topic Re: Insulin questions in Wellness

Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:23:59 GMT

My morning blood sugars have been inching up..same diet, etc. I realized my Lantus was pass the date for expiration. It says NOT to use it after 28 days..I know its been more. I was never told this. I had just been looking at the expiration date on the box, which is 2015. Had anyone noticed the insulin isn't as effective after 28 days?? Tia!

Re: Insulin questions

bells4me — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:43:44 GMT

Call your doctor or pharmacist. Insulin & diabetes is nothing to mess with.

Re: Insulin questions

graciesmom1 — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:49:48 GMT

Please see the part below that indicates the storage of Lantus and indicates the need to discard 28 days after opening.

Lantus^® insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection

For U.S. Residents Only

<h1>How to Store Lantus^®</h1> <h2>In order to use Lantus^® safely, it needs to be stored properly.</h2>

Do's

Before opening, store Lantus^® in the refrigerator (36^°F - 46^°F). Keep pens in their outer package.

It can be refrigerated until the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, it should be thrown away.

You can store unopened Lantus^® at room temperature for up to 28 days. It must be used or discarded within 28 days.

Before you inject Lantus^®, remove it from the refrigerator for an hour or two—cold insulin can be more painful to inject.

Don'ts

Do not allow Lantus^® to freeze. Do not put it in a freezer or next to a freezer pack. If you see frost or ice crystals in your Lantus^® solution, throw it away.

Do not expose Lantus^® to direct heat or light.

<h3>To Find Out Where to Dispose Your Sharps Container:</h3>

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if they offer disposal or know of safe disposal programs in your area.
Visit the Center for Disease Control's Safe Community Needle Disposal website.

Prescription Lantus^® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and pediatric patients (children 6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus^® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

<h3>Important Safety Information for Lantus^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)</h3>

Do not take Lantus^® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus^®.

Please click here for additional Important Safety Information.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.

You may also be interested in:

Keep a blood sugar log

Fit Lantus^® into your routine

Questions about starting on Lantus^®?

Get on Track With Lantus^®

<h3>Important Safety Information for
Lantus^® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)</h3>

Do not take Lantus^® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus^®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus^®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus^® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus^® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

Tell your doctor about other medicines, especially ones commonly called TZDs (thiazolidinediones), and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus^®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have heart failure or other heart problems, liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed. If you have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with Lantus^®.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus^®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other possible side effects may include swelling, weight gain, injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Lantus^® SoloSTAR^® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction Leaflet that accompanies the pen.

Click here for Full Prescribing Information for Lantus^®.
Click here for information on Sharps Medical Waste Disposal.
Click here to learn more about Sanofi's commitment to fighting counterfeit drugs.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

<h5>Get Off to a Strong Start With Day by Day, Week by Week,</h5> <h4>and Month by Month Support</h4>

Lantus^® Day by Day Guide

Lantus^® Home Lantus^® Day by Day Guide Lantus^® Savings Card Considering Lantus^® Resources Frequently Asked Questions Starting Lantus^® Video Library Glossary Taking Lantus^® Prescribing Information Site Map

Pay no more than $25*
per prescription with the
Lantus^® SoloSTAR^® Savings Card
for the program duration
Learn How

*Certain restrictions apply. The Lantus^® Co-Pay offer is not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state-funded benefit program. Void where prohibited by law. Sanofi US reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. Depending on your out-of-pocket costs the benefit may vary. Card carries a maximum benefit of $100 per prescription for the duration of the program. Get program details when you register.
US.GLA.14.05.080

^a"Certified Diabetes Educator" and "CDE" are certification marks owned and registered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). NCBDE is not affiliated in any way with Sanofi US. NCBDE does not sponsor or endorse any diabetes-related products or services.

Prescription Lantus^® is available in pharmacies.
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US.GLA.14.05.061 Last Update:June 2014

Re: Insulin questions

Still Raining — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:52:49 GMT

Yes, after using the first time, it must be used within a certain time. It slowly loses its effectiveness after that.

Talk to your pharmacy.

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:17:15 GMT

Thanks!

Re: Insulin questions

Still Raining — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:21:03 GMT

You are welcome emmiesmon. I had to use it for a cat for a number of years. They use human insulin. Made for interesting conversations when I bought it.

Re: Insulin questions

addiegal — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 15:54:14 GMT

I hope this is the answer to your highter BS readings...with insulin as with many medicines it is so important to maintain full effectiveness. My mother was a diabetic on insulin. I would get a new refill...see if that doesn't help.

Re: Insulin questions

CatLoverDogsToo — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 16:32:18 GMT

Hello, I was on Lantus for 10 months. With the vial, which I kept refrigerated continuously, it lost effectiveness after about 15 days. I switched to pens, the pen effectiveness was also 15 days, so one box of pens was good for 75 days, I still ended up tossing quite a bit of insulin either way. I found the pens are more cost effective because you get 5 pens equal to 1500 units vs the 1000 units in the vial. Pens have to be kept at room temperature after you open one. I ended up switching to Levemir because it has a much longer effective life after opening either the vial or the pens. One box of Levemir pens lasts approximately 360 days on a low dose of course. Levemir is somewhat less expensive upfront as well. I also found, for me, Levemir is more effective. Lantus is also NOT the preferred basal insulin Dr. Bernstein recommends because of a study in Germany linking it to cancer. I do tend to take Bernstein's advice seriously. The expiration dates on either the pens or the vials only pertain to unopened vial or pen, once opened, the preservatives degrade as does the insulin itself. Hope that helps. CatLoverDogsToo

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:24:52 GMT

On 7/12/2014 addiegal said: I hope this is the answer to your highter BS readings...with insulin as with many medicines it is so important to maintain full effectiveness. My mother was a diabetic on insulin. I would get a new refill...see if that doesn't help.

I'm hoping this is the reason too. Was extremely ill last night and this morning. Severe nausea and diarrhea..sweating all over. So thankful I didn't work today. My little min pin knew something was wrong, and has been by my side constantly. I have to admit I've been scared. My clinic is closed on the weekends, and no way could I get an appt for some time. I'll just have to tough it out, thanks for your input. I have several refills and threw the last one out! You always help me feel better, you're so sweet Addie!

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:28:30 GMT

On 7/12/2014 Cat Lover Dogs too said:
Hello, I was on Lantus for 10 months. With the vial, which I kept refrigerated continuously, it lost effectiveness after about 15 days. I switched to pens, the pen effectiveness was also 15 days, so one box of pens was good for 75 days, I still ended up tossing quite a bit of insulin either way. I found the pens are more cost effective because you get 5 pens equal to 1500 units vs the 1000 units in the vial. Pens have to be kept at room temperature after you open one. I ended up switching to Levemir because it has a much longer effective life after opening either the vial or the pens. One box of Levemir pens lasts approximately 360 days on a low dose of course. Levemir is somewhat less expensive upfront as well. I also found, for me, Levemir is more effective. Lantus is also NOT the preferred basal insulin Dr. Bernstein recommends because of a study in Germany linking it to cancer. I do tend to take Bernstein's advice seriously. The expiration dates on either the pens or the vials only pertain to unopened vial or pen, once opened, the preservatives degrade as does the insulin itself. Hope that helps. CatLoverDogsToo

Thanks so much..I follow Dr. Bernstein too, but I've had good luck with the Lantus. Will talk to my doctor when I see her this fall~ I was using the pens but the vials work better for me. Guess we're all different. I kept my pens in the frig!

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:32:33 GMT

On 7/12/2014 Still Raining said:
You are welcome emmiesmon. I had to use it for a cat for a number of years. They use human insulin. Made for interesting conversations when I bought it.

My precious kitty had diabetes too, but he went into a coma and died before he could get treatment. I took care of a woman who had a cat with diabetes. I would get the kitty each morning for her shot. Her DH gave her the shot, she would come happily and purred when he gave her the shot, lol. Maybe it was because he was an internist!

Re: Insulin questions

addiegal — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 18:32:30 GMT

Emmiesmom, you mentioned you take potassium, are you hacing regular blood tests? High potassium is dangerous and there is a narrow range for normal. How is your heart rate? The diarrhea can happen when potassium level is too high...I doubt it is this but just be mindful that it can happen easily, especially when supplementing. It happened to my brother. I had problems due to a BP medicine that raised potassium. Just keep a close eye on yourself until you can see your doctor. Do you by any chance use fake salt? That will really raise potassium ( it is potassium) and many times people do not know this...the PDR with ACE inhibitors warn not to use it while taking this medicine. Hope you feel better soon...drink lots of fluids with the diarrhea.

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 20:02:09 GMT

On 7/12/2014 addiegal said: Emmiesmom, you mentioned you take potassium, are you hacing regular blood tests? High potassium is dangerous and there is a narrow range for normal. How is your heart rate? The diarrhea can happen when potassium level is too high...I doubt it is this but just be mindful that it can happen easily, especially when supplementing. It happened to my brother. I had problems due to a BP medicine that raised potassium. Just keep a close eye on yourself until you can see your doctor. Do you by any chance use fake salt? That will really raise potassium ( it is potassium) and many times people do not know this...the PDR with ACE inhibitors warn not to use it while taking this medicine. Hope you feel better soon...drink lots of fluids with the diarrhea.

My last test in May was ok.This is good to know! I called my pharmacist and asked him about my lantus vials and the expiration. He wasn't concerned, he said as long as I keep the top clean and refrigerated, its probably ok. But, he did suggest a new bottle which I assured him I will use tonight. Funny, a friend called me this morning and asked me if I was taking potassium??!! She said its good for bp and diabetes..I told her I have been taking it for 1 1/2 years now. This was my former client! She sees her ENT this week to talk about her upcoming surgery. I miss her, she's like you, so up on everything and informative! You are my go-too friend, as I'm sure you know! My current client got sick taking the Crestor and quit taking it! Both her hubby and herself were having weakness and pain in their legs. He quit it too! I have been hearing that cholesterol isn't the demon they thought it was! Did you know our brain is mostly cholesterol?? I refused the statins years ago..fish oil was suggested but it upsets my tummy. I'm still here, 21 years later, lol! I see that Andrew Lessman has a product called Cholestacare..has good reviews. I'm drinking LOTS of water and just taking it easy. I'm ready to feel better now! Hope you're feeling ok! Thanks as ALWAYS for your great info!

Re: Insulin questions

addiegal — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 21:26:58 GMT

I took Zocor for a few years until I became allergic to it! I broke out in an ugly rash but had already been ignoring pretty bad muscle pain, spasms. I do not ever want to take a statin again! I take fish oil, flax seeds and do the best I can as well. Glad you talked to your pharmacist...take care and rest! Oh, just FYI the red yeast rice extracted many take as a more natural statin, I reacted to it as well!

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 23:03:42 GMT

I'm so glad you're off the statins, they cause muscle damage! I'm sending a link I read earlier, think you will find it interesting! Don't forget there is a Super Moon tonight! I missed it last night but will be watching tonight!

http://www.fourriversclinic.com/2013/03/the-demon-cholesterol/

Re: Insulin questions

gailcoco — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:05:56 GMT

It can be refrigerated until the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, it should be thrown away.

You can store unopened Lantus^® at room temperature for up to 28 days. It must be used or discarded within 28 days.

If your Lantus has been refrigerated then it should be good........it only lasts 28 days if unrefrigerated.

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 01:29:46 GMT

On 7/12/2014 gailchap said:
It can be refrigerated until the expiration date. Once the expiration date has passed, it should be thrown away.

You can store unopened Lantus^® at room temperature for up to 28 days. It must be used or discarded within 28 days.

If your Lantus has been refrigerated then it should be good........it only lasts 28 days if unrefrigerated.

Thanks gailchap!! I'm also 63 and my little min pin owns me, lol!

Re: Insulin questions

RedTop — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:36:42 GMT

Unless you are on a very low dose of Lantus, I would think you would use up a pre-filled pen long before 28 days. Each pen has to be used within 28 days after opening. Just because you have to toss one pen because it wasn't used up within 28 days, does not mean you toss the unopened pens if the expiration date is 2015.

Re: Insulin questions

Nikalette — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:50:27 GMT

I have a lot of knowledge about diabetes, and have some questions ,but don't want to encourage you to get information about IDDM here. You need to see your primary care doctor, endocrinologist or diabetes nurse/clinic. You need a blood work-up , including an A1C, which will measure your glucose levels over 3 months.

Re: Insulin questions

emmysmom — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:51:33 GMT

On 7/13/2014 RedTop said:
Unless you are on a very low dose of Lantus, I would think you would use up a pre-filled pen long before 28 days. Each pen has to be used within 28 days after opening. Just because you have to toss one pen because it wasn't used up within 28 days, does not mean you toss the unopened pens if the expiration date is 2015.

Thanks RedTop, I didn't like the pens!