How Do You Use the Lantus Vial?

Lantus is a type of insulin medication prescribed to adult patients with Diabetes; it can also be prescribed to children ages 6 and up. In this article, we will study how to use a Lantus vial.

Lantus medication comes in solution form and is sold in pre-filled vials called Lantus 10ml multiple dose vials. Each Lantus vial contains 10 ml of fluid; each ml is equivalent to 100 units of insulin glargine, a type of insulin that is very similar to human insulin. It is modified to deliver long and steady results for well up to 24 hours and is administered at the same time every day and with guidance from a doctor.

Use of the Lantus Vial

If your doctor prescribed you to take Lantus, you may purchase Lantus Vials from a pharmacy by presenting your prescription. Follow the instructions below to properly use the Lantus Vial.

1. Store your vials accurately.

When you buy a Lantus vial, keep your unopened vials in a refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Don’t store Lantus vials in the freezer; the medicine is not allowed to freeze at all. Should the contents of your Lantus vial happen to freeze, do not use it and dispose of it properly?

Once the Lantus vial has been opened or is in use, keep it at room temperature (up to 86°F (30°C)) or in the refrigerator (36°F to 6°F, or 2°C to 8°C).

When you open a Lantus vial, it has to be used within 28 days, after which, it must be discarded already.

2. Prepare the necessary materials.

Lantus is a type of insulin medication that should be injected subcutaneously. However, a Lantus vial is sold on its own without a needle so you must buy a syringe, particularly a U-100 insulin syringe, to use with a Lantus vial.

Please take note that needles must never be shared or reused to avoid the spreading of disease.

As Lantus is administered through injection, you will also need 70% ethyl alcohol or higher and clean cotton for disinfecting purposes. Once you have your syringe, Lantus vial, and disinfecting materials ready, wash your hands before you start administering the medicine.

3. Conduct a quality check.

Every time before use, check the quality of your Lantus vial. Check to see if the solution inside the vial is clear, colorless, and water-like. If it is cloudy or has any particles in it, do not use the Lantus vial and discard it properly.

Once you’re certain the Lantus is in good condition, take note to never mix or dilute your Lantus medication with any other insulin medications or solutions or other fluids when injecting. Doing so will hinder the effectiveness of the Lantus medication and it will not work as intended.

4. Prepare your recommended dose.

When you’re ready to take your Lantus Medication, remove the cap from the Lantus vial. When you do this, make sure to only remove the protective cap and keep the stopper on. Afterward, sterilize the top of the vial; wet clean cotton with alcohol and clean the top of the vial.

Once you’re done disinfecting the top of the vial, unwrap your syringe and draw air into the syringe. Make sure you draw air equal to your insulin dose. Then, stick your needle through the rubber top of the Lantus vial and push the plunger, injecting air into the vial.

Then, to draw up the dose, leave your syringe stuck in the vial and turn them both upside down. Make sure you have a firm grip on the vial and syringe as you do this and that the tip of your needle is in the solution.

Afterward, use your free hand to pull the plunger and withdraw the correct dose of Lantus into your syringe. This dosage should be prescribed by your doctor. By all means, never adjust your dosage by yourself, and always consult your doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

5. Remove air bubbles.

Once you have the correct dosage of Lantus in your syringe, keep the needle in the vial while you check the syringe for air bubbles. If there are bubbles, hold the syringe straight up and tap its side. Keep doing this until all the bubbles float to the top. Then, push the plunger to eject the bubbles and draw insulin back into the syringe. Keep doing this until you have the correct dose.

Only remove the needle from the vial when you have ensured the correct dosage and there are no bubbles within the syringe at all.

6. Inject the Lantus.

With your dosage ready, make sure your needle does not touch anything at all. Then, select an area in your body where you wish to inject the Lantus. You may choose to inject the Lantus into your upper arms, stomach, or thighs.

Before injecting, wet clean cotton with alcohol and clean the skin where you will be injecting the Lantus. Once the alcohol has completely dried on your skin, pinch a fold of the skin, hold it, and insert the needle in the same way your doctor taught you.

As Lantus is a subcutaneous injection, make sure to avoid veins and muscle when injecting and only inject the medicine below your skin.

After inserting the needle through your skin, slowly push the plunger all the way, taking care to push out all of the insulin in the syringe. Then, leave the needle in the skin for about 10 seconds.

When done, pull the needle straight out of your skin and gently apply pressure on the injection site for several seconds. Do not rub.

7. Dispose of the medication.

After injecting the Lantus, properly dispose of your used materials. You can throw your empty Lantus vials in the bin, along with the used cotton swabs and syringe; however, take extra care when disposing of the used needle.

Prepare a sharps disposal container where you can put your needles immediately after use. Then make sure your disposal container is out of reach for children and pets. This is important to prevent needle sticks, cuts, and punctures from loose needles.

Meanwhile, if you still have the remaining solution in your Lantus vial, store it at room temperature (up to 86°F (30°C)) or in the refrigerator (36°F to 6°F (2°C to 8°C)).

Buy a Lantus Vial Today

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