A new once-daily pill called Bexacat promises to make treating feline diabetes easier for newly diagnosed animals without the need for twice-daily injections.
However, the pill can’t be used in cats that have already received insulin.
The ease of use of the pill is a huge step forward in treating feline diabetes, as some cat owners struggle with giving insulin injections and dedicating time to their care.
Studies show that 1 in 10 cats with a new diabetes diagnosis are put down, and another 10% are euthanized within a year, partly due to the difficulties of treatment.
The new pill, Bexacat, is a significant advancement in the treatment of feline diabetes, as it eliminates the need for twice-daily injections and frequent visits to the vet.
This will make it easier for cat owners to manage their pet’s diabetes and provide them with proper care.
However, it should be noted that the pill can only be used in newly diagnosed cats and not in those who have already received insulin.
This new treatment option could save many cats’ lives by making it easier for their owners to manage their diabetes.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if Bexacat is an appropriate treatment option for your cat.
Bexacat is not yet available to the general public, as it is currently undergoing clinical trials to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Once approved and released, it will be a valuable tool for veterinarians and cat owners in managing feline diabetes.
It is important to keep in mind that Bexacat is not a cure for diabetes but rather a treatment option to help control the disease.
Regular monitoring and check-ups with a veterinarian will still be necessary to ensure proper management of the condition.
It is also important to note that diet and exercise play a crucial role in managing feline diabetes.
Maintaining a healthy weight and providing a carbohydrate diet can help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic cats.
Overall, Bexacat is a promising new treatment option for feline diabetes that can make managing the disease easier for both cat owners and veterinarians.
However, as with any medical treatment, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if Bexacat is the right option for your cat.
Bexacat, a new drug for treating feline diabetes, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is expected to be available in the United States in the next few weeks.
Developed by Elanco Animal Health Inc., Bexacat is the first of its kind to be approved for animal use.
Similar drugs have been approved for human use for about a decade.
Feline diabetes is caused by an excess of glucose in the bloodstream due to a lack of insulin production or improper use of the hormone by the pancreas.
Bexacat works by causing glucose to be excreted in the urine, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of feline diabetes include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and weight loss.
Approximately 25% of U.S. households own one or more cats, totalling over 58 million felines.
Between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, which is on the rise as obesity rates in the species approach 50%, according to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University.
According to company documents, studies involving more than 300 diabetic cats have shown that Bexacat improves glucose control and decreases at least one symptom of diabetes in more than 80% of newly diagnosed, healthy animals.
However, some cats in the studies died or had to be euthanized after taking the drug, which has prompted a warning of possible side effects, including diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication.
Because of these concerns, the drug is not recommended for cats that have previously received insulin treatment, and animals must be screened for liver, kidney and pancreatic disease to ensure they are otherwise healthy, according to Scott-Moncrieff.
Scott-Moncrieff states, “It will be life-changing for some cats and some owners, but it’s not for every cat.”
The treatment for Mark Winternheimer’s 12-year-old tabby cat’s diabetes last year was demanding, including twice-daily insulin injections, an implanted monitor and frequent visits to the vet.
However, a new once-daily pill called Bexacat promises to make treating feline diabetes easier for newly diagnosed animals without the need for injections.
While the pill’s ease of use is a huge step forward, it cannot be used in cats like Oliver who have previously received insulin, and the list price is around $53 a month, according to Elanco.
However, most vets will charge pet owners around $100 to $150 a month. Even with the costs, pet owners like Winternheimer would have preferred a pill over injections if it were available.
Bexacat, a new once-daily pill for treating feline diabetes, is expected to make the treatment process easier for newly diagnosed cats by eliminating the need for twice-daily insulin injections.
However, it is important to note that the drug has potential side effects and can only be used in healthy cats that have not been previously treated with insulin.
Additionally, the cost of the drug may be similar to the costs of insulin treatment, and frequent monitoring is still required.
Overall, Bexacat may be a convenient option for some cat owners, but it is not suitable for every cat. Consultation with a veterinarian is highly recommended before starting any treatment.
