My Cat Madison

[mtompkins4882]

Hello,

I'm brand new to the FDMB Forum. I am in need of financial assistance for my cat Madison. He was diagnosed two weeks ago as diabetic. He was diagnosed at the Humane Society in NYC. After paying almost $240 for emergency visit, blood work and urinalysis, it was confirmed he is a diabetic. I had to pay another $100 for a demo on how to give insulin. I took the prescription to Duane REade -- Gargline Lantus and was told it would cost $196 for a 30 day supply. I don't have that kind of money and at present Madison is slipping away. I am looking for financial assistance to help pay for his medication. I rescued Madison seven years ago. I really love this guy and would like to keep him away for seven more years. He is very sweet. I turned to Lantus, but they are only providing coupons for Lantus Solostar. Thank You for your help with this matter.

 

[Dyana]

The manufacturer says that the insulin is good for 28 days, for humans that do not refrigerate it and keep it at room temperature. If you refrigerate the vial and take care of it, it can last for up to six months and sometimes more.
If you get the pens instead of the vial, they can also last just as long. You just need to keep the insulin on the top shelf of your refrigerator (not in the door where the temperature fluctuates too much) in it's box or in a cup filled with cotton just in case it should fall, no shaking it or rolling it.
There are some coupons for Lantus, too. Try doing a search for Lantus coupon in the search function on this board.
I wish you luck with Madison (I love his name) and hope you get 7 more years together or more.

 

[RobinCot]

Dyana is correct - refrigerated insulin lasts much longer. Most of us get the pens - five of them or if you call around you may find a pharmacy or Walmart that will sell you just one pen at a time. Lantus will give a coupon for $25 per pen if you can find someone who will take them. There may be some legwork but it is possible to do all of this economically. Five pens could last 2-3 months each which would be 10-15 months depending on how much you shoot. So, is it possible for you to ask the vet to change the prescription to pens? If not then a refrigerated vial could last several months (I don't know how long because I get the pens) so the cost would not be the dreaded $196 per month.

We have a lot of money saving practices here that we can help you with. You have come to the right place and we can help you make Madison feel better with proper testing, insulin and diet. There are a lot of experienced people here who are willing to teach you, help you, answer questions and hold hands when needed.

Welcome to FDMB!

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

Hello and welcome to the board

In addition to what the others said about Lantus your vet may be asking you to bring Madison in for "curves". This is not necessary if you test at home. Curves at the vet are costly and inaccurate due to stress of the cat being at the vet. You can test at home with a human meter which is much cheaper such as the Relion brand from Walmart.

Also you could try a food change - many cats go into remission with a change to a low carb canned food such as Fancy feast classic pates or friskies pates. Dry food is too high carb as are some wet. Home testing will confirm how this is working.

Wendy