Vetsulin®
Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the only FDA-approved insulin for use in diabetic dogs and cats in the USA .
Vetsulin should not be used in dogs or cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Keep out of the reach of children. 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 associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death.
See the package insert on the Vetsulin website for full information regarding contraindications, warnings and precautions.
http://www.vetsulin.com/vet/AboutVet_ProductLabel.aspx
Description
Vetsulin
® is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin.
Each mL contains:
purified porcine insulin 40 IU
(30% amorphous and 70% crystalline)
Zinc chloride 0.08 mg
Sodium acetate trihydrate 1.36 mg
Sodium chloride 7.0 mg
Methylparaben (preservative) 1.0 mg
pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.
Indications
Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.
Administration and Dosage
USE OF A SYRINGE OTHER THAN A U-40 SYRINGE WILL RESULT IN INCORRECT DOSING. FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION IN DOGS AND CATS ONLY.
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.
Starting Dose in Dogs
In dogs, the initial recommended Vetsulin dose is 0.5 IU insulin/kg of body weight. This dose should be given once daily concurrently with or right after a meal.
Starting Dose inCats
The initial recommended dose in 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.
Veterinarians should reevaluate canine and feline patients at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and glucose curve values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
Caution
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 associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogens, certain endocrinopathies and glucocorticoids can have an antagonistic effect on insulin activity. Intact bitches should be ovariohysterectomized. Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided.
Drug Interactions: In the US clinical effectiveness study, dogs received various medications while being treated with Vetsulin® including antimicrobials, NSAIDs, thyroid hormone supplementation, internal and external parasiticides, anti-emetics, dermatological topical treatments and oral supplements, and ophthalmic preparations containing antimicrobials and antiinflammatories. No medication interactions were reported. This drug was not studied in dogs receiving steroids.
Reproductive Safety: The safety and effectiveness of Vetsulin in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs and cats have not been evaluated.
Use in puppies and kittens: The safety and effectiveness of Vetsulin in puppies and kittens have not been evaluated.
Supplied
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.
Product Label(s) and MSDS: http://www.compasnac.com/imerck-animal-health.htm
For full product information, precautions and warnings, please go to www.vetsulin.com
Vetsulin is the property of Merck Animal Health or affiliated companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws.
