just diagnosed.....

[gsnyc555@yahoo.com]

Hi. My 11 yr old lovable cat, Meow, was just diagnosed with diabetes. I am somewhat stressed out about this. First stressor was sticker shock when I went to fill insulin prescription. Doc recommended lantus. It's $189. at pharmacy. Any suggestions about where to get it cheaper.....or of other cheaper insulins that may be as good that I can ask vet about? Any other cost saving tips would be appreciated. Giselle

 

[Donna & Doogle]

You can use this site to find it cheaper in your area http://www.goodrx.com/pets. You can also get a prescription for the cartridges instead of the vial as they will last longer. Also some pharmacies will break up a box so you can buy just one.

 

[BJM]

Actually, you want the Solostar pens. I believe they discontinued the cartridges.
They are usually sold in a 5 pack; you may be able to find some places that will sell them individually.

If you're near Canada, or don't mind shopping Canadian pharmacies online, you may be able to get it much cheaper there.

Note: the vial is 10 mL, each mL is 100 units, so 1 vial is 1,000 units. At 2 units per day, it will last more thaan a year. At 4 units a day, it will last 250 days.

Quick check on starting dose - many vets start too high!
Take the lower of current weight or ideal weight
Convert to kilograms (pounds/2.2)
Multiply by 0.25
Round down to nearest half unit.

 

[KPassa]

How are things going? We're you able to find the insulin at a cheaper price?