Glipizide or other oral medication

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smiley747

smiley747

Member Since 2015
Hi all -
was wondering if any of you have any knowledge about the oral meds used for treatment.
Is it worth a try? to see if it could help?

Any info is appreciated, especially from anyone who has used it. My cat is on a low carb, canned diet with a glucose of about 300.
 
The studies regarding feline diabetes show that insulin is much more likely to help a cat go into remission than the orals. The orals can be hard on both the kidneys, and liver as well. With my cats, it's a thousand times easier to give them a shot than to get them to take a pill. The injections take a little getting used to at first, but aren't difficult. If the glucose is 300, then your cat definitely needs treatment for it in addition to the diet. Many cats, if you start insulin early do go into remission, so the injections aren't always a forever thing either.
 
At this time, insulin is not much of an option for my family, that's why I'm asking about the pills. She is an easy cat to give a pill to.
 
What food are you currently giving her?? If you are feeding a dry kibble, it's possible that a diet change could really help the kitty's BG levels. We suggest a low carb wet food like Fancy Feast classic which is 10% or less in carbs. It's a very affordable option. However there are lots of inexpensive wet cat foods that are also low in carbs. If you go to
www.catinfo.org you can find lots of great information compiled by a vet regarding the foods that help diabetic cats. Hope this is helpful.
 
Jan Radar said:
What food are you currently giving her?? If you are feeding a dry kibble, it's possible that a diet change could really help the kitty's BG levels. We suggest a low carb wet food like Fancy Feast classic which is 10% or less in carbs. It's a very affordable option. However there are lots of inexpensive wet cat foods that are also low in carbs. If you go to
www.catinfo.org you can find lots of great information compiled by a vet regarding the foods that help diabetic cats. Hope this is helpful.
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She doesn't get dry. She only gets friskies canned
 
Glipizide should be available at most human pharmacies for very cheap if 1800petmeds isn't a go. The problem with the orals is that they cause other issues down the road that can be expensive, and cats end up needing insulin anyways because the orals don't control the sugars well enough to prevent complications which are expensive as well. Most people here don't use the orals, so there may not be many people to guide you.

What are your barriers currently? I know there are many. Initial cost of supplies is a barrier to some people, and can be significant. Fear or dislike of injections is also very common. Scheduling is an issue as well especially if people travel. Feeling that insulin administration is complicated can be a barrier.

The low-carb food is a great start.
 
Meya14 said:
Glipizide should be available at most human pharmacies for very cheap if 1800petmeds isn't a go. The problem with the orals is that they cause other issues down the road that can be expensive, and cats end up needing insulin anyways because the orals don't control the sugars well enough to prevent complications which are expensive as well. Most people here don't use the orals, so there may not be many people to guide you.

What are your barriers currently? I know there are many. Initial cost of supplies is a barrier to some people, and can be significant. Fear or dislike of injections is also very common. Scheduling is an issue as well especially if people travel. Feeling that insulin administration is complicated can be a barrier.

The low-carb food is a great start.
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Oh, okay. Yes, a vet must approve the order through 1800petmeds. I can try a pharmacy maybe. Well, I understand there could be issues, but down the road there could be issues anyway with the insulin treatment. I read insulin is better, but figured it was worth a try at least to see if it can help. The reviews I read online by owners said it did help their cats. It certainly is much more affordable for me. There are many barriers.
 
To add to my confusion, this vet INSISTS that prescription food is the way to go. But according to everything I have been told, that's not true. TWO vets told me that
 
Much of the prescription foods is actually higher in carbs than the OTC wet foods. There's really no need for them, and it's hard when the vet is insistant on it. They do make $ off selling those foods, so there is an incentive for them to push the foods. You are fine with the friskies. People here who feed friskies will be able to guide you on what the lowest carb varieties/flavors are.

$20 for 100 of the 5mg tabs seems on the high end of what you'd pay for this prescription. Call around to human pharmacies and see what prices they have, walmart is usually pretty cheap. You'd still need them to verify the prescription with the Vet. What dosage did the vet recommend? With glipizide, you still need to be checking blood sugars and often the vet will want to do it in the office which is expensive. You can get a meter and strips at walmart for cheap and test at home and save $. The meter and strips are <$30. The vets usually charge $50-100 for every curve check they do.

Keep insulin in the back of your mind. The sooner you start it after a cat is diagnosed (the studies say in the first 6 months), there is an 84% remission rate with tight control. So you wouldn't have to bother with any of this business in the future. We can help you if you take the leap and ever want to go that route.
 
smiley747 said:
To add to my confusion, this vet INSISTS that prescription food is the way to go. But according to everything I have been told, that's not true. TWO vets told me that
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I have an issue with a vet who is refusing to help you get onto insulin in the least expensive way and would rather prescribe oral pills than write a script for insulin but, that's just my personal take.

When Morrigan was diagnosed, our vet told us that the pills don't work well enough, even with diet so, the fact that you're getting a 300 on the proper diet is telling me that more than the pills need to be given but, I'm not a vet.

I would say to try another vet! Try to get one who will prescribe what you need/can afford. Of course, everyone here will be pushing towards the insulin but, at least get a vet who is NOT pushing prescription foods as not only are they much more expensive than needed BUT...they can also be higher in carbs than the less expensive foods and it's NOT needed to be prescription. This vet is making $$$s off you needlessly.

Best wishes! :)
 
Meya14 said:
Much of the prescription foods is actually higher in carbs than the OTC wet foods. There's really no need for them, and it's hard when the vet is insistant on it. They do make $ off selling those foods, so there is an incentive for them to push the foods. You are fine with the friskies. People here who feed friskies will be able to guide you on what the lowest carb varieties/flavors are.

$20 for 100 of the 5mg tabs seems on the high end of what you'd pay for this prescription. Call around to human pharmacies and see what prices they have, walmart is usually pretty cheap. You'd still need them to verify the prescription with the Vet. What dosage did the vet recommend? With glipizide, you still need to be checking blood sugars and often the vet will want to do it in the office which is expensive. You can get a meter and strips at walmart for cheap and test at home and save $. The meter and strips are <$30. The vets usually charge $50-100 for every curve check they do.

Keep insulin in the back of your mind. The sooner you start it after a cat is diagnosed (the studies say in the first 6 months), there is an 84% remission rate with tight control. So you wouldn't have to bother with any of this business in the future. We can help you if you take the leap and ever want to go that route.
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Well, she said I could buy the food anywhere, so I dont think she's pushing it for $ reasons. The vet said she had no experience with the glipizide so she offered no info. I already have home testing meter and strips. She hates it, but I've done it. This is a cat I've had for a short time. I adopted her to give her a chance because she is 7. The kennel did not know she was diabetic. It's already cost me quite a bit.
 
I think that you need to contact a vet who has used glipizide before. The dosage for a cat and a human are much different and it can do a lot of damage at the wrong dose. Also, when used, you do have to go in pretty regularly get bloodwork done for liver and kidney values, and the dose has to be adjusted if there are issues with the values.

It's rough treating a diabetic cat. Most of the expenses are upfront, and there are less expenses later so long as there aren't complications.

Depending on where you adopted her (such as humane society) there is usually some period where they will cover costs if the cat is sick in a short time after you adopt them. It's going to be a commitment to have a diabetic cat, but it is rewarding as well, and they usually live long and normal lives with treatment. If you decide that you can't make that commitment, there are places that can assist in rehoming diabetic cats, as most shelters will euthanize and there really is no need for that.
 
Meya14 said:
I think that you need to contact a vet who has used glipizide before. The dosage for a cat and a human are much different and it can do a lot of damage at the wrong dose. Also, when used, you do have to go in pretty regularly get bloodwork done for liver and kidney values, and the dose has to be adjusted if there are issues with the values.

It's rough treating a diabetic cat. Most of the expenses are upfront, and there are less expenses later so long as there aren't complications.

Depending on where you adopted her (such as humane society) there is usually some period where they will cover costs if the cat is sick in a short time after you adopt them. It's going to be a commitment to have a diabetic cat, but it is rewarding as well, and they usually live long and normal lives with treatment. If you decide that you can't make that commitment, there are places that can assist in rehoming diabetic cats, as most shelters will euthanize and there really is no need for that.
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yeah, humane society said she'd have been put down already and never adopted had they known. I have tried rehoming. No one wants a diabetic cat
 
There's a non-profit, Diabetic Cats in Need that helps in situations such as yours. You may also make a new post here and see if there is anyone looking for a new family member, as there are many experienced people here. I don't know if they have a webpage too, but here is the facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiabeticCatsInNeed

If I had room in my zoo, I'd adopt another diabetic kitty in a heart beat. There are people out there.
 
She was diagnosed with a few days of adoption from the shelter. they helped a little, but not completely.
Meya14 said:
There's a non-profit, Diabetic Cats in Need that helps in situations such as yours. You may also make a new post here and see if there is anyone looking for a new family member, as there are many experienced people here. I don't know if they have a webpage too, but here is the facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiabeticCatsInNeed

If I had room in my zoo, I'd adopt another diabetic kitty in a heart beat. There are people out there.
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Yes, they have been helping me with information. I have worked extensively with them. They're very nice. thank you
 
smiley747 said:
Well, she said I could buy the food anywhere, so I dont think she's pushing it for $ reasons. The vet said she had no experience with the glipizide so she offered no info. I already have home testing meter and strips. She hates it, but I've done it. This is a cat I've had for a short time. I adopted her to give her a chance because she is 7. The kennel did not know she was diabetic. It's already cost me quite a bit.
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Oh I understand completely. Money IS an issue...especially when you thought you were getting a healthy animal and giving her a chance. Please understand that I and likely no one here is "judging" what you're doing or why! Please know that. It's just that we get passionate about things and try to help...sometimes more than we should and that often can come across as being judgemental. I know that I'm not being that way! Not at all. Please accept my apologies if I came across as sounding that way. :(

But, given what I'm reading in your posts (now that you've filled us in more as to the entire situation), it's sounding as though you're just plain and simply not equipped to handle a diabetic new kitty that you didn't bargain on having with a major health issue and all that goes with it. No one would blame you for that...especially, since you didn't bargain on this situation with all of your other obligations. :bighug:

I DO hope that someone will take you up on this and help this poor kitty with a new home where they are more able to give the kind of time and money required to help. Fingers and toes crossed that you find that person soon for your sake and kitty's sake. I don't know where you are but, I know that if I could...I would take in 20 more. I just don't have the room nor the funds available for it. However, I know that there ARE people who will! Hang in there and keep trying!

And, in the meantime, you might want to check with other vets who have more experience with the pills for now and until you can re-home this little one. Sounds like a lot of vets do go to insulin so, some may not have any knowledge about the pills for that reason. There HAS to be some around though. And if not...hopefully, you can find some info on the net and keep kitty on the low carb, wet food until someone else takes over.

Wishing you well! Really. If I hear of anyone willing to take kitty on...I will post back. Please keep us all updated though. We may sound like we bite...but, we don't LOL ;)
:bighug: :D

By the way, as a note from experience...most vets are totally unaware of anything out there commercially in terms of food as they don't do the research. However, Hills, Purina and Royal Canin are fabulous in sending in reps who will sell the living daylights out of their prescription foods and that's all that vets really know. Even they're not out for the money aspect of things...they simply don't know what other foods to suggest so, they will push the prescription formulas. They pretty much solely feed their own pets those foods too. YOU are on the right track and Friskies (certain flavours and formats) is fine. So, is Fancy Feast and many other canned foods out there. Just NO gravy formulations. Those are higher carbs and you want to be as low in carbs as possible with pills as the mainstay treatment.

And, I'm sure others will chime in here with a link (I'm not familiar with it enough to give help) on an association that will offer financial help for those dealing with this and other health issues.

Someone else know of where? Link?
 
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Louellen said:
Oh I understand completely. Money IS an issue...especially when you thought you were getting a healthy animal and giving her a chance. Please understand that I and likely no one here is "judging" what you're doing or why! Please know that. It's just that we get passionate about things and try to help...sometimes more than we should and that often can come across as being judgemental. I know that I'm not being that way! Not at all. Please accept my apologies if I came across as sounding that way. :(

But, given what I'm reading in your posts (now that you've filled us in more as to the entire situation), it's sounding as though you're just plain and simply not equipped to handle a diabetic new kitty that you didn't bargain on having with a major health issue and all that goes with it. No one would blame you for that...especially, since you didn't bargain on this situation with all of your other obligations. :bighug:

I DO hope that someone will take you up on this and help this poor kitty with a new home where they are more able to give the kind of time and money required to help. Fingers and toes crossed that you find that person soon for your sake and kitty's sake. I don't know where you are but, I know that if I could...I would take in 20 more. I just don't have the room nor the funds available for it. However, I know that there ARE people who will! Hang in there and keep trying!

And, in the meantime, you might want to check with other vets who have more experience with the pills for now and until you can re-home this little one. Sounds like a lot of vets do go to insulin so, some may not have any knowledge about the pills for that reason. There HAS to be some around though. And if not...hopefully, you can find some info on the net and keep kitty on the low carb, wet food until someone else takes over.

Wishing you well! Really. If I hear of anyone willing to take kitty on...I will post back. Please keep us all updated though. We may sound like we bite...but, we don't LOL ;)
:bighug: :D

By the way, as a note from experience...most vets are totally unaware of anything out there commercially in terms of food as they don't do the research. However, Hills, Purina and Royal Canin are fabulous in sending in reps who will sell the living daylights out of their prescription foods and that's all that vets really know. Even they're not out for the money aspect of things...they simply don't know what other foods to suggest so, they will push the prescription formulas. They pretty much solely feed their own pets those foods too. YOU are on the right track and Friskies (certain flavours and formats) is fine. So, is Fancy Feast and many other canned foods out there. Just NO gravy formulations. Those are higher carbs and you want to be as low in carbs as possible with pills as the mainstay treatment.

And, I'm sure others will chime in here with a link (I'm not familiar with it enough to give help) on an association that will offer financial help for those dealing with this and other health issues.

Someone else know of where? Link?
Click to expand...

No worries. I came here for help and I've gotten a lot of it. :) I have an appointment with a vet who is a cat specialist but it's not for a week. It's $80 just to walk in the door, but he only works with cats and has lots of diabetic patients and I've heard he gives A LOT of information for that cost. Her previous owners of 7 years brought her to the shelter because they were divorcing. She was there at the humane society for 3 months waiting for adoption and developed a skin condition - what they thought was an allergy to plastic bowls (turned out it was just stress related). Since she's been with me, she has no skin condition. She's happy. She plays like a kitten (sometimes) and she sits next to me most of the time. My 13 year old dog and my 10 year old cat were BOTH at the vet in the last couple weeks, adding even more expense. I've had them their whole lives. My husband has 3 of his own cats too, for a total of 5 cats and one dog. We love all of our pets. So, we'll see what the cat specialist vet has to say.
 
@smiley747 I get ya! I understand how expensive this can get with 3 pets...let alone double that number. YIKES!

There's ONE thing that I CAN say here...that's that you have a wonderful heart. :) I know that my wallet just doesn't have the amount of space that my heart does LOL

Good for you though. You may be surprised to find out that you're doing ok this way OR...that this vet can offer up some sort of help in that arena. Let's HOPE! :)

In the meanwhile, sounds like kitty is happy and you're doing all that you CAN do so, KUDOS to you!

Hopefully, someone will come along with the financial aid link for you. A quick call to the shelter you got kitty from may also be able to lead you to a financial aid number or website. I know they exist because several members were able to get help that way. At the least, this vet might be able to help you get what you need at a much lower cost or be able to guide you with the pills and diet aspect. Please know though that prescription foods are not the only answer and not needed unless there's other health issues going on.

Just HUGS! :bighug: Please keep us up to date. And, don't forget that a lot of cats will do well on lower carb diets and the numbers may stay down a bit more with the pills. :)
 
Louellen said:
@smiley747 I get ya! I understand how expensive this can get with 3 pets...let alone double that number. YIKES!

There's ONE thing that I CAN say here...that's that you have a wonderful heart. :) I know that my wallet just doesn't have the amount of space that my heart does LOL

Good for you though. You may be surprised to find out that you're doing ok this way OR...that this vet can offer up some sort of help in that arena. Let's HOPE! :)

In the meanwhile, sounds like kitty is happy and you're doing all that you CAN do so, KUDOS to you!

Hopefully, someone will come along with the financial aid link for you. A quick call to the shelter you got kitty from may also be able to lead you to a financial aid number or website. I know they exist because several members were able to get help that way. At the least, this vet might be able to help you get what you need at a much lower cost or be able to guide you with the pills and diet aspect. Please know though that prescription foods are not the only answer and not needed unless there's other health issues going on.

Just HUGS! :bighug: Please keep us up to date. And, don't forget that a lot of cats will do well on lower carb diets and the numbers may stay down a bit more with the pills. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you! :) I just love animals. But, you're right my wallet does not have enough space either! lol Thanks for the compliment. The humane society said if I brought her back, she'd be put down and that she'd have never been adopted in the first place. They offered. I said no. Not putting her down! Fingers crossed. If I can not help her properly I will try to find someone GOOD who loves animals that can. I live in the south florida (plantation) area.
 
Her belly protudes a bit - The vet didn't know why. All her other blood work was normal. Here are some pictures of Brandy - one she is "making dough" She has truly unique beautiful eyes. She loves to "make dough" on the couch with me on her blanket. She nibbles the blanket at the same time lol
brandy 1.jpg
brandy 2.jpg
brandy 3.jpg
 
Pretty girl! Cute blaze on her nose. Bless you for taking her into your home.

Here is a post on links for financial help.
And also a 2015 article containing the ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats. Here is what is says on Glipizide:
Oral glipizide has been used successfully in cats with DM, with benefits being reported in >40% cats, but transdermal application is unreliable. Adverse effects include cholestasis, hypoglycaemia and vomiting. Glimepiride stimulates insulin secretion in healthy cats, but has not yet been evaluated in diabetic cats. There is a concern that all these agents may contribute to progression of pancreatic amyloidosis and the underlying disease
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Basically it means that glipizide makes the already compromised pancreas work harder. There is much less likelihood of remission.

And from the FDMHB FAQ:
Q2.1. Can I give oral medication instead of insulin?

A2.1. Possibly. You should discuss this with your vet. Oral medications such as glipizide or glyburide will allegedly work for about 30% of diabetic cats. However, because these drugs can cause liver damage (and even further damage to the pancreas), and because giving an injection is often easier than giving a pill, most people on this board prefer insulin. Several people who switched to insulin after using drugs have reported that they thought the oral medication only delayed regulation. Others believe that starting with drugs rather than insulin made it impossible for their cats' diabetes to be controlled with changes in diet alone. Another drug, acarbose, works by blocking or delaying the absorption of carbohydrates from food. It probably is not necessary for a cat who is on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Oral medications are not a good idea for cats with elevated liver values (due to the possibility of liver damage), or ketoacidosis or neuropathy (due to the need to bring glucose levels down immediately). See the Pets with Diabetes site for a more detailed explanation. If your cat shows uncharacteristic lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy or jaundice, discontinue the medicine and call your vet. You should also have liver enzymes monitored frequently during the early months.
 
You might want to post a new thread with something about rehoming in the title, and with the pics and history, and see if anyone here can help find her a home. I think that it's wonderful that you are trying so hard to save this kitty, she's beautiful.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Pretty girl! Cute blaze on her nose. Bless you for taking her into your home.

Here is a post on links for financial help.
And also a 2015 article containing the ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats. Here is what is says on Glipizide:

Basically it means that glipizide makes the already compromised pancreas work harder. There is much less likelihood of remission.

And from the FDMHB FAQ:
Q2.1. Can I give oral medication instead of insulin?

A2.1. Possibly. You should discuss this with your vet. Oral medications such as glipizide or glyburide will allegedly work for about 30% of diabetic cats. However, because these drugs can cause liver damage (and even further damage to the pancreas), and because giving an injection is often easier than giving a pill, most people on this board prefer insulin. Several people who switched to insulin after using drugs have reported that they thought the oral medication only delayed regulation. Others believe that starting with drugs rather than insulin made it impossible for their cats' diabetes to be controlled with changes in diet alone. Another drug, acarbose, works by blocking or delaying the absorption of carbohydrates from food. It probably is not necessary for a cat who is on a low-carbohydrate diet.
Oral medications are not a good idea for cats with elevated liver values (due to the possibility of liver damage), or ketoacidosis or neuropathy (due to the need to bring glucose levels down immediately). See the Pets with Diabetes site for a more detailed explanation. If your cat shows uncharacteristic lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy or jaundice, discontinue the medicine and call your vet. You should also have liver enzymes monitored frequently during the early months.
Click to expand...

Thank you!!!
 
Meya14 said:
You might want to post a new thread with something about rehoming in the title, and with the pics and history, and see if anyone here can help find her a home. I think that it's wonderful that you are trying so hard to save this kitty, she's beautiful.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'm doing the best I can.
 
BJM said:
What about trying BCP PZI? Your vet sends them an Rx; you pay them directly so no vet markup.
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How much is that? I live in Florida so they would have to ship it in this heat for a huge cost no??? A vet recommended something called Humulin / Novolin. It's only $25 at Walmart and should last a few months. He said they treat all their diabetics with it
 
Humulin /Novolin N (there are other types of Humulin and Novolin beside N like R which is fast acting since those are trade names for a family of insulins) does not work well inmost cats since it only last 8-10 hours.
The last time, a couple of months ago, I purchased a 10 ml vial of U100 BCP for $94 and that included overnight shipping.
 
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