? Anyone here switch from Lantus?

[Misterbeesmom]

my cat is not doing well and i'm grasping at straws. he's been on lantus since nov 2015 and we've had poor control, and his health has continued to decline.

i'm wondering if anyone here was on lantus and switched to prozinc, and if so, did kitty do better?

also wondering what led to the decision to switch?

thanks in advance.

 

[Rachel]

Hi Jen, I don't think we have anyone right now who switched. Most switches are from prozinc to lantus..which is not to say the other way doesn't ever happen.

I don't know much about Lantus, but I can see your kitty is all over the place. Have you posted in their forum for advice? Did they suggest trying Prozinc (not saying you shouldn't switch...just making sure you've exhausted all options).

To give you a general idea of what we do here, Prozinc is considered an "in and out" insulin. It doesn't have a depot build up like Lantus or Lev. That can be frustrating for some, as our dose can change daily. However, just like with Lantus, it is a learning process. Once you get the hang of things, it's easier to figure out dosing. The good thing is that we can change on the fly if needed, and can even change dosing times more easily.

There is a saying around here: The best insulin is the one that works for your cat. If you do decide to make the switch, know that we'll help out in any way we can! Are there any questions I can answer for you?

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Hi Jen and Mr. Biddles,

People do not often change from Lantus to ProZinc. ProZinc has a smile curve while Lantus tends to have a flatter, longer cycle. Many cats seem to benefit from the flatter cycle especially if they are big bouncers. ProZinc is popular because it is more flexible - you can shoot at different times, not just every 12 hours, and it is easier to tailor a dose to fit your cat as you don't have to wait so long to change the dose.

Mr. Biddles has a few issues, like pancreatitis and IBD, which can really make this sugar dance more difficult to manage. @Carol & Murphy has dealt with similar issues and might be able to help.

I also wonder, as Rachel did, if you are getting dose advice on the Lantus forum. Lantus tends to work best when the dose is held for several cycles, not changed often. His doses seem to change quite often. He seems to have been on Lantus awhile and with his multiple issues (and probably meds for those) he may be harder to regulate. I wonder if you are following their protocol for optimum results? Have you posted there and asked for help, emphasizing his other issues? Their forum works best if you post daily before the shot, getting dosing advice and raise the dose when the protocol indicates. @Bobbie And Bubba changed to Lantus a couple months ago and might be able to give you some guidance.

If he continues to need more insulin, you might also look at Levemir, which is said to sting less at higher doses. He might have a higher dose condition, but it is early to suspect that.

If you decide to change, as Rachel said, we will be happy to help.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Hey Jen ~ It is very frustration when we aren't seeing progress when our kitty has been on insulin for 6 months.

A few questions:

What dose did the vet start Mr. Biddles on? We can see from your SS starting in April that he was on 4 units. I am wondering if he was started off too high of a dose.

Lantus tends to work best when the dose is held for several cycles, not changed often. His doses seem to change quite often

This is true. There is a protocol for TR which is more aggressive and a method called Start Low Go Slow which is slower in the increases. Before switching to ProZinc, would you be willing to post back over in Lantus and ask for some dosing guidance and to give the information about what his starting dose was. That will help to figure how where he should be and how to proceed.

Also, what food do you give Mr. Biddles because that can play havoc on the BG if it isn't wet lower carbs under 10% like Fancy Feast CLASSICS and Wellness NO GRAIN. There are others that are good also but, those are the two that I am use and know to be under 10 % They are around 4%. Are there any issues with eating or I should say not eating?

Let's see if we can't get him into better numbers. But, like Sue said, if you want to switch the Prozinc Forum will gladly help you.