More ?? ProZinc? Chuck starting back on insulin

Status
Not open for further replies.
Chuck and Susan

Chuck and Susan

Member Since 2010
Good morning, Lantus Land!! I see there was an OTJ party!! Congratulations to kitteh and bean!! Enjoy the falls!

Talked with Chuck's vet this morning. At this point, diabetes is the only thing that could be causing Chuck's numbers to be in the mid-300's. We've ruled out kidney failure and pain, so this is it. He was OTJ for 4 years and 9 months, and the vet says he'll likely have to stay on insulin the rest of his life.

Still looking for cost-effective Lantus, either the vial or the pen. Hubby is calling the hospital in the town where he works to see if the pharmacy there sells individual pens. The vet mentioned ProZinc, at $100 a vial, but I'm thinking that's not an option at this time. Any thoughts on this?

The vet also said he'd normally start a cat at 1-1.5 units twice a day, but given Chuck's history, we'd be better to start at .5 twice a day. I'm really leaning towards .25 twice a day to start. We can always ramp him up after a week if we're not seeing any change, and some insulin is better than no insulin. Thoughts on this? Would it be better to start him at .5, even though I'm not comfortable with it? I'll probably start Friday night to get a head start on the weekend, since I work during the week and won't be able to monitor him after Sunday. Hopefully, any issues crop up in those first few doses.

While we're sad to be back, we know this is the GREATEST place to be outside of the falls! Thanks for any suggestions and for the support!
 
Hi! I get the Lantus pens for just $25 each. I do not buy them in 5 packs. I called around to pharmacies in my area and found one that was willing to sell me one pen at a time. The cost was $57, but the pharmacist honored my Lantus Pen coupon, and the pen just cost $25. I will find a link to that coupon for you.
 
Given Chuck's history, I'd lean toward erring on the side of caution. It's much easier on the nerves to fast track the dose up than biting off your fingernails if you start higher. I'd lean toward the 0.25u dose.

ProZinc and Lantus are the two types of insulin recommended by the AAHA. There aren't many people on this board who would be able to help you with dosing and i'm guessing there won't be anyone on the PZI board who would be familiar with Chuck's history. I also don't know how the price of a vial of Lantus compares with a vial of PZI.

I'd also do a Google search on Lantus coupons and see if you can track down any discounts. A few months ago, I found a coupon that saved me over $100 per box of Lantus and the coupon is good for 6 refills.
 
When I signed up, I used Gabby's first name and my last name. I did NOT indicate that this was a cat. I used her birthday, as well. If, for whatever reason or by whatever means, you don't want them to say to use your insurance if you use your name. I treat this as if she's my dependent and not covered by my health insurance.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top