Which Needles Work With Vetsulin?

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Kcl0942

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My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. My vet prescribed me Vetsulin and told me to give him 1 unit twice a day, 12 hours apart, using U-40 29G 1/2 cc needles. The vet said the cat won't feel a thing, but the needles are hurting/irritating my cat and it's getting harder to give him the shot. I read on here that we could use U-100 31G needles and convert the units over from U-40. However, the vet is saying I can't use U-100, something about Vetsulin won't fit in U-100. We can switch to a smaller needle, but it has to be U-40. So, I looked, but I can't find any U-40 needles smaller than 29G.
 
The vet is simply being cautious because using syringes meant for a different strength insulin could result in under or overdosing. That said it is possible to use the U100 syringes for Vetsulin with the conversion chart HERE. I don't think there are any U40 syringes with a needle gauge higher than 29. You will want to get U100 syringes 3/10 cc 8mm 31G needle with half unit markings so that you can make fine dose adjustments.
 
That depends on your location. For instance, if you are in the US, each state has their own laws regarding purchase of syringes. If you are in Canada, you can purchase them without a script at any pharmacy. Where are you located?
 
Depends on where you are. Are you in the U.S.? Some states do require a prescription for insulin syringes. Please create your signature with kitty's information that will display with each of your posts.
signature (light grey text under a post). Here's how:
click on your name in the upper right corner of this page
click on "signature" in the menu that drops down
type the following in the box that opens: kitty's name/age/date of diabetes diagnosis/insulin you're using and dosage amount /glucose meter you're using/what (s)he eats/any other meds or health issues (s)he has. You can add your name, and a geographic location (sometimes the time zone matters)
Are you testing your cat's blood sugar at home? It's one of the three basic components of effective diabetic treatment: diet, insulin therapy and blood sugar testing, just like human diabetics do.
It can be dangerous to "shoot blind", that is inject insulin without testing first to be sure it's safe to do so.
If you aren't testing yet, we can help you choose supplies and learn to test. It's the best way to keep your cat safe.
 
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Idjit's mom said:
Are you testing your cat's blood sugar at home? It's one of the three basic components of effective diabetic treatment: diet, insulin therapy and blood sugar testing, just like human diabetics do.
It can be dangerous to "shoot blind", that is inject insulin without testing first to do so.
If you aren't testing yet, we can help you choose supplies and learn to test. It's the best way to keep your cat safe.
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Currently not doing any tests at home. I just started the insulin as prescribed by my vet and will do a follow-up visit in a few weeks.
 
It's advisable to test, so that you know it's safe to shoot and also to see how the insulin is affecting the blood sugar levels. A lot can happen in a few weeks.
Check out the Getting Started and the Education sections on the right side of the Home page for more info. Also, the FAQS forum HERE is a great resource for learning about feline diabetes and treatment.
 
I know we sound like broken records here but we advocate home testing because not only is it the best way to keep your kitty safe and get them regulated but it also saves you a considerable amount of money. Testing done in the vet's office is often artificially high due to the stress most cats experience at vet visits. That stress can elevate BG levels by 100 points and sometimes more which can lead to insulin dose increases being prescribed that are unnecessary and dangerous. Your vet may not think home testing is needed however I also don't think your vet would give insulin to a baby without first checking to see if it is safe to do so. What you do at home is entirely up to you and you are your kitty's best advocate.

If you are interested in learning how to test, we can help you learn.:)
 
Thank you guys for the help, home testing does sound like a good idea. Umm, Chewy doesn't have U100 syringes 3/10 cc 8mm 31G needle and is asking for a prescription.
 
Kcl8820 said:
Thank you guys for the help, home testing does sound like a good idea. Umm, Chewy doesn't have U100 syringes 3/10 cc 8mm 31G needle and is asking for a prescription.
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Can you call some local pharmacies and ask them? We got our syringes at Walmart, with 1/2 U markings so that we could fine dose if needed. Info from the Walgreen's site:
Do I need a prescription to purchase insulin syringes?
In most states, insulin syringes are available without a prescription. Some states do have guidelines limiting the amount of syringes that can be purchased over the counter. For instance, Connecticut , Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and New Hampshire permit the sale of 10 syringes or less without a prescription. In California, 30 or fewer insulin syringes can be sold without a prescription and the maximum in Illinois is 20 syringes.

There are a few states that have age restrictions as well. Insulin syringes can be obtained without a prescription in Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey by patients 18 years old and above and, in Virginia, you must be at least 16 years of age. Patients in Nevada and Maryland may be asked to furnish proof of their diabetes diagnosis.

Since state laws can change often, it is always best to check with your local pharmacy what may be required at the time of purchase.
 
Try https://www.adwdiabetes.com/. They have both pet and human syringes....just check the prices as veterinary stuff often comes at a premium cost!

@Idjit's mom Where did you find that info? It's interesting because the CDC on their hepatitis info page, which I would expect to have up to date info, indicated no script was needed for persons who inject drugs in Maryland which means they can sell them to anyone including folks they know are shooting illegal drugs.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Try https://www.adwdiabetes.com/. They have both pet and human syringes....just check the prices as veterinary stuff often comes at a premium cost!

@Idjit's mom Where did you find that info? It's interesting because the CDC on their hepatitis info page, which I would expect to have up to date info, indicated no script was needed for persons who inject drugs in Maryland which means they can sell them to anyone including folks they know are shooting illegal drugs.
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I found the info here: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/faq/questionandanswer.jsp?questionTierId=700020&faqId=7700001
I wasn't sure how old the info was, so I did advise calling local pharmacies to be sure.
 
Interesting. I know there was a member here located in a state where a script was supposedly not needed, who apparently had several pharmacists refuse to sell them to her so it sounds like some pharmacies may be playing "cop" or aren't up to date on the laws. :rolleyes: It may be different for online sales too because they wouldn't have control over the age or location of the individual doing the purchase.
 
Thanks again for the help. I will set up the signature later. One more question, if I do end up having to use U-40, what brand do you guys recommend? I currently have Vet One, but definitely need to change. BD? UltiCare?
 
Kcl8820 said:
Thanks again for the help. I will set up the signature later. One more question, if I do end up having to use U-40, what brand do you guys recommend? I currently have Vet One, but definitely need to change. BD? UltiCare?
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It would be a good idea to ask this question also in the Vetsulin forum, so that the experienced users of that insulin can offer suggestions. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/caninsulin-vetsulin-and-n-nph.19/
There is a Beginner's Guide to Vetsulin that will provide more complete information about using the Vetsulin.
 
I'm in Canada and the only brand we have is BD which are fine but I can't say if they are the best or not. Had a few issues with them while I was using them but then the other brands may have issues too. Since you are looking for U100 syringes, a post asking for opinions here on the Health forum would probably be most productive for your purposes.
 
I had the same problem using the larger needles on my cat. I went to Walmart and bought 3/10cc 8mm 31G needles from the pharmacy. They were inexpensive and, with the smaller needle, shot time is much less traumatic for both Reece and me. I use the dosing conversion chart that is linked above. Best of luck!

Edited to add: they are Relion brand. I also use the Relion Prime meter, lancets and test strips - all from Walmart.
 
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