Lantus Pen Supply Calculation for 10 Units Daily
For a patient taking 10 units of Lantus daily, you will need 1 pen per month.
Calculation Breakdown
Standard Lantus pen specifications:
- Each Lantus pen contains 300 units total (3 mL of U-100 insulin, which equals 100 units/mL × 3 mL) 1
- Daily dose: 10 units
- Monthly requirement: 10 units/day × 30 days = 300 units per month
Therefore: 300 units needed ÷ 300 units per pen = 1 pen per month
Practical Considerations
Pen Device Capabilities
- Most standard insulin pens deliver doses in 1-unit increments, making the 10-unit daily dose straightforward to administer 1
- The maximum single-dose capacity of standard pens is 60-80 units, well above the 10-unit requirement 1
Administration Guidelines
- Administer Lantus at the same time each day to maintain stable blood glucose levels 2, 3
- The 10-unit dose falls within typical starting ranges for insulin-naive type 2 diabetes patients (10 units or 0.1-0.2 units/kg/day) 2
Proper Pen Technique
- Prime the pen before each injection to ensure at least one drop of insulin appears at the needle tip 1
- Keep pressure on the thumb button until the needle is completely withdrawn to prevent incomplete dosing 1
- Dispose of needles immediately after use; never leave needles attached to pens between uses 1
- Never share insulin pens between patients due to contamination risk 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not assume you need extra pens "just in case" - the calculation is exact at 300 units per month for a 10-unit daily dose. However, if dose titration is anticipated (increasing by 2-4 units every 3 days until fasting glucose reaches 80-130 mg/dL), you may need additional pens as the dose increases 2, 4.