Not Cool, Walmart...

[MikeysMom]

Someone on my horse forum was talking about this, so I figured I'd bring it here as an FYI. Apparently Walmart is now posting signs that they carry pet insulin for $24.99. Someone on that board asked what insulin it was, and the clerk wasn't sure, but she thought they were the N and R insulins. Grrr...IMO, these should not be advertised as "pet insulins" when they are ok for dogs, but not cats! Between a lot of vets still being uninformed and lots of owners seeing the signs and saying, "Wow, that's so much cheaper, I'm going to my vet to ask for that," it makes me worry that more kitties will be put on inappropriate insulin than are already.

Does anyone have more info on what Walmart will be carrying for pets? Based on the current info, it seems to me like they are advertising some very outdated protocols.

 

[BJM]

No info.

But you could always send your complaints to them and provide them with the contemporary protocols using Lantus and Levemir ... which would make them more profit, so they might be willing to adjust the signage.

 

[squeem3]

I found this: http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=19967

 

[Larry and Kitties]

If it is N insulin it is great for dogs.

 

[MikeysMom]

N is a good option for dogs, but I took issue with them calling it "pet insulin" The person who posted said they had pictures of cats and dogs on the sign. Sending an email to corporate is a good idea. I think there are a lot of people who, not knowing better, would see the price and run to their vets, and the vets, not knowing better, would comply.

What's really needed, IMO, is Lantus and Levemir packaged in smaller individal vials for cats. Like pen-sized, but not sold only in packs of five. The immediate cost would be lower and there would be less waste.

 

[squeem3]

What's really needed, IMO, is Lantus and Levemir packaged in smaller individal vials for cats. Like pen-sized, but not sold only in packs of five. The immediate cost would be lower and there would be less waste.

It's a good idea :smile: But Lantus and Levemir are for approved Human use only so that is why the packaging is either a 10 ml bottle or a 3ml pen. Pets use these as "off label" so a manufacturer isn't going to make a special smaller sized bottle or pen and risk liability and huge fines.

I've read on this board once that someone's vet was taking Lantus insulin from a 10 ml bottle and repackaging it into a smaller bottle :shock: Insulin in the original bottle is sterile. There is no guarantee that the transferred insulin and the smaller bottle are sterile. I would not risk using insulin that is not supplied in its original container.

Now if only one of the big name insulin syringe manufcaturers can create a smaller capacity U100 insulin syringe for pets and Human diabetics who need only small amounts of insulin. :smile: Adding quarter unit markings would be even more useful :smile: