switching insulin

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Pepsi Doodle

Member Since 2020
It has been recommended by many to switch my boy's insulin from caninsulin to lantus. I do not like what the caninsulin is doing for him. We are one week in to injections. I would like to research all that I need so that when I make the switch I'm all in and do it right. This is all still very new and overwhelming Suggestions? Best place for info?
 
Hi Samantha and sugarcat Blackie!! Glad you're over here from the Facebook group!

As we discussed, Lantus is a much better insulin for most cats than Caninsulin (the prefix "canin" being the big clue) so I'm glad you're in Canada and can get it without a script. It's still important for your vet to know so at some point, you'll need to make sure they know.

Since Blackie is eating raw, you have your choice of using either the Tight Regulation Protocol or the Start Low, Go Slow method of dosing. Both dosing methods can be found in This Sticky

You don't have to pick right now so don't get overwhelmed thinking you have to make a decision tonight!

On both dosing methods, your starting dose would be .5....On TR, it's based on weight (slightly less than 7lbs) which is .79 so we always start a little lower, and on SLGS the starting dose is .5....so either way you're good!

If you want to do some reading, there are other "Sticky's" on the Lantus, Basaglar and Levemir forum. The Sticky's are at the top and marked with the yellow word "Sticky".
 
The pens are the better buy. Each pen holds 300 units and we use the like "mini-vials". You use regular U100 insulin syringes (3/10ml, 30 or 31 gauge, 6mm or 8mm length) and pull the insulin out of the pen. Under the cap there's a rubber stopper just like a vial. A 5 pack of pens can last most cats at least a year and some up to 2 years!

The vial's hold 1000 units and most cat's can't use that much before it starts to lose efficacy and you have to throw a lot of it away. With the pens, the "efficacy clock" doesn't start until it's pierced so while you're using 1 pen, the other four sit safely in the fridge waiting their turn.....and they'll stay good until the expiration date on the box (usually at least 2 years away).

Don't believe it if you see or are told it's only good for 28 days. You should be able to use pretty much every drop out of each pen. The only reason it says 28 days is because when the manufacturer submitted it for testing, they only asked that it be tested for 28 days so legally, they have to say that! (Big Pharma strikes again)

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syringe in pen close up.jpg
 

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I think that's a good plan, Samantha. Blackie is only just above the 'no shoot' number for cats without much BG test data and, as you rightly say, Caninsulin can really drop numbers steeply, even on a very small dose.

Good luck with the switchover. :)


Mogs
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You are absolutely fine to make a direct switch from Caninsulin to Lantus. There is no need for a "wash out" period. The only thing to be aware of is that some cats can have a marked response to a switch in insulins. You will likely need to get a few tests in to make sure this isn't the case.

I don't see a link to a spreadsheet in your signature. You will definitely need to get a spreadsheet set up so you have a record of your kitty's progress and so we can follow along and lend a hand. This link is to a post on helping us to help you. It will give you the basic instructions for getting started.
 
Hi Samantha,

Pepsi Doodle said:
So I think we're all set to make the change at tonight's shoot. Everything is done the same correct? I'll figure out how to attach the spreadsheet now too.
Click to expand...
With Caninsulin, you needed to wait for 20-30 minutes after the preshot feed before giving the injection.

With Lantus, you do the preshot test, feed, and once your kitty has eaten a good amount of food you can give the Lantus injection. (It's typically gentler in onset than Caninsulin so no need to wait after your cat has eaten.)

Bon chance! :)


Mogs
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Hello and welcome. I too am in Canada and switched from Caninsulin to Lantus. I think you'll like the switch. I would recommend the cartridges instead of the pens. A tiny bit cheaper and less waste. The cartridge is like a pen refill.
 
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