Difference between novalin and vetsulin..
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Kris & Teasel
Member Since 2016
Here's a good guide to Novolin: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-novolin-humulin-nph.186097/
The two insulins act similarly so switching to Novolin shouldn't be a big change for you. Novolin is a U100 insulin whereas Vetsulin is a U40 insulin. This means that Novolin is more concentrated than Vetsulin and you'll use less to get the same dose. Also you need U100 syringes for Novolin. You can't use the same syringes (U40) as you used for Vetsulin. Novolin is a human insulin and is available in any human pharmacy. Vetsulin is for cats and dogs so most people buy it from their vet.
The two insulins act similarly so switching to Novolin shouldn't be a big change for you. Novolin is a U100 insulin whereas Vetsulin is a U40 insulin. This means that Novolin is more concentrated than Vetsulin and you'll use less to get the same dose. Also you need U100 syringes for Novolin. You can't use the same syringes (U40) as you used for Vetsulin. Novolin is a human insulin and is available in any human pharmacy. Vetsulin is for cats and dogs so most people buy it from their vet.
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mirnta
Member Since 2015
Thank you!
mirnta
Member Since 2015
Yes i do know. Ive been using it for three years. And it lasts much longer than that. Its $50 vs. $25. For me that is HUGE difference. And could improve my quality of life tremendously....especially if it lasts longer.
JanetNJ
Member Since 2016
Ok I was just making sure you aren't discarding it after the 28 days on the box.
I don't think Novolin lasts longer than vetsulin, but you're right that it is less expensive.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Novolin ( or any NPH type insulin) usually is much shorter acting than an intermediate type insulin like Vetsulin. Vetsulin is made up of two components, a quick acting but short duration insulin and a later acting but slightly longer duration insulin. So your kitty likely gets better blood glucose control from the Vetsulin.
Novolin can cause very rapid steep drops in blood glucose levels, so you might want to do more home testing if you switch. Plus, you need to make sure your cat has eaten before you give Novolin, 30-45 minutes before you give the insulin is a good rule of thumb.
Some cats get a longer duration with novolin and 2 shots a day work for that cat. Some cats don't get more than about 6 hours of BG control. So, if you switch to Novolin, you may need to dose your kitty every 8 hours to get similar blood glucose control that your kitty gets from the Vetsulin.
You'll want to test more, especially after the switch to a different insulin to see how your cat reacts to the insulin and to find out if that particular insulin is working well for your cat.
Novolin can cause very rapid steep drops in blood glucose levels, so you might want to do more home testing if you switch. Plus, you need to make sure your cat has eaten before you give Novolin, 30-45 minutes before you give the insulin is a good rule of thumb.
Some cats get a longer duration with novolin and 2 shots a day work for that cat. Some cats don't get more than about 6 hours of BG control. So, if you switch to Novolin, you may need to dose your kitty every 8 hours to get similar blood glucose control that your kitty gets from the Vetsulin.
You'll want to test more, especially after the switch to a different insulin to see how your cat reacts to the insulin and to find out if that particular insulin is working well for your cat.
Squeaky and KT (GA)
Member Since 2011
This above describes Prozinc, not Vetsulin. Vetsulin only has one single component, Porcine. Vetsulin and NPH work about the same. Novolin is a 'brand name', 'Humulin' also makes the same 'NPH' insulin. Vetsulin is specifically created for animals while NPH is a human insulin.
Oh how I get that $25 makes a huge impact - been there for the last 7 years. I truly don't think you'll find a lot of difference in the insulin action. I'd try it.
HUGS!! 'Cos we all need those...
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Directly from the manufacturers website.
"As a lente insulin, Vetsulin is classified as an intermediate-acting insulin. It is an aqueous suspension of 40 IU/mL of highly purified porcine insulin, consisting of 35% amorphous and 65% crystalline zinc insulin." "In dogs, the amorphous fraction will reach its maximum effect approximately 4 hours following subcutaneous administration, and its effects last for about 8 hours thereafter. The effect is maintained by the crystalline fraction, which has a slower onset of action and peak effects around 11 hours following injection." "In cats, the peak activity following subcutaneous administration of Vetsulin occurs between 1.5 and 8 hours (with an average of about 4 hours1), and the duration of activity varies between 8 and 12 hours."
http://www.vetsulin.com/vet/AboutVet_Overview.aspx
"As a lente insulin, Vetsulin is classified as an intermediate-acting insulin. It is an aqueous suspension of 40 IU/mL of highly purified porcine insulin, consisting of 35% amorphous and 65% crystalline zinc insulin." "In dogs, the amorphous fraction will reach its maximum effect approximately 4 hours following subcutaneous administration, and its effects last for about 8 hours thereafter. The effect is maintained by the crystalline fraction, which has a slower onset of action and peak effects around 11 hours following injection." "In cats, the peak activity following subcutaneous administration of Vetsulin occurs between 1.5 and 8 hours (with an average of about 4 hours1), and the duration of activity varies between 8 and 12 hours."
http://www.vetsulin.com/vet/AboutVet_Overview.aspx
mirnta
Member Since 2015
Thank you so much for the info! I will def test more if i decide to switch. Ive noticed i can buy vetsulin online for much cheaper...do you know if a script is needed for that kind of thing?
mirnta
Member Since 2015
Yes! Thank you!
mirnta
Member Since 2015
Oh no i milk it as long as i can! Ha. As long as its still effective.Ok I was just making sure you aren't discarding it after the 28 days on the box.
JanetNJ
Member Since 2016
Yes you need a script but online pharmacies usually contact vets directly to get them. It's easy.
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