Hi. I have been using Lantus for 7 years or so with no problems. I take 16 units at bed time and I'm doing well.

My friend has the Solostar pen and I've been reading on how it's used and she has extras and she gave me one. It's now in my fridge.

Here is where I'm confused. I checked my vials and each vial has 100 units of Lantus. The solostar pen has 100 units of Lantus

Each of these is good for 28 days right?

So if I take 16 units every night, and you add that up over 28 days, THAT'S MORE THAN 100 UNITS RIGHT?

So how can this be. A long time ago the pharmacist tried to explain this to me and I cannot remember what he said.

So tell me how 100 units in either a vial or a Solostar pen can last for 28 days?

I change the vial on the 1st of the month and I've had no problems. This is how I remember to use a new vial. Doesn't matter if it's 30 days or 31 days. On the first of the month I change a vial (and there's insulin left in that vial).

So can someone please explain this to me. When I do the math, and if you multiply 16 units by 28 days you get 448 units, right????

I am now looking at the vial of Lantus and it says: Lantus Vial 10 ml then it says 100 u/Ml Vial

Then I looked at the Solostar Pen and it says; 100 units mL

I am SO confused.

Please put me out of my misery!!!

lol

Thanks much

The insulin is 100 units per milliliter.
There are 10 milliliters in the vial. The pens typically have 3.0ml.

So a vial has 1000 units in it. Divide 1000 by 16 and you get approx 60 doses. (from the 10ml vial)

The pen has 3 ml so that is 300 units. Divide 300 by 16 and that is approx 20 doses ( a little less than)

So this pen would not last a full month.

So a vial of the Lantus lasts LONGER than a pen, right?

so when she gives me a few pens, and I ever decide to learn to do this, I'd start a pen on the first of the month (I'm doing this when it gets cooler because you have to leave it out at room temperature after you use it for the first time, and my apartment is now 90 degrees so I'm not starting any pen right now).

So on the first of whatever month I begin this solostar pen, I will start with a pen and then perhaps after 20 days I'll open another pen, and use that pen until it is used up,

This is quite confusing.

To me, it's easier to use one vial a month, but I'm opening to trying new things and hey if she has extra pens and she gives them to me, I can't turn this down. It saves me a copay.

I just wanted to understand this 100 unit thing.

I now remember asking the pharmacist and he explained it to me, but that was 7 years ago and I needed to hear it again.

I AIN'T GETTING ANY YOUNGER YOU KNOW.

lol

And thanks very much

Keep cool

Mel

All insulins except for one.... are 100 units/ml now. The old 40/80 thing is history.

There is one concentrated Humulin...500units/ml but it is rarely used.

The pens are handy, esp for people on the go who use it more than once a day.

If I ever have to start using, I'll try the pen first.

Not all pens have the same volume. This Lantus one is 3.0. But there are some that have 2.5ml, but I think those are being phased out.

With the pen you need to use a new needle each time.

Yeah, I know about changing the needles. I have only used Lantus so I don't know about 40/80. Don't even know what that means and hopefully I won't ever have to. But one never knows.

So far, because of my diet, luck AND MY SPROUTS, I'm doing fine.

The ACCORD program is coming back as the ACCORDION program. They will monitor all participants for 3 more years. No meds, no strips, just exams, ekg's blood work, and telephone follow ups.

And they will weigh me and take my measurements.

Imagine Melody getting on a scale and having my measurements taken.

Good Lord!!!!

lol