How to word Lantus script (New) + if any trouble w pen quality ~

kitten68

kitten68

Member
nugget is due for a new script very soon and if anyone can remind me/let me know again how/what the doctor needs to write on the script we'd appreciate it lots.. especially if maybe there's been a new way to word it/need to now add something else.. 😇 (~ ty for all your help from before!! 🥹 @Diane Tyler's Mom GA and others as well sorry drawing blank.. been some time..)

using the Lantus pen and been very happy. 💕 tysm..

🗒: as well, we had some trouble w one of our pens in March, filled in January.. it was not performing properly (changed to another new pen and it was better..). was instructed by pharmacy to call the manufacturer and apparently there was a prompt specifically for the Lantus Solostar pen if I understood correct.. womp womp. maybe it's nothing, it's just specially suited because its one of their most used, but am going to see Monday on what they say.. (tried Friday, closed..) not sure if anyone else has had an issue, but I did notice for us..
 
Here are some specifics of how is should be worded:

Exact Prescription Wording:

DRUG: Lantus Insulin Solostar pen
QUANTITY: 5
DIRECTIONS: Inject twice daily as needed
Include DEA or NPI # If exists

It must not specify units per dose.
Info for Pharmacy System
PATIENT AGE: 18
PERIOD: 30 days
MAXIMUM UNITS PER DAY: 50
No generic substitution

May need to override NPI?
Please do not write on prescription

I just used a Good RX coupon recently for $35 for a box of 5 Lantus pens (go in with the coupon printed or on your phone to show them all the codes)

Good luck! 🍀
 
SqueeM3 said:
To get Lantus for $35?

Info - Sourcing Insulin More Economically | Feline Diabetes Message Board - FDMB

You should be able to view it just fine without logging in. Posting still doesn't work on FDMB.
Click to expand...
✨ tysm! this looks familiar. I never could manage an entire box of 5... they were like, its for a cat no way they'd need 5 for a month.. la la la la.. usually am allowed 1 pen per fill.. not too bad tho with the good RX.. yeah im just trying to recall how to write it. maybe will have pharmacy give me a copy of the last one.. 🧐 ps. and it sure don't work over there still... sure don't.. 😕 it's on and off.
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Here are some specifics of how is should be worded:

Exact Prescription Wording:

DRUG: Lantus Insulin Solostar pen
QUANTITY: 5
DIRECTIONS: Inject twice daily as needed
Include DEA or NPI # If exists

It must not specify units per dose.
Info for Pharmacy System
PATIENT AGE: 18
PERIOD: 30 days
MAXIMUM UNITS PER DAY: 50
No generic substitution

May need to override NPI?
Please do not write on prescription

I just used a Good RX coupon recently for $35 for a box of 5 Lantus pens (go in with the coupon printed or on your phone to show them all the codes)

Good luck! 🍀
Click to expand...
tysm!!! 💖 right ~ will consider this.. and I never could manage a box of 5 for $35!! they wouldn't do it.. said a cat wouldn't use that much in a month... and coupon was for 1 month supply if I recall correctly.. idk.
 
I truly hope it was a pharmacy tech and not a pharmacist that gave you that information. If you look for the expiration date for what you purchase, the overall date is not for a month -- it could be for a year or more. Even our cats with acromegaly couldn't use a box of pens in a month! The manufacturer says that once you start a pen, the pen is good for a month. They last a LOT longer. Using a pen to the last drop took my cat about 3 months. The only time I ever had a problem with a pen was when a pharmacy tech bounced the box on the counter several times despite my screaming at him not to. The pharmacy replaced the box due to the mishandling of the insulin.

The other consideration is that Lantus was developed for humans and the pens were a means of allowing people to not have to refrigerate their insulin. If you're traveling, refrigeration can be a challenge. However, we keep our kitties' insulin in the refrigerator which likely prolongs the shelf life. Most of us who opt for the pens buy a box since most pharmacies will only sell an entire box.
 
Sienne & Gabby (GA) said:
I truly hope it was a pharmacy tech and not a pharmacist that gave you that information. If you look for the expiration date for what you purchase, the overall date is not for a month -- it could be for a year or more. Even our cats with acromegaly couldn't use a box of pens in a month! The manufacturer says that once you start a pen, the pen is good for a month. They last a LOT longer. Using a pen to the last drop took my cat about 3 months. The only time I ever had a problem with a pen was when a pharmacy tech bounced the box on the counter several times despite my screaming at him not to. The pharmacy replaced the box due to the mishandling of the insulin.

The other consideration is that Lantus was developed for humans and the pens were a means of allowing people to not have to refrigerate their insulin. If you're traveling, refrigeration can be a challenge. However, we keep our kitties' insulin in the refrigerator which likely prolongs the shelf life. Most of us who opt for the pens buy a box since most pharmacies will only sell an entire box.
Click to expand...
oh no right no I was only referring to the date in case someone else had it ~ know they're good a long time, esp if unopened. 😊 we do that here as well, 💯😂 til the last drop drop.. I don't know what the issue was w the pen but when I changed it things returned to normal so it was the pen.. just going to see if can be reimbursed, etc.

would like to buy a box but they are giving me a hard time. will see if maybe can manage it.. finding don't mind tho a fresh pen when I think about it every month or so tho (aside from that one.. haha).. but it saves a lot of $$. 😇
 
I don't think a pharmacy can deny anyone who has a prescription. At most, if they have concerns they would call the prescribing doctor to confirm.

If there are other pharmacies in your area, try them instead of Walmart.
 
SqueeM3 said:
I don't think a pharmacy can deny anyone who has a prescription. At most, if they have concerns they would call the prescribing doctor to confirm.

If there are other pharmacies in your area, try them instead of Walmart.
Click to expand...
right! no they were denying giving me 5 pens for $35 deal.. ugh.. 😪
 
SqueeM3 said:
Can they deny a coupon deal if you have a valid prescription? People just want to save money on prescriptions. I would make a complaint with the pharmacy manager.
Click to expand...
they was giving me a hard time just about the box if 5.. could fill but not that many.. coup only good for a month.. no way cat would use that in a month.. blah blah.. going to try somewhere else. 😇 But will do that too!! cuz ppl on here have been able to do it.. 🤔
 
kitten68 said:
right! no they were denying giving me 5 pens for $35 deal.. ugh.. 😪
Click to expand...
Yeah, that’s what the prescription is for a box of 5 pens. So that’s what that must dispense to you. I’d ask for a manager too.
Be firm and or go elsewhere.
You are in the right, many times they just don’t know what they are doing. Don’t let them get away with giving you less than the coupon (for 5 pens!!)
 
There used to be an issues because Lantus was not FDA approved for cats. That was quite some time ago, though and not that long after Lantus came on the market. Usually, it's a matter of the discounted cost that the pharmacy may not want to approve since they won't get reimbursed if it's for a cat. The work around is to ask for the biosimilar/generic -- glargine. It costs a lot less than the name brand (i.e, Lantus).
 
If you can, try working with a local/indie pharmacy vs. a chain! The pharmacists are way more likely to be able to work with you to give you the most cost-efficient version (brand name vs. generic) for what you need, and have the freedom to take the time to talk you through the options.
 
As far as the "big chains" go, it seems Walgreens and CVS are the two most likely to allow you to get 5 pens for $35. Not all of them, but those are the 2 I hear about most in the Feline Diabetes group on Facebook.

My last script just said "Lantus Solostar pen, #5. Take as directed."
 
Last edited:
Chris & China (GA) said:
As far as the "big chains" go, it seems Walgreens and CVS are the two most likely to allow you to get 5 pens for $35. Not all of them, but those are the 2 I hear about most in the Feline Diabetes group on Facebook.

My last script just said "Lantus Solostart pen, #5. Take as directed."
Click to expand...
thanks for suggestion!! oooh!! 🤩 (we have another vet and they want his records before they'll write me the script... ugh. that's great to put too! will suggest that also..)
 
🗒 update: haha!! I informed the manufacturer; they wouldn't give us a replacement (for that weird pen..).. they won't do it, its "ineligible"... she squeezed it out of me it was for kitty when I first called, figure its that most likely.. incredible. weasels. 😇😂.. anywayyy.. that's a shame. right in the trash..
 
Always refer to your pet as a "family member" when dealing with manufacturers of Human medicines or products. Manufacturers don't want to be held liable for their product being used off label in pets. If they ask to speak with the "family member", you can tell them the "family member" is unable to speak or doesn't understand English and don't explain any further.
 
SqueeM3 said:
Always refer to your pet as a "family member" when dealing with manufacturers of Human medicines or products. Manufacturers don't want to be held liable for their product being used off label in pets. If they ask to speak with the "family member", you can tell them the "family member" is unable to speak or doesn't understand English and don't explain any further.
Click to expand...
woof.. I see. know now. haha.. they wouldn't do it. but the pharmacies can still fill them.. whatever. 🙄
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top