1/28 Pepper AMPS 328, +3 371, +6 370, PMPS 437

yesterday

The video in the proper handling of Lantus sticky that demonstrates how to draw Lantus into the syringe from a vial says to inject air into the vial first. I thought I saw several people recently saying NOT to inject air into the vial (I'm not talking about the pens). Which is correct? Inject or not inject? I'm concerned I might be ruining the vial of Lantus.

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

I wouldn't inject any air into the vial.
That's not going to help your insulin last as long as it can.

I always pushed the plunger hard before sticking the needle into the vial wanting as little air as possible...
it kind of creates a small vacuum and helps reduce the air bubbles in the syringe.


I think that reference was for other types of shots...
but Lantus does not need any air.

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Did you use vials and didn't inject air into the vial? It didn't cause any problems with the vial?

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Injecting air into the vial is not a problem. If you plan on switching to the pens at some point, then it's a habit you don't want to get into. You shouldn't inject air into the pens.

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Is it a problem if you DON'T inject air into the vial? I tried not injecting air and I started having worse bubbles and then last night I saw that the vial was actually pulling bubbles of air out of the syringe into the vial - after I had started drawing Lantus into the syringe. I'm not even sure where the air came from except maybe a vacuum had formed in the vial and was pulling air from behind the plunger through the syringe. The insulin seems to be less effective as the days have passed.

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Two different 'answers' going on here....

VIAL (glass bottle) - YES, inject amount of air INTO vial that you'll be pulling back out. Vials work on equalized pressure

PEN CARTRIDGES - NO, do NOT inject air into pen. Pen cartridges work on NEGATIVE pressure.

Hope this helps...I use both types at different times...

BIG HUG to you Nancy and sweet scritches to Mr. Pepper,

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Thanks Lyresa. Do you think I caused any problems with the Lantus by not injecting air in for a while?

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Nancy

No...you didn't. I used a vial for 4 months and never injected air into it. No problems.

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

The pressure will cause the rubber seal to stretch inward as the pressure isn't equal. You're also probably having a problem drawing insulin out, tends to pull the plunger back IN after you draw? That's that unequal pressure. Small amounts such as a unit or two difference doesn't seem to affect it but repeatedly missing doing it will end up possibly popping the seal. It won't harm the insulin so that's no worry, it's just the vial itself. MY SUGGESTION: Insert about half the amount of air that you've drawn insulin since you opened it and see how it feels the next time you draw for a shot. You should feel a difference in the vial's reaction. Maybe you can judge from that....

Another hug!

Re: 1/28 Pepper AMPS 328- Inject air into vial or not?

Thanks so much!