???? Switching from Vetsulin --> Lantus; Need Advice On Dose! :)

[kitten68]

hello!!

well, wanting badly to switch from Vetsulin to Lantus so could use some advice on dosage.. understand that you're not to start from scratch, but base off where they at on the previous insulin (currently Vetsulin, 2 U AM, 1.5 U PM).

a bit overwhelmed with getting meds but excited mostly ~ told there's ways to do it without having a hard time. and its very affordable rn.. need syringes too..

OOH can anyone explain the markings on them? I understand the .25 measurements on the right..but see on the left side 5 measurements.. it appears? so increments of .2?.. HM. on these for example.. not sure if understanding correctly.. will be asking pharmacists as well for advice.
https://www.amazon.com/UltiCare-31-Gauge-Veterinary-Insulin-Syringes/dp/B009LTE0DO

also hear different things on refrigeration, but plan on keeping refrigerated cuz hear that's best. my fridge runs tho a bit cold (don't want to touch temp.. a lovely older unit..) not sure if its a problem.. :/ did hear as long as its not frozen, should be ok... but idk. would keeping on door be ok in this instance? was advised in the middle is better? (will need to check temp in middle too.. but either way runs coldish.. been doing door storage for the Vetsulin cuz it cold..)

what will be nice too is that Lantus does NOT and should not be shaken right? Vetsulin needs to be shaken and lately finding (or just now noticing) it separates if not given pretty quickly.. ugh.

if anyone has any advice, tips, very welcome and appreciated.. will be taking the weekend to go over protocols and info on here.. trying to get a script done today as well. (I am so tired tbh.. but will try my best to get at least get a script done today, and buy things today/weekend.. thinking of using Costco/Walmart..)

@Diane Tyler's Mom @Suzanne & Darcy @Shell @Don Degludec @Noah & me (GA) @Sienne and Gabby (GA) @Bron and Sheba (GA) @Marje and Gracie @Bandit's Mom --- (life of me not sure if missing anyone id like to include .. combing my threads.. lol ALSO is there a way to find all your threads together?.. feel like im all over the place looking for them.....)

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Sorry, I haven't had a sugar cat in 3+ years and have never used Lantus. Thanks for thinking of me though.

 

[kitten68]

Sorry, I haven't had a sugar cat in 3+ years and have never used Lantus. Thanks for thinking of me though.

np!! thanks for lmk will keep in mind lol

 

[Shell]

hello!!

well, wanting badly to switch from Vetsulin to Lantus so could use some advice on dosage.. understand that you're not to start from scratch, but base off where they at on the previous insulin (currently Vetsulin, 2 U AM, 1.5 U PM).

a bit overwhelmed with getting meds but excited mostly ~ told there's ways to do it without having a hard time. and its very affordable rn.. need syringes too..

OOH can anyone explain the markings on them? I understand the .25 measurements on the right..but see on the left side 5 measurements.. it appears? so increments of .2?.. HM. on these for example.. not sure if understanding correctly.. will be asking pharmacists as well for advice.
https://www.amazon.com/UltiCare-31-Gauge-Veterinary-Insulin-Syringes/dp/B009LTE0DO

also hear different things on refrigeration, but plan on keeping refrigerated cuz hear that's best. my fridge runs tho a bit cold (don't want to touch temp.. a lovely older unit..) not sure if its a problem.. :/ did hear as long as its not frozen, should be ok... but idk. would keeping on door be ok in this instance? was advised in the middle is better? (will need to check temp in middle too.. but either way runs coldish.. been doing door storage for the Vetsulin cuz it cold..)

what will be nice too is that Lantus does NOT and should not be shaken right? Vetsulin needs to be shaken and lately finding (or just now noticing) it separates if not given pretty quickly.. ugh.

if anyone has any advice, tips, very welcome and appreciated.. will be taking the weekend to go over protocols and info on here.. trying to get a script done today as well. (I am so tired tbh.. but will try my best to get at least get a script done today, and buy things today/weekend.. thinking of using Costco/Walmart..)

@Diane Tyler's Mom @Suzanne & Darcy @Shell @Don Degludec @Noah & me (GA) @Sienne and Gabby (GA) @Bron and Sheba (GA) @Marje and Gracie @Bandit's Mom --- (life of me not sure if missing anyone id like to include .. combing my threads.. lol ALSO is there a way to find all your threads together?.. feel like im all over the place looking for them.....)

Hello! My syringes do not have any other marks than the 1, 2, 3 unit etc. Anything in between, I just eye the dose. And, I just picked up a box yesterday. Otherwise I would have gotten this deal on Amazon. They look nice. Certainly, speak with the pharmacist to clarify those marks.

The only thing I know is that freezing will ruin it. Lantus is not shaken. My Vet says I should "agitate" it. My mom is a nurse and she taught me to roll the bottle gently between my hands rather than shake it. Shaking it could ruin it. I don't know how, but I am not going to try to find out.

 

[Bandit's Mom]

well, wanting badly to switch from Vetsulin to Lantus so could use some advice on dosage.. understand that you're not to start from scratch, but base off where they at on the previous insulin (currently Vetsulin, 2 U AM, 1.5 U PM).

Yes, when switching insulins you take into account the dose of the previous insulin. When will you be switching to Lantus?

a bit overwhelmed with getting meds but excited mostly ~ told there's ways to do it without having a hard time. and its very affordable rn..

You could also check out the Glargine generic available now (Semglee) which is cheaper than Lantus.
Here's some info on Sourcing Insulin More Economically

OOH can anyone explain the markings on them? I understand the .25 measurements on the right..but see on the left side 5 measurements.. it appears? so increments of .2?.. HM. on these for example.. not sure if understanding correctly.. will be asking pharmacists as well for advice.

This sticky has pics and info as well as videos:
Insulin Care & Syringe Info: Proper Handling, Drawing, Fine Dosing

also hear different things on refrigeration, but plan on keeping refrigerated cuz hear that's best. my fridge runs tho a bit cold (don't want to touch temp.. a lovely older unit..) not sure if its a problem.. :/ did hear as long as its not frozen, should be ok... but idk. would keeping on door be ok in this instance? was advised in the middle is better? (will need to check temp in middle too.. but either way runs coldish.. been doing door storage for the Vetsulin cuz it cold..)

We normally suggest not to keep insulin in the fridge door because of the movement as well as great exposure to the higher outside temperature.

what will be nice too is that Lantus does NOT and should not be shaken right?

No shaking or rolling the vial/pen. You also don't inject air in the pen before drawing insulin in the syringe. You want to get pens rather than a vial.


You can buy syringes at Walmart. Their ReliOn brand of U-100 syringes of 30 unit (0.3 ml) capacity come with half unit markings and only cost $12.58 for a box of hundred. Will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom to share a pic of the box.

lol ALSO is there a way to find all your threads together?.. feel like im all over the place looking for them.....

Here you go!
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/search/71402486/

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom to share a pic of the box.

Hi Bhooma I did give her a pic of the relion syringes both boxes
@Bandit's Mom

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Mazi's Mom
Bhooma answered your questions above

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

To find all your posts tap on your name then tap on Profile Page then tap posts and you will see all of your posts
@kitten68

 

[Don Degludec]

well, wanting badly to switch from Vetsulin to Lantus so could use some advice on dosage.. understand that you're not to start from scratch, but base off where they at on the previous insulin (currently Vetsulin, 2 U AM, 1.5 U PM).

I'm not sure I'm the right person to answer to this, but since I was tagged I will share my thoughts and experiences.
Lantus is an U100, while Caninsulin is an U40 insulin. Meaning strength wise, Lantus has 100 units in 1ml, while Caninsulin has 40 units in 1ml of liquid.
Thus, logically [and mathematically] speaking, Lantus is 2,5x stronger than Caninsulin. The conversion therefore would be 1 IU Lantus = 2,5 IU Caninsulin. Strength wise, anyway.
But it's important to remember that the two insulins work very differently.

When we switched, my boy was on 3,5 IU Caninsulin BID, and we dropped do 1 IU Lantus BID, to be safe. In all honesty, he could've done with 1,25 IU as a starting dose, but definitely not more - he had proven me very early on that 1,5 IU was too high for him, so I'm glad I played it safe.

Others' opinion may vary, I'm just sharing what worked for us. [Then again, Lantus didn't really end up working for us on the long run, so I probably should've just kept my mouth shut ]

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

OOH can anyone explain the markings on them? I understand the .25 measurements on the right..but see on the left side 5 measurements.. it appears? so increments of .2?.. HM. on these for example.. not sure if understanding correctly.. will be asking pharmacists as well for advice.

@kitten68
I have no idea what you mean
For lantus here are the markings, you want the ones on the left

• Full and half-unit syringe scales:

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I would just get the Relion Premier Classic human meter and only use that
Tell your vet you can't afford the price anymore for the Alpha Trak
My vet was fine when I told her that
@kitten68

 

[Don Degludec]

Aloha Trak

@Diane Tyler's Mom can we have a petition to officially refer to it as Aloha Trak from now on? /insert Hula booty wiggle here

 

[kitten68]

Yes, when switching insulins you take into account the dose of the previous insulin. When will you be switching to Lantus?



You could also check out the Glargine generic available now (Semglee) which is cheaper than Lantus.
Here's some info on Sourcing Insulin More Economically



This sticky has pics and info as well as videos:
Insulin Care & Syringe Info: Proper Handling, Drawing, Fine Dosing



We normally suggest not to keep insulin in the fridge door because of the movement as well as great exposure to the higher outside temperature.



No shaking or rolling the vial/pen. You also don't inject air in the pen before drawing insulin in the syringe. You want to get pens rather than a vial.


You can buy syringes at Walmart. Their ReliOn brand of U-100 syringes of 30 unit (0.3 ml) capacity come with half unit markings and only cost $12.58 for a box of hundred. Will tag @Diane Tyler's Mom to share a pic of the box.



Here you go!
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/search/71402486/

hii! thanks for getting back ~ well im thinking sometime next week but not sure.. just wanted to jump on the deal going on rn and save in the meantime.. apparently is $35 atm, was gonna see if could pull that through.. also need to source syringes. will look into Semglee! tyy yes lol the insulin care page is on my reading list.. ugh. *cries will try to keep insulin more inside then. just talked w the vet, and they're against the pen.. doesn't know how that would work. suggested vial.. but the pens are what everyone seems to use here and is on sale.. not sure how much the vial is. .. what to do? was gonna try going in and getting scripts.. will ask for both maybe (says vial OR pen on script..) will definitely be looking in at Walmart! yay.. just was surprised to see there isn't a webpage for them.. (??).. was gonna see if in stock. and your link didn't work for me sorry *cries.

 

[kitten68]

I'm not sure I'm the right person to answer to this, but since I was tagged I will share my thoughts and experiences.
Lantus is an U100, while Caninsulin is an U40 insulin. Meaning strength wise, Lantus has 100 units in 1ml, while Caninsulin has 40 units in 1ml of liquid.
Thus, logically [and mathematically] speaking, Lantus is 2,5x stronger than Caninsulin. The conversion therefore would be 1 IU Lantus = 2,5 IU Caninsulin. Strength wise, anyway.
But it's important to remember that the two insulins work very differently.

When we switched, my boy was on 3,5 IU Caninsulin BID, and we dropped do 1 IU Lantus BID, to be safe. In all honesty, he could've done with 1,25 IU as a starting dose, but definitely not more - he had proven me very early on that 1,5 IU was too high for him, so I'm glad I played it safe.

Others' opinion may vary, I'm just sharing what worked for us. [Then again, Lantus didn't really end up working for us on the long run, so I probably should've just kept my mouth shut ]

oh no.. im sorry to hear. I also have heard it didn't help in certain instances.. did something eventually hopefully do so? what are your thoughts? and right, yes, will start conservatively definitely..

 

[kitten68]

I would just get the Relion Premier Classic human meter and only use that
Tell your vet you can't afford the price anymore for the Alpha Trak
My vet was fine when I told her that
@Mazi's Mom

tysm for the photo!! explains things a lot.. I had it twisted another way woof tyy and im sorry about the confusion; not using Alpha, only ReliOn and was just saying need to buy more haha, strips.. ugh. just bought some too but we testing a lot lately.. :/ will look at the syringes when I do.

PS. just talked w the vet, and they're against the pen.. doesn't know how that would work. suggested vial.. but the pens are what everyone seems to use here and is on sale.. not sure how much the vial is.. what to do? was gonna try going in and getting scripts.. will ask for both maybe (says vial OR pen on script..)

 

[kitten68]

im just trying to pick up the meds while there's a coupon.. just see how it goes if it works lol *cries

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

not using Alpha, only ReliOn and was just saying need to buy more haha, strips.. ugh. just bought some too but we testing a lot lately.. :/ will look at the syringes when I do.

PS. just talked w the vet, and they're against the pen.. doesn't know how that would work. suggested vial.. but the pens are what everyone seems to use here and is on sale.. not sure how much the vial is.. what to do? was gonna try going in and getting scripts.. will ask for both maybe (says vial OR pen on script..)

I got you confused with someone else that uses the Alpha Trak sorry about that.
Tell your vet you want the 5 pens!
Why should the vet care ,you're the one paying for them
Here is a pic ,you can show the vet and educate them !
You can show the vet how it will work
Lol Bron just beat me to it with the pic
@kitten68

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

just talked w the vet, and they're against the pen.. doesn't know how that would work. suggested vial..

Don’t get the vial. Get the pen. It is very easy to use. You withdraw the insulin with a syringe. The syringes you need is U100 3/10, 30 or 31 gauge, 6 or 8 mm insulin syringes with 1/2 unit markings.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
Hi Bron
You beat me to it

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
Hi Bron
You beat me to it

Didn’t know you were posting Diane! I posted just as you did lol

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Didn’t know you were posting Diane! I posted just as you did lol

No problem Bron

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I would just get the Relion Premier Classic human meter and only use that
Tell your vet you can't afford the price anymore for the Alpha Trak
My vet was fine when I told her that
@kitten68

Again got you mixed up with another member, I know you have the Relion
@kitten68

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

hii! thanks for getting back ~ well im thinking sometime next week but not sure.. just wanted to jump on the deal going on rn and save in the meantime.. apparently is $35 atm, was gonna see if could pull that through.. also need to source syringes. will look into Semglee! tyy yes lol the insulin care page is on my reading list.. ugh. *cries will try to keep insulin more inside then. just talked w the vet, and they're against the pen.. doesn't know how that would work. suggested vial.. but the pens are what everyone seems to use here and is on sale.. not sure how much the vial is. .. what to do? was gonna try going in and getting scripts.. will ask for both maybe (says vial OR pen on script..) will definitely be looking in at Walmart! yay.. just was surprised to see there isn't a webpage for them.. (??).. was gonna see if in stock. and your link didn't work for me sorry *cries.

@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma just in case you didn't see that @kitten68 can I ask you your name
Bhooma lives in India and it's probably around 6 AM there now, she usually comes on later tonight
answered your questions in your post #5

 

[Don Degludec]

oh no.. im sorry to hear. I also have heard it didn't help in certain instances.. did something eventually hopefully do so? what are your thoughts?

Changing to an unconventional insulin did, thankfully. Turns out my cat is hypersensitive to literally everything that works very well for the vast majority, so there's that I guess he decided he'll take one for the team, and be the exception that makes the rule... in every damn thing. The outlier, if you will.

@Diane Tyler's Mom @Bron and Sheba (GA) - You guys are keep mentioning the pens. Don't you have just the boxed, 5x 3ml cartridges for sale in the US and Oz?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

You guys are keep mentioning the pens. Don't you have just the boxed, 5x 3ml cartridges for sale in the US and Oz?

They are the refills for the pens and are called pens to identify them. You don’t have to buy the pen itself. Just the box of 5x3 ml

 

[kitten68]

I got you confused with someone else that uses the Alpha Trak sorry about that.
Tell your vet you want the 5 pens!
Why should the vet care ,you're the one paying for them
Here is a pic ,you can show the vet and educate them !
You can show the vet how it will work
Lol Bron just beat me to it with the pic
@kitten68

oh lol! that's all right! yeah nooo using ReliOn Classic and this is what I said! lol like.. but they came around! when I went to pick up the scripts, they had done some research before I came and were onboard w the pens. gonna see about getting Lantus tmw morning/this weekend we'll probably be a bit slow changing (they want to be slow..) but hoping the coupons good for a while so I can get in there and just have it on hand.. a little worried about my cold fridge but ill follow your advice and store em on middle close to the door.. GoodRx coupons expire? there's no date (if you might know).

tysm for putting up/asking for a photo on steps using the pen w syringe! also.. the syringes.. I feel a bit lost w them.. the ones from Walmart come with 1/2 unit markings?? the vet also prefers a gauge of 29 cuz they're sturdier needles.. but idk. and 1/2 inch long as well.. need to find and research these too. was thinking a smaller gauge would definitely be more comfortable.. but they use 29 to make sure they go in well.. :/ IDK. TY!!

 

[kitten68]

Don’t get the vial. Get the pen. It is very easy to use. You withdraw the insulin with a syringe. The syringes you need is U100 3/10, 30 or 31 gauge, 6 or 8 mm insulin syringes with 1/2 unit markings.

View attachment 70136

TYSM!! very cool.. ok so just remove cap, and use the pen like you'd use a vial, replace cap? the manufacturer website said to put air in then withdraw.. but NO NO for pens right? just withdraw amount and replace cap?
and thanks for syringes.. was telling Diane that I feel a bit lost w them.. the ones from Walmart come with 1/2 unit markings (if you might know about these, they're the ReliOn ones)?? and the vet also prefers a gauge of 29 cuz they're sturdier needles.. but idk. and 1/2 inch long as well.. 8-6 mm.. not sure what that is in inches, if im understanding these two things are the same.. need to find and research these too. was thinking a smaller gauge would definitely be more comfortable.. but they use 29 to make sure they go in well.. :/

 

[kitten68]

@Bandit's Mom
Hi Bhooma just in case you didn't see that @kitten68 can I ask you your name
Bhooma lives in India and it's probably around 6 AM there now, she usually comes on later tonight
answered your questions in your post #5

I did see her post! answered each one she sent me!! its farther up; sent her a reply w everything (ty!) of course I need to re-read all my threads again.. everyones wisdom. ty!!

 

[kitten68]

Changing to an unconventional insulin did, thankfully. Turns out my cat is hypersensitive to literally everything that works very well for the vast majority, so there's that I guess he decided he'll take one for the team, and be the exception that makes the rule... in every damn thing. The outlier, if you will.

@Diane Tyler's Mom @Bron and Sheba (GA) - You guys are keep mentioning the pens. Don't you have just the boxed, 5x 3ml cartridges for sale in the US and Oz?

oooh!! lol.. well. whatever works! Tresiba is it??

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

the ones from Walmart come with 1/2 unit markings?? the vet also prefers a gauge of 29 cuz they're sturdier needles.. but idk. and 1/2 inch long as well.. need to find and research these too. was thinking a smaller gauge would definitely be more comfortable.. but they use 29 to make sure they go in well.. :/ IDK. TY!!

I have always used these and never has a problem with them not being sturdy
These were the ones from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/UltiCare-31-Gauge-Veterinary-Insulin-Syringes/dp/B009LTE0DO

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

TYSM!! very cool.. ok so just remove cap, and use the pen like you'd use a vial, replace cap? the manufacturer website said to put air in then withdraw.. but NO NO for pens right? just withdraw amount and replace cap?

Yes just take the cap off or whatever you want to call it and insert the syringe and draw out the insulin. Don't put air in it
@kitten68

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

the ones from Walmart come with 1/2 unit markings (if you might know about these, they're the ReliOn ones)??

Yes a lot of members use them
@kitten68

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

oh lol! that's all right! yeah nooo using ReliOn Classic and this is what I said! lol like.. but they came around! when I went to pick up the scripts, they had done some research before I came and were onboard w the pens. gonna see about getting Lantus tmw morning/this weekend we'll probably be a bit slow changing (they want to be slow..) but hoping the coupons good for a while so I can get in there and just have it on hand.. a little worried about my cold fridge but ill follow your advice and store em on middle close to the door.. GoodRx coupons expire? there's no date (if you might know).

I'm glad your vet came around
The Goodrx does not expire

 

[Bandit's Mom]

@kitten68 If you drop a vial it's going to break and you have nothing. A vial holds 1000 units and not many cats can use that much before it starts to lose efficacy and you end up throwing a lot of it away. A 5 pack of pens is a total of 1500 units, but each pen only holds 300 units, so you can use each one down to the last drop while the other pens stay safely in the fridge. They are good until the expiration date on the box (usually at least 2 years). If you drop a pen, you're much less likely to break it, but even if you did, you'd have extras!

We use pens just like a vial - you pull the cap off and there's a rubber stopper just like on a vial. You use regular insulin syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen. The only difference is that you inject air in the vial before drawing insulin but you don't do that with pens.

A 31G needle would be thinner than a 29G one. ReliOn syringes cannot be be bought online. You need to go to Walmart to buy them. These are the ones you want:

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@kitten68
Either of these 2 boxes are the ones you want (with a purple stripe) from Walmart if you switch to Lantus just like Bhooma posted
To tell you the truth I have never come across 29 gauge U-100 syringes with half unit markings

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

was thinking a smaller gauge would definitely be more comfortable.. but they use 29 to make sure they go in well.. :/

The syringes Bhooma and myself will be fine ,they will go in ,like I said never heard any member here say they had a problem with 31 gauge
@kitten68

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Yes use the 31 gauge. They are plenty big enough.
And get the ones with 1/2 unit markings.

 

[Don Degludec]

They are the refills for the pens and are called pens to identify them.

Gotcha. So just semantics.

If you drop a pen, you're much less likely to break it, but even if you did, you'd have extras!

Are your cartridges made from vibranium? Cause damn sure mine always at least crack, warranting me having to dispose them.

 

[kitten68]

everyone.. all I can say is thank you SO SO much for all the guidance.. truly.

it's been very challenging over here seeing him feel sick and it just sucks.. I try not to blame myself but I do.. last night was tough again.. his sugars weren't controlled too good.. were in 300s this morning (his dose is a little less at night..). he was restless and hungry. night was long. and sad. lol *cries.

but thanks for taking the edge off a little. I will be reading more on Lantus pages this weekend again and going to pick some up ideally tmw. so happy that the coupons don't expire.. tysm for all the tips. now I reply..

 

[kitten68]

I have always used these and never has a problem with them not being sturdy
These were the ones from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/UltiCare-31-Gauge-Veterinary-Insulin-Syringes/dp/B009LTE0DO

so great to hear! frankly I prefer a smaller gauge, they hurt less!!!!!.. glad there's never been problems cuz the shots hurt him sometimes and looking forward to a smaller gauge to see. (also, for anyone using 26-28 gauge for ear testing, I have found the the 30-31 work just fine... (only ones I use and am so GLAD were the only ones available.. cause testing bothers him to, though we have to do it.. and these hurt less) I try to move around his skin but it's hard.. doc shaved a part of his hairs for reference and I try to make sure its in the skin and not the muscle.. and the bevel upward.. just ugh. sometimes he doesn't even flinch, other times he's yelling at me.. tysm!! will be using these. they're really affordable too. glad to hear.. was feeling lost on them. :/ (thanks for the Amazon ones again too for reference as another alternative, ty ty!) SOO happy to hear no one has had a problem.. lets see.

and tyy!! will just draw out the insulin.. use like a vial; place needle in stopper.. and pull a little teensy more in case of bubbles (there ARE always bubbles..) and will squirt out in sink.. sound good? what ive been doing.. ugh.

and I am glad they came around too! I was surprised lol.. you know, they're a NEW vet.. happened just to go cause of good reviews and very close by. wasn't sure how they'd be.. is it ideal, no.. but it's getting better. they do care I think a lot.. bedside manner tho could use some fixing up. lol.... smh. what we got rn. and do think competent. and available to call 24/7.. will say when I went to get scripts.. it was interesting and think they're learning some things from us, too. so that's good I guess. so glad again these coups don't expire!!

I will be grabbing those syringes when I get more strips.. thinking just to get everything at Walmart then.. plus the script. cause its all there. haha.

 

[kitten68]

@kitten68 If you drop a vial it's going to break and you have nothing. A vial holds 1000 units and not many cats can use that much before it starts to lose efficacy and you end up throwing a lot of it away. A 5 pack of pens is a total of 1500 units, but each pen only holds 300 units, so you can use each one down to the last drop while the other pens stay safely in the fridge. They are good until the expiration date on the box (usually at least 2 years). If you drop a pen, you're much less likely to break it, but even if you did, you'd have extras!

We use pens just like a vial - you pull the cap off and there's a rubber stopper just like on a vial. You use regular insulin syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen. The only difference is that you inject air in the vial before drawing insulin but you don't do that with pens.

A 31G needle would be thinner than a 29G one. ReliOn syringes cannot be be bought online. You need to go to Walmart to buy them. These are the ones you want:

ohh I didn't want a vial, just the vet was giving crap about vials so I was asking in case.. lol they came around tho. pens are just fine. this is all great tips and advice to keep in mind! and for the value, the pens are really it.. and exactly! they also keep longer and fresher because they're in smaller packs. so good to know. tyy will be picking these up. (and I was only looking online for syringe to see local stock.. see which Walmarts have them. will just be going in and hopefully finding. tbh am surprised they don't have a webpage for them..)

right! thinner, and I look forward to this (31 gauge..) because I am really hoping they bother him less.

 

[kitten68]

Yes use the 31 gauge. They are plenty big enough.
And get the ones with 1/2 unit markings.

will do! good to know, the damned 29 seem to hurt him.. !!!!

 

[Dyana]

I have fiyugured out most of your acronyms, but tried googling tyy and don't know what that means.

 

[kitten68]

I have fiyugured out most of your acronyms, but tried googling tyy and don't know what that means.

oh no im sorry! lol ty is thank you, tysm is thank you so much, mm.. lol tyy is like thank youuu haha.. any others I missed?

 

[kitten68]

ty all so much for the guidance in transitioning to Lantus.. so great. *cries thanks for everything.

by chance any suggestions on the dose? vet was thinking starting at 1 U..

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

ty all so much for the guidance in transitioning to Lantus.. so great. *cries thanks for everything.

by chance any suggestions on the dose? vet was thinking starting at 1 U..

@Suzanne & Darcy
@Wendy&Neko
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Bandit's Mom
@kitten68
Can you tell these members when you will be starting lantus?
By the way that rainbow you have there means a kitty has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge, so don't use it

 

[kitten68]

@Suzanne & Darcy
@Wendy&Neko
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Bandit's Mom
@kitten68
Can you tell these members when you will be starting lantus?
By the way that rainbow you have there means a kitty has passed on to the Rainbow Bridge, so don't use it

so sorry; removed. quite embarassed.. and thinking of starting (Lantus) this week sometime; will inform day or few days before definitely (would like me to as well?).. going to try picking up meds today/tmw.. checking out my fridge temps atm..

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

No problem about the rainbow emoji ,just thought I'd let you know
@kitten68

 

[Wendy&Neko]

My Neko started on Caninsulin and the 29 g syringes. Both she and I were so much happier with the 31g syringes I used for Lantus. No problem with "sturdiness". My cat's skin wasn't leather. Just make sure to rotate the injection site around.

Regarding Pudge's dose. First of all Lantus isn't 2.5 times stronger, it's 2.5 times more concentrated. Which is why you have to use the U-100 syringes. If you use the U-40 syringes, you are shooting 2.5 times the volume and hence 2.5 times the dose.

With Lantus, you will be shooting the same does in the AM and the PM. I think you could start with either 1.5 units, or 1.75 units. Pick a day/night when you will be around to monitor fairly closely. Every once in a while we see a cat that reacts strongly to the change in insulin in the first couple cycles. But since Pudge hasn't been below 150 yet, the doses above should be OK. Depends whether you want to start eyeballing those 0.25 unit differences right away on new syringes.

One other thing about syringes, some have fatter barrels, some are thinner and longer. The thinner longer ones have more space between the 0.5 unit marks, making it a little easier to get those in between doses. Or just use a magnifier like many of us have done.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

A few other notes about Lantus...

• Please read the sticky notes at the top of the Lantus board.
• Like Wendy said, you need U100 syringes with half unit markings.
• You test, feed, and shoot all within a few minutes. Unlike Vetsulin, you do not need to wait 20-30 min before giving insulin. Lantus onset (when it begins to work) takes about 2 hours for most cats.
• You may not see a huge response the first 5 - 7 days. Lantus is a "depot" insulin. What that means is that when Lantus injected it forms crystals that are deposited in the fat tissue. Over the course of the cycle, most of the insulin slowly dissolves. However not all of the insulin dissolves. It takes about a week for the "storage tank" (i.e., depot) to form and stabilize. The depot is what gives Lantus its long duration and gentle action.
• Lantus likes consistency. That means you need to give the same dose at AMPS and PMPS with the only exception being if a dose change is warranted or the numbers are too low to shoot. (I would strongly urge you to post and ask for help, preferably on the Lantus board if you think the numbers are too low to shoot.)
• Lantus also likes consistency with shot time. You have a limited window to give a shot. If, for whatever reason your shot time is off, your next shot is due 12-hours later. You can adjust shot times either by 15 min at each shot time or by 30 min once a day.