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Item No.
25897
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Product Description
Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the first and only FDA-approved insulin available in the U.S. for treating diabetic dogs and cats. Vetsulin comes in the form of a sterile, injectable porcine insulin zinc solution, and may help your pet to feel better.
What is Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats?
Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is an FDA-approved prescription insulin for treating diabetic dogs and cats. It is used to reduce hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs.
Who is Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats for?
Vetsulin is for dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.
Why use Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats?
-Vetsulin is the only FDA-approved insulin for use in diabetic dogs and cats in the USA.
How does Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats work?
Porcine insulin is similar in amino acid structure to canine insulin. Vetsulin® is classified as intermediate acting insulin. In dogs, Vetsulin® has two peaks of activity following subcutaneous administration (the first at around 4 hours and the second at around 11 hours). The duration of activity varies between 14 and 24 hours. In cats, the peak activity following subcutaneous administration of Vetsulin® occurs between 1.5 and 8 hours, and the duration of activity varies between 8 and 12 hours. The peak(s), duration of activity and dose required to adequately control diabetic signs will vary between individuals.
Manufacturer:
Merck Animal Health
Active Ingredients(s):
Vetsulin® is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin.
How is Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats sold?
Vetsulin® is supplied as a sterile injectable suspension in multidose vials containing either 2.5 mL or 10 mL of 40 IU/mL porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vials are supplied in cartons of one 10 mL vial and cartons of ten 2.5 mL vials.
What are the side effects of Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats?
Rarely, allergic reactions to insulin can occur. Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if an allergic reaction is experienced (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives). Other serious side effects of Vetsulin can occur with or without warning. The most common insulin-related side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with symptoms that include; lethargy, staggering gait, seizure or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a medical problem or side effect from Vetsulin therapy. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
What special precautions are there?
Animals presenting with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy until their condition is stabilized. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are essential to attain and maintain adequate glycemic control and prevent associated complications. Use of a syringe other than Intervet U-40 Insulin Syringes will result in incorrect dosing. Vetsulin insulin is for subcutaneous injection in dogs and cats only.
What to do if overdose?
In case of overdose, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. Overdose can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogens, certain endocrinopathies, and glucocorticoids can have an antagonistic effect on insulin activity.
How can I store Vetsulin Insulin for Dogs and Cats?
Store in an upright position under refrigeration at 2° to 8° C (36° to 46° F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Helpful Tips:
Always read information sheet with each prescription. Use of a syringe other than Intervet U-40 Insulin Syringes will result in incorrect dosing. Vetsulin insulin is for subcutaneous injection in dogs and cats only.
Overview
Vetsulin should be mixed by gentle rolling of the vial prior to withdrawing the dose from the vial. Using a U-40 insulin syringe, the injection should be administered subcutaneously, 2 to 5 cm (3/4 to 2 in) from the dorsal midline, varying from behind the scapulae to the mid-lumbar region and alternating sides.
Vetsulin for Dogs
The initial recommended dose of Vetsulin® for dogs is 0.5 IU insulin/kg body weight. This dose should be given once daily concurrently with, or right after a meal. Your veterinarian should re-evaluate your dog at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and glucose curve values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
In the US clinical study, glycemic control was considered adequate if an acceptable blood glucose curve was achieved (reduction in hyperglycemia and a nadir of 60 - 160 mg/dL), clinical signs of hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria) were improved, and hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 50 mg/dL) was avoided. Twice daily therapy should be initiated if the duration of insulin action is determined to be inadequate.
If twice daily treatment is initiated, the two doses should be 25% less than the once daily dose required to attain an acceptable nadir. For example, if a dog receiving 20 units of Vetsulin® once daily has an acceptable nadir but inadequate duration of activity, the Vetsulin® dose should be changed to 15 units twice daily.
Further adjustments in dosage may be necessary with changes in the dog's diet, body weight, or concomitant medication, or if the dog develops concurrent infection, inflammation, neoplasia, or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder.
Vetsulin for Cats
The initial recommended dose of Vetsulin for cats is 1 to 2 IU per injection. The injections should be given twice daily at approximately 12 hour intervals. For cats fed twice daily, the injections should be given concurrently with, or right after each meal. For cats fed ad libitum, no change in feeding schedule is needed.
Your veterinarian should re-evaluate your cat at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and blood glucose curve values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
Further adjustments in dosage may be necessary with changes in the cat's diet, body weight, or concomitant medication, or if the cat develops concurrent infection, inflammation, neoplasia, or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder.
Main Ingredients
Vetsulin is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin.
Each mL contains:
- 40 IU of purified porcine insulin (30% amorphous and 70% crystalline) 40 IU
- 0.08 mg of zinc (as chloride)
- 1.36 mg of sodium acetate trihydrate
- 7.0 mg of sodium chloride
- 1.0 mg of methylparaben (preservative)
pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.