Change from Prozinc to Lantus

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Julie & steve j

Julie & steve j

Member Since 2018
Hi, I'd welcome some advice please. My cat is changing insulin from Prozinc to Glargine (Lantus) following specialist advice. Today, I've taken delivery of a 10ml vile of Lantus plus some U100 syringes. The vet didn't tell me to change syringes however reading some previous posts on this forum, I could see that I would have to undertake a conversion as my current syringes for Prozinc are U40. The specialist vet has advised that Benny starts on 3.0 IU twice daily on Lantus. Now I have the U100 syringes can I confirm that I just give him a straight forward 3 units with this syringe without any conversion necessary? I've compared the U40 syringe to the U100 syringe and the U100 units look quite a bit smaller. I haven't go my head around the difference between 40IU/ml and 100/Iu ml insulins. Thank you
 
Hi!

We switched from prozinc to Lantus in december.
You definetely need a U100 to meassure Lantus units. and yes 3 units in a U100 is 3 units in lantus, no conversion needed.
U100 means 100 units/ml, while U40 means the insulin is made at aconcentration of 40 units /ml. Thus, yes U100 units are smaller than U40. Hope this makes sense?
When I look at your spreadsheet, I don't see any recent data? Some say you can switch to Lantus with the same number of units kitty was in previous insulin. I preferred to be in the cautious size, because my kitty is unpredictable and reduced a bit....you call of course!
Important to remember that lantus is a depot enzyme, so in the first two days you are likely to see kitty higher than usual, with no clear insulin effect. Don't panic, and dont increase the dose until you have at least a week of data.
It has been a great change for us. Hope it works for you too!
 
Oh, and come over to the lantus forum. It is busier there, and you may get more answers, from more knowledgeable people! :)
 
It looks like you've got a good bit of the basics down -- your signature and spreadsheet in particular. You'll want to put a note on your spreadsheet indicating that you've switched to Lantus.

I agree with Karen -- it will be helpful if you can keep your spreadsheet up to date. There's also a great deal of information on Lantus and its use in the sticky notes at the top of the Lantus board.
 
Thank you so much for your advice. It really is appreciated. You mention about Lantus being a depot insulin. With Prozinc there is some small leeway (1 hr approx) whereby you can adjust the time of insulin shot. Is there still some leeway with Lantus? I'm usually very strict with administering the insulin at the same time each morning/evening but occasionally have to adjust the time slightly. Would this cause an issue? Also, could anyone advise as to the best place to purchase Lantus & U100 syringes in the UK? Thank you
 
Hi Julie.

Julie & steve j said:
Also, could anyone advise as to the best place to purchase Lantus & U100 syringes in the UK? Thank you
Click to expand...
Here's a helpful link to all manner of info on where to source supplies in the UK:

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB...-vit-b12-and-other-need-to-know-stuff.137376/

In the above, Eliz posted a link to a source for the 0.3ml U100 demi syringes. If you get no joy there, try eBay or Amazon. (I always got mine on eBay.)

With regard to Lantus, for cats on a small dose 3ml pen cartridges might be more economical in use than the 10ml vials because you're more likely to use up all of the contents of the cartridges before the insulin becomes unviable. You use a syringe to draw up the dose, the cartridge being a little 'mini vial'.

I always got my Lantus with a veterinary Rx from the local chemist (only option was the 10ml vial, c. £50 a few years ago). I've tried to find some online pharmacies offering Lantus and could only come up with this one:

https://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/lantus-3ml-p4121.html

Their pricing is unclear, but it looks like they do 3ml cartridges for £10.83, minimum order 5. It might be worth contacting them to see whether they would accept a vet Rx.

Our vets sell single 3ml Lantus cartridges. IIRC they were around £20 each a few years ago. Might be worth asking your vet whether they offer the pen cartridges.


Mogs
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Thank you Mogs :cat::bighug:. That's great advice and the links are very informative and helpful. I popped into a local pharmacy yesterday to inquire as to whether they would be able to obtain Lantus for me, with a pet prescription. The answer was "Yes" at a third of the cost of what my Vet charged me for the first vile :nailbiting:. Phew !! I just have to get Benny started on Lantus and hope he responds well.
 
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