please Help ASAP!

Status
Not open for further replies.
2

20Paws

Member Since 2014
My cat was diagnosed today (went to vet 2 days ago & got blood tests [$330], he asked for another blood panel [$90] , went in today to learn how to give shot. Got a prescription for Glargine 1.5 units 2x/day. I've been calling around & got a price at Sam's Club of $280(!!) :cry: ...Called vet back, he said it was the generic of Lantus "and there isn't another choice" except maybe pens [Sam's would be $420 for the 5 pens! :shock: :shock: ]. Have been trying find places online to call - he said she needed it tomorrow - & I can't even get Costco, Target, Walgreens, Walmart to answer their phones (flu season, maybe?). I'm at my wits end - I can't believe I can't find anything out there!!
:cry: @-) nailbite_smile
 
Welcome to fdmb,

I have never used lantus, but from posts I've read some pharmacies will sell a single pen. I think it was target? Also check the lantus website, I think I seen they also have a discount card. If worse comes to worse you can always ask your vet for prozinc or pzi. I used prozinc and Hidey did very well on it and it was about $85?

Also, can we get some info please. Your name, your fur babies name? Did they rule out any other health issues? Did they tell you his blood glucose number? What food are you feeding? And have to read yet about home testing?

I apologize all those questions seem overwhelming.

First step for you is to breathe. We were all newbies at one point and we are here to help.

With diet change, it can drastically reduce bg so it's important to home test but if the bg number isn't too high who knows you may want to try a diet change prior to insulin.
 
Have the vet write the Rx for 1 pen, 4 refills; it may help you get them 1 at a time.

Also, you store the pen refrigerated on a stationary shelf and it will last up to 6 months, despite what the package insert says.

You may find Canada a better place to fax the Rx and have it shipped here, or if you live close enough to the border and have a passport, drive up and get it.
 
I don't know anywhere near as much as the majority of people on this board, but I can tell you, in February of 2013, when my kitty was diagnosed this board was invaluable. I got really lucky and we only had to have Ernie on insulin for a few months. We hit on a great diet for Ernie, and knock on wood, he has had great blood sugar readings ever since. I know my experience will not be the same as many others, but I have come to believe that spending some money on quality food with very low carbohydrates can be key to maintaining your cat's blood sugar.

I have 5 cats and they are all one Wellness canned Turkey and Turkey/Salmon.

As daunting as it may be, investing in a good glucose meter to use at home was also extremely helpful. We purchased the Alpha trak, which is specific to animals, but many people feel that there are human meters that are just as good. I know this diagnosis can seem terrifying, but this board and the people on here helped more than I can say.

good luck and stay positive.I wish I had more information on how to get insulin at a better price, but as I said earlier Ernie only had to be on it for a few months. We never purchase more than one bottle. But I hope the little bit that I shared here helps.
 
BJM said:
Have the vet write the Rx for 1 pen, 4 refills; it may help you get them 1 at a time.
Click to expand...
Great idea!

I called all the same pharmacies you listed. I also called CVS and mentioned to them it was for my cat and they immediately told me they will try their best to get me a lower price, originally $270. My wife signed us up for a Pet discount card. We ended up paying $230 for the vial of Lantus. Still not cheap, but the savings covered the cost of the syringes. You can look into the discount card here
 
First off, welcome to the FDMB! You have now given your fur baby the best chance of better health. We are here to answer your questions and help you to learn how to take care of your kitty and the tools which you will need. We were on a tight budget as are many of us here. Most of us use the Relion meter that can be found at Walmart. There are three models and many use the micro, I believe, as it requires less blood. The strips are affordable as we go through several a day. Take deep breaths often, and just spend time loving on your kitty before doing any testing. They will pick up on your fears. Anyway, members with a lot of advise will be around for all your questions. Don't hesitate to seek out information. :mrgreen:
 
Clarification: ReliOn is the WalMart brand label; the specific meters are Confirm, Confirm Micro, and Prime.
If you prefer to shop elsewhere, ADW, through our SHOP link above, carries the unbranded Confirm and Confirm micro as the Glucocard 01 and Glucocard 01 Mini.

Momma of Muse has reported issues with the Prime, so she goes with the Confirm models.

I use the Confirm Micro; it fits neatly in my hand. If I need strips in a hurry, I can get them from WalMart.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top