have you considered getting pens? They have less insulin in them and generally good to the last drop.

You don't have to throw out the vial, but keep an eye on if the numbers are starting to creep up.
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Yes, I will talk with my Vet about the pens as I heard they are better. I thought they only held one dose. Can you adjust the dose using a pen? I have never seen one.

And actually, just now he just tested 125 PMPS. So, I have to hold the shot and wait another 7 days to do my curve. I sure wish I could get a curve done tomorrow. But, I'd rather have him in lower ranges than higher just to get a curve, though.
 
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