Other options for insulin besides Lantus?

[darlingjohn]

Hi-
My sweet kitty, John, was diagnosed last September with Diabetes. We have been unable to afford the Lantus insulin and I did much research on managing his blood sugar through diet. It was all going well until recently. He eats and drinks a ton but is losing weight very fast. I know that I have to fill his prescription and I have called every pharmacy in the region. The cheapest I can find is $193. Are there any other options that anyone knows of? We are aware that insulin is the only thing that can help John at this point so we are reaching out to figure out our options- if there are any. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Unfortunately all the good insulins cost about the same. The nice thing is that you use it very slowly and if your cat goes down in dose, it can last a long time.

There is an offer for Lantus in the supply closet - don't know if it is still available.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=111263

This thread has some good tips on what to buy:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151

 

[Deb & Wink]

DCIN put together this document on getting Lantus insulin at lower cost.

 

[darlingjohn]

Thank you so much! This board is so wonderful and helpful

 

[IttyBit]

Just curious since you said food/water are going right thru him have you checked him for ketones? Mine just went thru that & ended up in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). It's very serious untreated by a vet & can be fatal.

As for insulin mine takes Prozinc (actual cat insulin) & it costs me $85 for a vial. It lasts 7-8mths usually but we have to use more now since the DKA episode so it'll go quicker.

 

[sophie]

Hi,
where did you purchase the $85 vial of ProZinc? That's a great price. Was it a university affiliated vet hospital? I have noticed that's where the prices seem lowest, though I don't know if just anyone can purchase it there. Perhaps, only those whose cats use their facility?
Best wishes,
Sophie

 

[IttyBit]

No that's what my vet charges for it. I just pick it up from her, is it normally more expensive thn that? I wouldn't know since she's the only place I've ever gotten it.