07/23 Texas Gizmo PMPS=147, +2=157, +3.5=114, +4.5=88 , +11=169

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LizzieInTexas

LizzieInTexas

Member Since 2016
07/22

AMPS=175, +2=140, +4=91 :D

Went back to the old vile - got to say the insulin in the new cartridge is no good. No other explanation that I can come up with.

Now if I can find a pen today. Not even sure where to start looking. I will try with the Lantus card and see if I can get it for free but have my doubts, but I have to have a viable alternative to the vile which is 5 months old and getting very low.

Not sure if I trust the other 4 cartridges in the shipment. What a waste. Best laid plans but at least I discovered it while I still had some good insulin left.
 
I saw the 91 and thought the insulin is working .... then I opened your thread and realized you went back to the old stuff. That stinks that it isn't any good. :banghead:

Good luck getting new insulin. :bighug:
 
I wouldn't assume the other 4 cartridges are bad too. Sometimes you can get a bad cartridge. I'd try one of them first. I hope you can find insulin if you need to.
 
Chubba said:
That stinks that it isn't any good.
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:( $200 down the drain if they are all ineffective. Plus the cost of new insulin.


carfurby said:
I'd try one of them first.
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I will probably try them but I have to have new insulin that I have confidence in. If I can find a single pen today I won't start using it yet. I will go the week again with old vile and try 2nd cartridge from box from Marks next weekend if the numbers are consistent through the week and nothing changes.

I am not sure how else to "test" so if anyone else has any suggestions please chime in.
 
It does look like new insulin isn't as effective as the old vial, that stinks for you but Gizmo doesn't mind one bit now that he is back to green so early in the cycle.
 
Bronx's dad said:
It does look like new insulin isn't as effective as the old vial, that stinks for you but Gizmo doesn't mind one bit now that he is back to green so early in the cycle.
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One of the reasons I aborted the test was how icky he was feeling yesterday. Much better this morning with these numbers. I agree that the insulin still had some effectiveness. There is no need to "mix" it correct? It is suspended so it shouldn't matter is has sat undisturbed for a few months - correct?
 
LizzieInTexas said:
One of the reasons I aborted the test was how icky he was feeling yesterday. Much better this morning with these numbers. I agree that the insulin still had some effectiveness. There is no need to "mix" it correct? It is suspended so it shouldn't matter is has sat undisturbed for a few months - correct?
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Most say never mix/disturb it, but I remember reading a blurb from ADW saying it should be mixed slightly by moving it in a slow figure-8 type movement.
 
Here is some information you may find useful that is from the Sticky on handing insulin.

PROPER HANDLING OF LANTUS and LEVEMIR:
  • Lantus and Levemir should be visually inspected prior to administration. Use only if the insulin appears clear and colorless.
  • Never shake or roll your vial, cartridge, or pen.
  • In-use and unopened Lantus and Levemir should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 to 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C).
  • Do NOT use Lantus or Levemir if it has been frozen.
  • Do not inject air into cartridges or pens. Cartridges and pens are designed to work on a negative pressure principle.
  • If you draw up too much insulin in the syringe... squirt excess either into the air dramatically like they do on TV or into a paper towel... anywhere but back into vial/cartridge/pen. There is a silicon coating inside the syringe. It may contaminate the insulin vial with silicon.
  • Lantus and Levemir should not be diluted or mixed with any other insulins or liquids. The manufacturers do not recommend diluting Lantus and Levemir. However, some human diabetics and caregivers of diabetic cats have diluted Lantus or Levemir without any apparent problems. See the section "Administration of small doses of glargine and detemir: dilution and insulin dosing pens" in the attached file, "Management of Diabetic Cats with Long-acting Insulin": management of diabetic cats.pdf

  • Some additional although somewhat outdated information/help from the Pet Diabetes Wiki: Diluting Insulin. If you want to explore the possibility of diluting Lantus or Levemir, we strongly urge you to seek help and advice from your vet.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR INSULIN IS NO LONGER GOOD?:
  • When you lose regulation for no reason.
  • If you see any hint of "floaties"/"tiny particles"... discard the insulin.
  • If insulin is cloudy or discolored, or if rubber stopper is cracked... replace insulin immediately.
  • If the insulin has frozen, it's no longer good.
HOW LONG WILL MY INSULIN LAST?:
  • The manufacturer of Lantus recommends discarding the insulin after 28 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Lantus users have been able to use a vial/cartridge/pen for six months and longer. Some use pens and vials to the last drop.
  • The manufacturer of Levemir recommends discarding the insulin after 42 days of use. However, with proper handling and refrigeration, many Levemir users have been able to use a vial/pen for six months and longer. Some have used pens and vials to the last drop.
  • Unopened Lantus or Levemir are good until the expiration date stamped on the box if refrigerated and handled properly.
 
I have never shook or rolled my insulin but it does get turned upside down at least 2x/day :p

It does not have floaties. Is not cloudy. Cannot say if ever frozen as it shipped from BC Canada in ice packs and Styrofoam container in Feb (imo that should protect from freezing as well as heat). When it arrived in Houston on Friday it was 80+* for 3 days until it was delivered on Monday. It was delivered to my work mailroom and I picked it up from them around 10am and ran home at lunch and put it in my refrigerator immediately, where it has been ever since.

I am sure it got shook and rolled plenty during shipping.

Unsuccessful in locating anyone to sell/dispense a single pen. Tried Wal-Mart (2 different), CVS, Walgreens, HEB and Krogers.
 
Mr. Bright Eyes. Taken earlier today.

20170723_111829.jpg
 
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