Switching to Lantus from Vetsulin

[Librarianista]

Former post for continuity:
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/asking-vet-to-change-insulins-and-food-follow-up.248129/

Post-vet update. She was there from a half hour after her AM shot until about a half hour ago - so 6 hours that I don’t have any readings for day time today.

We are switching to 2U of Lantus BID, except tonight she just wanted me to give 1 to make sure the Vetsulin is out of her system. I had a prior commitment tonight, so +3 was the earliest I could test her after feeding and injection. I’ll try to get a few night time numbers recorded, but I’m just exhausted because life.

Didn’t get a full dental exam but she has 1 broken tooth she could see. She didn’t flinch when the dr was poking around that area so she doesn’t think it was an emergency. There’s plaque buildup on some back teeth that might be painful. They gave me some Onsior pills to see if that affects whether she’ll eat on both sides of her mouth or try some dry food. I know that pain might affect her BG levels, but I’m not sure what new insulin + new meds will do and which should take precedence.

 

[Bandit's Mom]

It's great that you have been able to switch her to Lantus. If I understand right, her last dose of Vetsulin was 3.5U?
I'm going to tag @Wendy&Neko and @tiffmaxee for their inputs on what the starting dose for Lantus should be.

We follow two dosing protocols here:
Dosing Methods: Start Low, Go Slow (SLGS) & Tight Regulation (TR)

Now that you have switched to Lantus, you can post in the Lantus / Basaglar (glargine) and Levemir (detemir) forum. You will get a lot more eyes of Lantus users on your posts

 

[Librarianista]

She was on 3 units of Vetsulin the last week or so since it felt like the general consensus was that her dosage was being upped too fast.

Her numbers are mostly in the black, so I’ll be keeping an eye on those as best I can hoping to see some other colors.

 

[tiffmaxee]

When switching from Vetsulin to Lantus you start at the same dose or a little less. So Start at 2.5 or 3.0. See what Wendy thinks. @Wendy&Neko

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I would start with 3 units, especially with numbers in the black.

she just wanted me to give 1 to make sure the Vetsulin is out of her system.

This is incorrect. One of the reasons we suggested switching to Lantus is that Vetsulin doesn't even last 12 hours in most cats. It is well out of the system. You could have started with 3 units immediately. Oh well, good luck with the Lantus switch.

 

[Cpatt]

Good stuff!! This has saved me from asking the exact same question. Made the switch from Vetsulin to Lantus. His first shot was this morning. We were at 3units of Vetsulin and just gave him 3units of Lantus. We are at home today and gonna monitor him at the +2,3,6,9 and get a few in tonight to see how he is initially taking to it. Good luck in your journey!! Thank you to all.

 

[Bandit's Mom]

Good stuff!! This has saved me from asking the exact same question. Made the switch from Vetsulin to Lantus. His first shot was this morning. We were at 3units of Vetsulin and just gave him 3units of Lantus. We are at home today and gonna monitor him at the +2,3,6,9 and get a few in tonight to see how he is initially taking to it. Good luck in your journey!! Thank you to all.

Good luck with the switch! Hope to see you on the Lantus forum as well!

Dosing Methods: Start Low, Go Slow (SLGS) & Tight Regulation (TR)
Lantus / Basaglar (glargine) and Levemir (detemir) forum.

 

[Librarianista]

Good stuff!! This has saved me from asking the exact same question. Made the switch from Vetsulin to Lantus. His first shot was this morning. We were at 3units of Vetsulin and just gave him 3units of Lantus. We are at home today and gonna monitor him at the +2,3,6,9 and get a few in tonight to see how he is initially taking to it. Good luck in your journey!! Thank you to all.

Good luck on yours too! Hoping to see my baby feeling better!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

How many days of Onsior did your vet prescribe? Onsior should not be given for more than 3 days. It's a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These drugs are very hard on the kidneys and can cause renal failure. The manufacturer of Onsior indicates it should not be used for more than 3 days. It is supposed to be used for post-operative pain.

 

[Librarianista]

How many days of Onsior did your vet prescribe? Onsior should not be given for more than 3 days. It's a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These drugs are very hard on the kidneys and can cause renal failure. The manufacturer of Onsior indicates it should not be used for more than 3 days. It is supposed to be used for post-operative pain.

Just 3 days, and I haven’t given her any yet. She’s a very difficult cat to give oral medication to.