Insulin and Syringe/Pen Needle Requirements
Insulin and syringes, two critical components to managing canine diabetes. Without insulin our dogs will not survive and without syringes we cannot give insulin.
When Lucy was first diagnosed with diabetes she was put on Vetsulin but she did not do well on it so we switched her to NPH insulin. I was so excited to learn that I could get NPH insulin without a prescription. I was also a little nervous that I would be denied insulin and syringes, so I did have a prescription for back up. I walked over to the pharmacy pick up line and told the pharmacy assistant what I needed and BOOM I had Lucy’s insulin and proper syringes.
Just for quick reference, Vetsulin in the USA (Caninsulin everywhere else in the world) is a U40 insulin that is made specifically for cats and dogs, it uses U40 syringes for proper dosing and requires a prescription.
NPH insulin like Humulin NPH or Novolin N is a U100 insulin that requires U100 syringes. Humulin NPH insulin has been available since 1982, and Novolin N has been available since 1987.
Many countries have changed laws so that NPH insulin does not require a prescription. Most states in the USA do not require an Rx for insulin; Alaska is the last state to require a prescription. The laws regarding insulin syringe purchase without a prescription vary by state and sometimes even local laws or pharmacy regulations.
Let’s go over the insulin and syringe/pen needle requirements using these handy maps! Just hover on your state/providence for requirements.
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Note: be sure to always check your state and local laws. Laws for online purchases may be different than in-store purchases. It is always best to have a prescription written or on file.
Until next week stay comfy, cool and caffeinated!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.
~ Michelle Miller-Matlock
- AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
- Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
- Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
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Links to PetTest syringes:
PetTest U-40 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.3cc, 5/16" (8 mm) - https://shoppettest.com/advocate-pettest-u-40-insulin-syringes-31g-3cc-5-16-100-box/
PetTest U-40 Insulin Syringes 31G, 0.5cc, 5/16” (8 mm) - https://shoppettest.com/advocate-pettest-u-40-insulin-syringes-31g-5cc-5-16-100-box/
Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 30G, 0.3cc, 5/16" (8 mm) - https://shoppettest.com/advocate-syringes-30g-3cc-5-16-100-box/
Advocate U-100 Insulin Syringes 30G, 0.3cc, 1/2" (12.7 mm) - https://shoppettest.com/advocate-u-100-insulin-syringes-30g-3cc-1-2-100-box-1/
Advocate Pen Needles - 31G, 5/16” (8 mm) - https://shoppettest.com/advocate-pen-needles-31g-x-8mm-100-box/
For a printable version of this blog click here.