Bexacat (bexagliflozin) For cats

On the first day of dosing with Bexacat, blood sugar levels dropped by 67.8% in just 8 hours¹. This shows the amazing potential of this new feline diabetes treatment. Bexacat (bexagliflozin) is the first pill okayed by the FDA to help control blood sugar in cats. It’s for cats with diabetes that have never used insulin before².

It’s a big deal because Bexacat uses a new method to help control diabetes in cats. This method has never been used in drugs for animals before. So, Bexacat marks a big step forward in fighting this common problem in our pet cats².

Key Takeaways

• Bexacat is the first and only oral tablet feline diabetes treatment for cats weighing more than 6.6 lbs. that have never been treated with insulin¹.
• On the first day of dosing, Bexacat reduced average blood glucose levels by 67.8% in just 8 hours¹².
• Bexacat is designed to treat diabetes in cats that are otherwise healthy and have not previously been treated with insulin².
• Serious side effects of Bexacat may lead to hospitalization and specific treatments, including insulin².
• Bexacat should not be used in cats with diabetes mellitus previously treated with insulin or who are currently receiving insulin².

What is Bexacat (bexagliflozin)?

Understanding the New Diabetes Drug for Cats

Bexacat is a new medicine for cats with diabetes. It’s taken by mouth and is the first of its kind. It helps control blood sugar in cats that haven’t used insulin before³. Bexacat marks a big step forward in helping cats with diabetes³.

Bexacat: A Breakthrough SGLT2 Inhibitor for Feline Diabetes

This drug works in a new way, different from insulin. It stops the kidneys from taking glucose back into the body. This leads to more glucose being in the urine and less in the blood, which is good for the cat’s health³. Studies show it works well in controlling blood sugar. In fact, it was effective in over 80% of cases³.

It’s a flavored tablet that cats need once a day, no matter their blood sugar level. The tablets come in bottles of 30 or 90³. But, it’s not for cats that are already on insulin or really need it to survive³.

“Bexacat is the first SGLT2 inhibitor new animal drug approved by the FDA for use in cats, representing a significant advancement in the treatment of feline diabetes.”

Cats on Bexacat need careful watching, as there can be severe side effects like ketoacidosis. It’s important to act fast if any problems arise to keep the cat safe⁴.

In short, Bexacat is a modern way to handle cat diabetes. It offers a new method and has shown it works well in controlling the sugar levels. But, it’s important to use it carefully and keep a close eye on the cat’s health. This way, it can be a really useful tool in fighting diabetes in cats⁴⁵.

How Does Bexacat Work?

Bexacat is a new kind of medicine for cat diabetes. It works differently from insulin. It stops the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose by blocking SGLT2. This lets excess glucose leave the body through urine. As a result, it helps to better manage blood sugar in cats with diabetes mellitus.

The Science Behind Bexacat’s Mode of Action

Bexacat stops the SGLT2 transporter in the kidneys⁶. Normally, this transporter puts most filtered glucose back into the blood. But Bexacat’s action stops this, letting extra glucose exit the body in urine. This way, blood sugar levels drop. It’s a unique step away from insulin treatments.

The FDA warns about a higher risk of DKA in cats using Bexacat, found in field studies⁶. Because of this, they don’t recommend it for cats on insulin or with kidney problems. Vets should keep a close eye on the cat’s health during Bexacat use. This means checking various levels and signs regularly, to make sure of the cat’s well-being.

Studies show that Bexacat helps in over 80% of cats with diabetes. However, these cats might get more urinary tract infections. So, infections need quick treatment, and vets should think about stopping Bexacat if infections keep happening. Also, careful watching is needed, especially in the first 8 weeks of using Bexacat when the blood sugar control is not good⁶.

To sum it up, Bexacat’s way of working tackles high blood sugar in cats with diabetes. But, using it safely means watching the cat closely and taking steps to prevent or manage side effects. With the right care, Bexacat can be a valuable tool in fighting diabetes in cats⁶⁷⁸.

Bexacat (bexagliflozin) for Cats: Indications and Usage

Bexacat is the first FDA-approved medication for diabetic cats. It uses bexagliflozin, an active ingredient, to help control blood sugar⁹. Studies show it works in over 80% of cases. The medicine comes in tasty 15-mg tablets, in 30 or 90 tablet bottles⁹.

If a cat has used insulin before or needs it now, Bexacat isn’t right for them⁹. Also, if a cat isn’t eating, is dehydrated, or feeling very weak, don’t start this medicine⁹.

In one study, adding bexagliflozin helped manage diabetes in 5 cats¹⁰. All cats needed less insulin, and 2 stopped insulin entirely. Their blood sugar and some other health measures improved for most. Luckily, no dangerous drops in blood sugar happened, and side effects were mild¹⁰.

Other studies in 84 newly diagnosed diabetic cats showed an 84% success rate with bexagliflozin¹¹. Cats also saw improvements in how much they drank, urinated, and ate. But, a few developed a serious condition called DKA. This is a risk, especially in the first 2 months of starting this type of medicine¹¹.

It’s key to remember that not all cats with diabetes are good candidates for this treatment. Around 80% of new cases fall into this category¹¹.

Administering Bexacat: Dosage and Directions

Bexacat Dosage Chart and Frequency Guidelines

Bexacat is an FDA-approved medicine for diabetic cats, coming in 15 mg tablets. You can buy it in bottles of 30 or 90 tablets¹². Cats over 6.6 pounds should take it once daily. They can take it with or without food, always at the same time¹³.

This medication works by stopping a specific process in the kidneys. Due to this action, cats can get rid of extra sugar in their urine. This reduces their blood sugar levels¹⁴. However, Bexacat isn’t for cats who need insulin to manage their diabetes. Giving it to them might lead to a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis¹³.

Some cats shouldn’t take Bexacat. This includes ones with pancreatitis, a past of ketoacidosis, under 6.6 lbs, liver or kidney problems, and certain high ketone levels¹². Also, remember that Bexacat is meant for use in cats and it wears off after about 24 hours¹³.

Always keep an eye on diabetic cats using Bexacat. Doctors should check the cat’s blood sugar and other levels often. This monitoring needs to happen more frequently at first, then less often as the cat stabilizes¹². Cats might seem fine even with high sugar levels, which can be dangerous. So, regular and close veterinary check-ups are a must¹³.

There are some possible side effects to watch out for. These can include eating less, throwing up, having loose stools, or peeing more or less than usual. Very rarely, a cat might have an allergic reaction¹³. Your vet will watch over your cat’s health closely during treatment¹⁴.

“Bexacat offers an oral alternative to traditional insulin injections for cats with diabetes mellitus, providing a new treatment option for this common feline condition.”

Following the instructions on the label or as your vet directs is very important when giving Bexacat. This will help your cat stay as healthy as possible¹⁴¹²¹³.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Bexacat (bexagliflozin) is a good option for feline diabetes. Yet, it comes with some side effects and precautions¹⁵. The most serious one is the higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a life-threatening condition that requires quick treatment¹⁵.

Cats taking Bexacat should be watched for certain signs. These include not wanting to eat, being very tired, and losing weight. These could mean they’re developing a severe condition¹⁶.

This drug is not for cats with liver or kidney problems¹⁶. Cat owners need to keep their pets on a healthy diet and exercise. This helps the drug to work better¹⁵.

Important Safety Information for Bexacat Users

• Bexacat may increase the risk of needing a lower limb amputation¹⁵.
• It works best when taken with metformin to lower blood sugar¹⁵.
• If your cat is on insulin, it shouldn’t take Bexagliflozin¹⁷.
• Cats on Bexacat should have their BHB levels checked 3 to 5 days later with a special ketone meter¹⁷.
• With these type of drugs, cats may pee more than usual¹⁷.

Cat owners, watch your pets closely for any bad reactions. Work with your vet for the best use of Bexacat¹⁶. By knowing what to look out for and working with your vet, you can keep your cat safe while treating its diabetes¹⁶.

“Diabetic ketoacidosis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention. Watch your pets closely for any signs of these problems while they are on Bexacat.”

Bexacat vs. Other Diabetes Treatments for Cats

Cats with diabetes mellitus have often been managed with a mix of insulin and specific diets. Owners usually have to give cats insulin shots, around twice a day¹⁸. Yet, Bexacat (bexagliflozin) is a game-changer. It’s a new pill okayed by the FDA to better control blood sugar in diabetic cats¹⁸¹⁹.

This new pill, Bexacat, doesn’t need needles. It’s the first of its kind that the FDA has allowed to use for cats not already on insulin¹⁸. Also, instead of needing shots, owners give Bexacat in a tasty tablet form once a day. This way, caring for a diabetic cat is simpler¹⁹.

Studies on Bexacat are exciting. They show it can be more than 80% effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic cats¹⁸. This means Bexacat might just be the new, positive change vets and cat owners need in managing diabetes in cats.

Another new oral medicine, Senvelgo (velagliflozin oral solution), has gotten the FDA’s nod too¹⁹. Both these, Bexacat and Senvelgo, are part of a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. They help by not letting the kidneys reabsorb glucose, which lowers blood sugar¹⁹.

Insulin injections have usually been the go-to for treating diabetes in cats. Now, with Bexacat and Senvelgo available, there’s an easier, oral choice¹⁹. Yet, it’s key to remember not all cats can take these pills. Cats will need steady checks to make sure these new drugs are safe and work well²⁰.

To sum up, Bexacat is a big step forward in diabetic cat care. It serves as a powerful oral choice that could make daily treatment easier than before. Working closely with the vet to choose the best plan remains key, though¹⁸¹⁹²⁰.

Bexacat Benefits: Improved Glycemic Control for Diabetic Cats

Bexacat is a new treatment for cats with diabetes. It stops the kidneys from absorbing glucose, helping lower blood sugar levels. This means it can control diabetes better in cats²¹.

Studies show that Bexacat is very effective, improving blood sugar control by over 80% in cats with diabetes²¹. It’s easy to use, given to cats as a tablet once a day. This is for cats that weigh 6.6 lbs or more, no matter their blood sugar levels²¹.

This method makes Bexacat different from giving insulin shots twice a day²¹. The easy daily tablet can make living with diabetes easier for cats. It also helps lower the risk of health problems caused by diabetes²¹.

But, there are risks with Bexacat. Cats can have serious problems like diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be deadly²¹. It’s crucial to watch for signs like not eating, being very tired, being very thirsty, and losing weight²¹.

To keep cats safe, they should be checked before starting Bexacat. They need to be watched closely while using it. And if they show any bad signs, their owners need to know what to do. They should get a paper that tells them the risks and what to look out for²¹.

Bexacat is a big step in caring for cats with diabetes. It makes blood sugar control better and the treatment is easier for both cat owners and vets²¹. But, using this medicine means being very careful and checking the cat’s health often to make sure they are doing well.

Bexacat Reviews: What Cat Owners Are Saying

Bexacat is a new option for diabetic cats. Evidence from clinical studies shows it helps control blood sugar well²². It’s important for both veterinarians and cat owners to keep a close eye on how the cats react to Bexacat. Any side effects should be reported to the maker and FDA. This helps everyone understand how well and safe Bexacat is for cats.

In trials, Bexacat had good results. About 57% of diabetic cats had normal blood sugar after 56 days of using Bexacat²³. By day 180, these cats’ blood sugar levels were normal, along with 68% showing good BHBA levels²³. They also saw improvements in drinking, eating, and peeing, with 63% eating less, 75% urinating less, and 81% drinking less²³.

Yet, Bexacat might cause some issues. Some cats might vomit, get diarrhea, or not want to eat. Also, about 10% could face serious problems such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and pancreatitis²³. So, it’s very important to watch the cats closely for any unusual signs related to their blood sugar. DKA is more of a risk for cats on Bexacat, so being careful is a must²³.

Bexacat is meant for specific cats with diabetes. They should not have used insulin before and have normal eating and drinking habits. Also, their blood and urine tests must show certain results²³. It’s key to keep a close check on them during treatment. Look out for any signals of DKA and go for follow-up visits 3 to 5 days after starting, then as recommended²³. It’s crucial that owners know Bexacat might not work forever. If it stops working, their cats might need insulin²³.

Since Bexacat is a recent choice, it’s very important for both cat owners and vets to watch how it works closely. Any feedback on the drug’s effects and safety is valuable²². With proper care, Bexacat could be a great option instead of insulin for some cats with diabetes²².

“Bexacat has been a game-changer for my cat’s diabetes management. The once-daily tablet is so much easier to administer than insulin injections, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my cat’s glucose levels and overall health.”

– Sarah, Cat Owner

Bexacat Cost and Availability

Bexacat, a new drug for feline diabetes, is becoming available²⁴. It comes in flavored 15mg tablets. You can buy it in 30 or 90-tablet bottles²⁴. Elanco makes Bexacat. They are a big animal health company in Massachusetts.

The exact price of Bexacat isn’t known yet²⁵. But, it might cost more since it’s a unique way to treat diabetes in cats²⁴. If you want to find out the price, call your local pharmacy or Elanco.

Where to Buy Bexacat and Pricing Information

You can get Bexacat with a vet’s prescription. It’s available at vet clinics and special pet pharmacies²⁵. For cats over 6.6 lbs, one tablet a day is the usual dose. You can give it with or without food²⁶. Its price should be fair compared to other feline diabetes treatments.

Bexacat is getting more widely available²⁴. As more vets use it, prices and supply should be more predictable. If your cat has diabetes, talk to your vet about using Bexacat.

Conclusion

Bexacat is a big step forward in treating diabetes in cats. It’s the first of its kind for cats. It works differently than the usual insulin shots²⁷. Though using Bexacat needs to be watched carefully, it can really help cats control their blood sugar well if they haven’t used insulin before²⁸²⁹.

Using Bexacat for diabetes means not using insulin. This new way is safer because it doesn’t cause low blood sugar. But, there are still things to be careful about like diabetic ketoacidosis. Cat owners and vets need to watch for this²⁷²⁸.

Bexacat is getting easier to find in the U.S²⁹.. It’s a big help for treating diabetes in cats, meeting a big need. Vets and cat owners should team up to use Bexacat right for each cat. This helps make sure it’s both safe and works well.

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