Glargine without a prescription?

[DimitriG]

My cat has been on glargine for over a year now. I am out of refills and my vet won't write another prescription unless i bring my cat in to do a glucose curve. I don't really want to leave my cat there all day stressed out so I did one at home but she won't accept it.

I took my cat to a different (new) vet and he won't write one without a full blood panel and TWO glucose curves from the same week.

I just want a refill of my insulin. I don't really have money for all of these tests right now and I am running out of my supply. I understand it can be dangerous to give insulin without any data and I am more than willing to take my cat to the vet (I just did!) but I don't want to leave her there.

What options do I have here? I see some people order from Canada. Is that a good/safe option to order without a prescription from the US? I live in California.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I see some people order from Canada. Is that a good/safe option to order without a prescription from the US?

It is safe and good. However, other have posted that you do need to provide one script for the insulin. Unlike in the US the script is good for ever in Canada. If you go to Canada you can buy it w/o a script.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

With the mail order Canadian pharmacies, you still need to have a prescription on file with them was Larry noted.

If it's been a year since your cat had a vet visit, it's not unreasonable for the vet to ask to see your cat. My cats get an annual check-up, even my almost 5 year old kitty. A new vet is not going to risk his or her license based on what you're saying about your cat's health.

You can check in the Supply Closet forum to see if anyone is selling/giving away their Lantus. Some people have found Lantus on Craig's list. FDMB also has a Facebook group and you could post an inquiry there. Members who have a cat that has died will often be giving away supplies.

 

[DimitriG]

With the mail order Canadian pharmacies, you still need to have a prescription on file with them was Larry noted.

If it's been a year since your cat had a vet visit, it's not unreasonable for the vet to ask to see your cat. My cats get an annual check-up, even my almost 5 year old kitty. A new vet is not going to risk his or her license based on what you're saying about your cat's health.

You can check in the Supply Closet forum to see if anyone is selling/giving away their Lantus. Some people have found Lantus on Craig's list. FDMB also has a Facebook group and you could post an inquiry there. Members who have a cat that has died will often be giving away supplies.

As I said, they did see my cat just today!

However, they want to run the glucose curve in the office and will not accept one I run myself from home. That is true of both the new vet and the one that has been her vet for 14 years now.

What about Mexico? Is that any different?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I'm so sorry. I missed that your cat had been seen.

This set of guidelines for the treatment of diabetes may be helpful. The American Animal Hospital Assn published guidelines that they updated in 2022. Please see the section of the guidelines on p. 10. They specifically note the value of home glucose curves. Given that these guidelines have been published by a recognized veterinary group, it may make a difference to your vet.

I don't believe that anyone has attempted to get insulin from Mexico. We have Canadian members who have used the pharmacies we have noted.

 

[DimitriG]

I placed an order through Mark's Marine in Canada. My prescription was old so they could not accept it (Canadian law says it is only valid for one year), but they said they have a vet they work with who can write prescriptions based on the one I uploaded and some additional information I provided.

Fingers crossed.

 

[Kat & Elsie]

I placed an order through Mark's Marine in Canada. My prescription was old so they could not accept it (Canadian law says it is only valid for one year), but they said they have a vet they work with who can write prescriptions based on the one I uploaded and some additional information I provided.

Fingers crossed.

This gives me hope, as I'm also experiencing some prescription issues at the moment, and was under the impression I might not be able to use Mark's Marine without a brand new Rx. I wish the best for you and your kitty, and will be looking forward to an update. Fingers crossed for you!

 

[DimitriG]

This gives me hope, as I'm also experiencing some prescription issues at the moment, and was under the impression I might not be able to use Mark's Marine without a brand new Rx. I wish the best for you and your kitty, and will be looking forward to an update. Fingers crossed for you!

Thank you! Ordered on Monday and received today. It was still cool to the touch. Give them a call! Maybe they can assist.