23 Comments
Do you have extra insulin in addition to what you received in your most recent prescription re-fill? If so, how long would that additional insulin last you if needed?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
I do not understand what you are asking…. I have 2
I do not understand what you are asking about “extra insulin”…. Are you asking whether I keep extra (i.e., more than 3 months supply) of my usual insulin on hand as backup or Are you asking whether I have alternate forms of insulin to use if I had none of the usual insulin?? I keep Lantus and Humalog pens on hand as might be needed for pump failure, but don’t consider those are “extra”.
It is always good to have extra insulin. This past year I have used more insulin in my pump than ever before due to being home almost all the time.
I wind up with extra Humalog because of the way the math works out (how many units I need each month plus the fact I can’t get half a bottle from the pharmacy). Lantus, though, I only wind up with extra if I use up the whole bottle instead of discarding it after 28 days.
I always keep extra on hand. I have a 3 to 4 month supply of Novolog on hand for what I use in my pump and to use for bolus injection (w/30cc syringes) when off the pump. I also have Basaglar and Fiasp pens to use as back-up when off pump.
My endocrinologist wrote my rx to use up to 100 units per day in my pump. I get 3 vials a month and use a little more 1 so I have what is left in the fridge. I just have to arrange it so the “oldest” is on top. If a friend needs some I am happy to share.
I agree with Chris that the question needs clarification. My source of insulin is the refill. the refill carries me for three months. There is no extra insulin.
I usually have 1 to 2 spare vials of Humalog in the fridge which in worst case scenarios would last me approximately 1 to 2 months. To top things off I also keep a pen set of Humalog and Tresiba just in case a issue would present itself with my current pump setup. Better safe then sorry as they say.
Trying Fiasp out now, so have extra humalog left over
I refill my prescription. I don’t know how I could have a back up supply. That would be nice.
Because of my changing insurance companies and then going on Medicare, I have been able to hoard about an extra two-month supply. This comes in handy if, pandemic allowing, I go on an extended cruise or other type of vacation when I have to carry extra.
I build up extra because I use over 1 vial per month, so my prescription is for 2 vials. Since I don’t use a full 2 vials, the extra builds up. Someone else had the same comment.
I don’t understand how people can be prescribed precisely 3 months insulin. Exercise more, you’ll use less. Get sock, you’ll probably use more. And what if you needed 1043 units bu some calculation? Do you ge5 a part-vial/pen for the odd units??? So you will gradually build up a little stock. I have prefilled pens as back ups for my pump (prefer the short acting to be vials, but Dan disagrees. So I have lots of pens that have _technically_ been out of the fridge for too long. Now it seems that Brexit+Covid has not seriously disrupted the supplies, it will be going to a charity to distribute in a developing country.
Just ask your Endo to prescribe a little extra for you to have in hand in case of emergency. Most will gladly do so
When I wet on Medicare I thought my need to ration my Novolog would end. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The cost of my Novolog just rises every year, making it even harder to afford on disability. I REALLY wish I wasn’t allergic to Humalog, the formulary one.
I consider this question to be asking if you have a stockpile or safety supply that’s over and above your normal prescription “allowance” so to speak. I had a decent stockpile and then my endo retired and I spent it all during the 1+ year I was looking for a new endo. Almost ran out three times in the last few months, but finally have a new endo and a new script, so I’m working on my stockpile again. Ditto on the comment about asking your endo for a little extra. We’ll never hit the nail on the head and if their any good they’ll know that. Add in all the cannulas, tubing, needles, etc. and you can’t ever be completely exact. My script is for a bit more than my total daily dose and if I need to “save up” I just don’t eat the heavy carb stuff for a while until I’m comfortable with my stockpile size. Nothing major, I just don’t have a piece of cake after dinner, don’t eat out a ton, stay away from potato chips and other snacky items. Stuff like that. It adds up and poof! Extra vials of insulin in the fridge.
I have about a 4 month supply in my fridge. Living in California my endo told me to keep a earthquake supply on hand.
About 3-4 months. Prescription is written with a comfort zone for each bottle. I just feel like I have to have extra in case of natural disaster (earthquake, wildfires) or losing my job. Need that back stock always!
Doctors are always willing to prescribe a bit more. They understand the situation and the predicament of running out. Then there is insurance and pharmacy benefit managers. They are a totally different story.
My Endo always writes my prescription of insulin for my pump with a much larger amount than I actually use as he wants me to be prepared for any disaster or problem that might delay prescription orders.
Knowing you cannot live even 24 hours without that liquid gold means T1s practically become hoarding squirrels preparing for winter!
It’s a shame we need to stockpile in the first place or convince a doctor to write a script on time. How about we make all insulins over the counter with no prescription like many other countries do??
I have a terrible time with my PBM mail order services unless I sign up with the AutoRefill. A year or so ago, I had just received a refill, then my doctor sent in a new prescription for the year, so I had some on hand. However, now the PBM sends the refills about every 75 days (thus increasing their revenue for the year with the copay). If I try to put it on hold, then it seems to trigger their system to keep reviewing the order, so I just let the refills continue.