Newly diagnosed diabetic (as of yesterday)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Hercules

Hercules

Member Since 2023
Hello,
My cats name is Hercules and he is 16 years old and a tabby. As of yesterday he went in for a vet appointment after noticing increased thirst and urination and was diagnosed with diabetes. He was started on an oral drug called bexacat. The vet said he was an excellent candidate to try this new drug after lab tests and other screening. I am nervous about this new drug because it has only been available on the market since Jan. of this year. I switched him over to a low carb high protein wet food called Tiki cat after dark. After doing research I feel an intense guilt that the dry food I had been feeding him may have caused this. I am in need of financial help because this is quite expensive and I am currently a working student that doesn’t have endless disposable income. I have been researching everything I can about this medication, and how to best care for Hercules ever since he got the diagnosis, but I am coming here in hopes of help. If anyone has evidence based advice and tips or useful information I would be so great full. He means so much to me and to say I have been a mess since I found out is the least of it. I can’t lose him. Please help, and if you would like to donate funds to help with his food and vet bills please let me know.
NEW MEMBER
 
Last edited:
Hi there!
My cat Hadley was just started on Bexacat about 5 days ago. She sees an Internist (a specialist with more education than a general practice vet) who is very confident that Bexacat is safe for otherwise healthy diabetic cats. Do you know offhand if your vet did a blood test for pancreatitis, often called an FPL? (if you have questions on this I'm happy to explain further). The biggest thing she stressed was the very frequent blood test monitoring that is required when starting this drug - was this shared by your veterinarian? These blood tests test for both ketones in the blood and glucose levels, and must be done in frequent intervals as a cat is transitioned to Bexacat. You can google this testing schedule or find it in the Bexacat information sheet that comes in the pill box. As an example, our vet stressed that blood ketones need to be tested 3-5 days after starting Bexacat, then 2 weeks after, and it goes on from there. If your vet didn't mention this, I would RUN back to them ASAP and have this discussion. The second very important thing she discussed with us is proper ketone testing in case of an emergency. If Hercules is acting sick at all (lethargic, etc) he will urgently need his blood ketones tested. Ketones can be detected in both urine and blood, but a standard urine dip stick ketone test is NOT accurate enough or appropriate for a kitty on Bexacat as it doesn't detect all types and levels of ketones. The only appropriate test for Hercules would be a blood ketone test specifically, and not all vet and emergency clinics have a blood ketone testing machine. It was recommended to us to find out which emergency clinics around us have one (in advance) so we know where to take our kitty if she seems sick. I would definitely ask your vet if they have this machine in their clinic and make sure they're aware of how ketones need to be tested - you may need to advocate for Hercules and PUSH for a blood ketone test if you take him in for being ill. You can also purchase your own blood ketone testing kit for at-home use in case Hercules seems "off" and you want a baseline, but I personally I would rather take Hadley to the ER. In case you would like to purchase the testing device, it's called "Abbott Precision Xtra Ketone Meter." If any of the information above wasn't shared with you or if you feel uncomfortable at all I would recommend considering a consultation with a veterinary Internist. They are more expensive, and I know you mentioned finances are an issue, but I wanted to throw this out just in case. Lastly, in case you weren't made aware Bexacat can cause temporary digestive issues as Hercules adjusts (diarrhea, vomiting) but this is nothing to worry about short term. I'm more than happy to share everything that Hadley's doctor taught us about Bexcat if you would like, just know that I am not a vet myself. I have had a few diabetic cats (one on insulin and now Hadley on Bexacat) so I do have quite a bit of knowledge on the disease itself. The good news is that cats go into remission often - I had a very sick diabetic cat who was able to go into remission, and with Bexacat remission can happen quickly! I know this all sounds scary, but once you get a hang of things I promise it will become less overwhelming - even if the day comes that you decide to transition Hercules to insulin, it's absolutely doable. Also, I'm so sorry that you feel this guilt and are struggling with funds. I wish I could help :( What I can offer is information, and hopefully reassurance that this is NOT your fault! We all do our best for our kitties, and I went through years of guilt over feeding my pets dry food before I realized that it's about a lack of education, not a lack of love. Tiki is an AMAZING food choice for a diabetic kitty! I hope this response didn't overwhelm you, and know you have so much support here if you need it! -Ashley
PS - Bexacat is flavored, but my cat won't eat it on it's own. If you have this issue, some Greenies Pill Pockets can be broken apart and wrapped around it for flavor. Worked like a charm for me.
 
Ashley+Wesley said:
Hi there!
My cat Hadley was just started on Bexacat about 5 days ago. She sees an Internist (a specialist with more education than a general practice vet) who is very confident that Bexacat is safe for otherwise healthy diabetic cats. Do you know offhand if your vet did a blood test for pancreatitis, often called an FPL? (if you have questions on this I'm happy to explain further). The biggest thing she stressed was the very frequent blood test monitoring that is required when starting this drug - was this shared by your veterinarian? These blood tests test for both ketones in the blood and glucose levels, and must be done in frequent intervals as a cat is transitioned to Bexacat. You can google this testing schedule or find it in the Bexacat information sheet that comes in the pill box. As an example, our vet stressed that blood ketones need to be tested 3-5 days after starting Bexacat, then 2 weeks after, and it goes on from there. If your vet didn't mention this, I would RUN back to them ASAP and have this discussion. The second very important thing she discussed with us is proper ketone testing in case of an emergency. If Hercules is acting sick at all (lethargic, etc) he will urgently need his blood ketones tested. Ketones can be detected in both urine and blood, but a standard urine dip stick ketone test is NOT accurate enough or appropriate for a kitty on Bexacat as it doesn't detect all types and levels of ketones. The only appropriate test for Hercules would be a blood ketone test specifically, and not all vet and emergency clinics have a blood ketone testing machine. It was recommended to us to find out which emergency clinics around us have one (in advance) so we know where to take our kitty if she seems sick. I would definitely ask your vet if they have this machine in their clinic and make sure they're aware of how ketones need to be tested - you may need to advocate for Hercules and PUSH for a blood ketone test if you take him in for being ill. You can also purchase your own blood ketone testing kit for at-home use in case Hercules seems "off" and you want a baseline, but I personally I would rather take Hadley to the ER. In case you would like to purchase the testing device, it's called "Abbott Precision Xtra Ketone Meter." If any of the information above wasn't shared with you or if you feel uncomfortable at all I would recommend considering a consultation with a veterinary Internist. They are more expensive, and I know you mentioned finances are an issue, but I wanted to throw this out just in case. Lastly, in case you weren't made aware Bexacat can cause temporary digestive issues as Hercules adjusts (diarrhea, vomiting) but this is nothing to worry about short term. I'm more than happy to share everything that Hadley's doctor taught us about Bexcat if you would like, just know that I am not a vet myself. I have had a few diabetic cats (one on insulin and now Hadley on Bexacat) so I do have quite a bit of knowledge on the disease itself. The good news is that cats go into remission often - I had a very sick diabetic cat who was able to go into remission, and with Bexacat remission can happen quickly! I know this all sounds scary, but once you get a hang of things I promise it will become less overwhelming - even if the day comes that you decide to transition Hercules to insulin, it's absolutely doable. Also, I'm so sorry that you feel this guilt and are struggling with funds. I wish I could help :( What I can offer is information, and hopefully reassurance that this is NOT your fault! We all do our best for our kitties, and I went through years of guilt over feeding my pets dry food before I realized that it's about a lack of education, not a lack of love. Tiki is an AMAZING food choice for a diabetic kitty! I hope this response didn't overwhelm you, and know you have so much support here if you need it! -Ashley
PS - Bexacat is flavored, but my cat won't eat it on it's own. If you have this issue, some Greenies Pill Pockets can be broken apart and wrapped around it for flavor. Worked like a charm for me.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of this out, you helped me so much!
 
We started our cat Schrodinger on Bexacat about 6 weeks ago. Bexacat is relatively new (as you said), so we researched its mechanism and became very familiar with the listed side effects and FDA warnings before we started. I know that reading the information can be scary, but you need to know the risks associated with choosing this method of treatment. Our experience so far is that Schrodinger is doing well on Bexacat. He had a blood glucose level in the mid-300s at diagnosis, and now his range (measured at home) is 100-160 mg/dl depending on time of day. His ketones are low and his other bloodwork is normal. He’s also consistently gaining weight. Schrodinger has been food driven since he was a kitten and will swallow the pill if I place it in front of him with 3-4 other hard treats. I’m guessing this isn’t the norm, but it is a flavored pill that he seems to like (or at least be OK with). I understand your financial concerns and was a bit surprised when the vet told us its cost. Our vet was charging $120 for a 30-day supply of Bexacat, but he was willing to write us a prescription. You can purchase a 30-day supply for about $70 through some of the online pet pharmacies in the US.


I recommend that you read as much as you can on this page. I’ve read every post for about 6-weeks now. There is a wealth of information here with regard to food choices, which has saved us money. We have mostly shifted away from the Purina prescription food to Fancy Feast pate, Friskies pate, and Dr. Elsey’s wet and dry. We also home-test glucose and ketones, though we will take Schrodinger to his vet at the 8-week point for a full blood workup to make sure he’s healthy.


I know it’s a stressful time, and I hope this helps you.
 
@Hercules
Hi there, I see you need financial help. I would suggest generic Lantus
If you decide to switch to this we can teach you how to home test , it's the only way to keep Hercules safe.
Just keep asking questions

Lantus is the major brand name glargine the USA you can get generic/biosimilar glargine at very reasonable prices using GoodRx coupon. Most members use the generic because Lantus is to expensive.
https://www.goodrx.com/lantus?label...d-pens-of-100-units-ml&quantity=1&slug=lantus
Make sure that the Match your prescription pull down menue says generic glargine 1carton of 5 3ml pens.
There is no wait time test, feed, give insulin
Lantus usually doesn't kick in until 2 hours after the shot
Let us know if the vet writes the script for you because you will need U-100 syringes with half unit markings , I can tell you which ones you can use
We buy the pens but use the syringes to draw out the insulin because if you use the pen you can only adjust by full units ,we adjust the doses by 0.25 units


Also
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
Its generic lantus



Or this one also

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Posted by another member
One members posted this
. I paid $175 for a box of 5 pens at Walmart pharmacy, but GoodRX coupon says you can get it for around $90 if you have a Rite Aid pharmacy near you.

Just call around for the best price

A member just posted this
Allie was using the Lantus and I just switched to the generic and using the GoodRX I got 5 pens for $81.30 at Walgreens. GoodRX has a 1-800 number to assist you in using their services to get your pets prescriptions filled if the pharmacy gives you any issues.

I think I found it for you
GoodRx / Customer service

1 (855) 268-2822
49823063143_3437e9e997_o.jpg


You can read all about Lantus here, all the yellow stickys
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-levemir-biosimilars.9/
Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen! You will see a small gray rubber stopper, insert the syringe there
syringe-in-pen-pic-jpg.45006
 
Last edited:
I know Tiki Cat is a little expense , you can feed him Fancy Feast Pates or Friskies which is less expensive. You can feed 6% carbs or less
Here is the chart for you to take a look at
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/dr-pierson-new-food-chart.174147/
I would definitely suggest you start home testing Hercules
Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them
Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197
You can order them on line also, stock up on test strips
If you do switch to generic Lantus you will need U-100 syringes with half unit markings
most pharmacy's don't carry the U-100 syringes with half unit markings .
I know Walmart does , I think you will need a script
You can get the syringes with half unit markings at a Walmart. Their ReliOn Brand syringes of 0.3 cc (30 unit) capacity come with half unit markings. Cost $12.58 for a box of 100
This is what the packaging looks like: either box is fine
They won't say it half unit on the box but the are . open then and look before you leave the store, can't be ordered on line , need to go into the store
:




upload_2021-9-5_23-18-9-jpeg.62508
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top