When to replace insulin vial?

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by MaryB & Chester, May 24, 2013.

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  1. MaryB & Chester

    MaryB & Chester Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2012
    We started this vial of Insulin back on December 15 of last year.
    It still looks good - clear, no clouding or floaties. It's been refrigrated the whole time and hasn't been frozen at all.
    Do you think it's still good, or is it time for us to get a new vial?
     
  2. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Are you hometesting? Usually you can tell when the insulin is starting to lose its effectiveness when start to see an increase in bg readings. Usually a vial starts to lose its punch around 3 months but some have been able to use it for 6 months or so before it needs to be replaced.

    Please read my post from today about new insulin vial/pen warning. When you change to a new vial, you need to monitor your cat for a few days since the new one will be stronger than the one you were using.
     
  3. MaryB & Chester

    MaryB & Chester Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2012
    That would be a lot easier to tell if Chester had ever given us good, steady numbers...
     
  4. Wendy&Tiggy(GA)

    Wendy&Tiggy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2011
    Can you do a curve? Or at least get a couple of midcycle tests to see how low he is going? That will tell you if it's working or not..

    I would do it anyway, he is bouncing pretty high and I find myself wondering how low he is going.

    Are you testing for ketones? Also how are his 5Ps?
     
  5. grapey

    grapey Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2012
    My vials of Lantus have only lasted about five months max. I need to see if I can find a pharmacy that will sell me a single pen.
     
  6. MaryB & Chester

    MaryB & Chester Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2012
    The vet actually just called to remind me to get a new vial. I'll do a curve after we get the new insulin.
     
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