What is Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL?
The first insulin approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating both canine and feline diabetes mellitus. Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is produced by Merck Animal Health and is available only by prescription. VetPen cartridges work as part of the VetPen injection pen delivery system to provide accurate dosing easily and consistently. VetPen requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
Suitable for:
Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
How does Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL work?
As a lente insulin, Vetsulin is classified as an intermediate-acting insulin. It is an aqueous suspension of 40 IU/mL of highly purified porcine insulin, consisting of 35% amorphous and 65% crystalline zinc insulin. Unlike human insulin, porcine insulin has the same amino acid sequence as canine insulin, making it less likely for dogs to develop anti-insulin antibodies. In Dogs, the amorphous fraction will reach its maximum effect approximately 4 hours following subcutaneous administration, and its effects last for about 8 hours thereafter. The effect is maintained by the crystalline fraction, which has a slower onset of action and peak effects around 11 hours following injection. The duration of activity of Vetsulin generally ranges from 14–24 hours in dogs. In Cats, the peak activity following subcutaneous administration of Vetsulin in cats occurs between 1.5 and 8 hours (with an average of about 4 hours), and the duration of activity varies between 8 and 12 hours.
Cautions:
Vetsulin should not be used in dogs known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Keep out of reach of children. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential to attain and maintain adequate glycemic control and prevent associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. The safety and effectiveness of Vetsulin in puppies, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs has not been evaluated. See package insert for full information regarding contraindications, warnings, and precautions. VetPen User Safety Warning: For use in animals only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to the product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.
What is the most important thing I should know about Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL?
Vetsulin is a suspension, with active ingredients present in the precipitate and in the clear supernatant. Before administering, all insulin should be shaken thoroughly until a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained. Any foam formed during shaking should be allowed to disperse before the product is used. Product should be shaken thoroughly if clumps or white particles are seen. Do not use if visible clumps or white particles persist after shaking.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is hypersensitive to pork or pork products, has any other medical conditions, or has any liver or kidney disease. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is pregnant, lactating, or breeding.
How should Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL be given?
VETSULIN CARTRIDGES SHOULD BE USED EXCLUSIVELY WITH VETPEN AND 29Gx12mm PEN NEEDLES. Prior to loading vetsulin cartridges, shake the cartridge until a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained. Clumps or white particles can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if visible clumps or white particles persist after shaking. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions exactly as directed.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Vetsulin Insulin to my pet?
If you miss a dose, follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Prevent missed doses by keeping enough Vetsulin Insulin 2.7 ml cartridges on hand.
What happens if I overdose my pet on Vetsulin Insulin
If you inject more than the prescribed amount, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What are the possible side effects of Vetsulin Insulin?
An allergic reaction, although rare, may occur. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives. Talk to your veterinarian about other possible side effects that can occur.
What other drugs will affect Vetsulin Insulin
Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided. Other medications can be used with Vetsulin Insulin; however, doses might need to be adjusted. Before giving your pet any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, talk to your veterinarian.
What special precautions should I take with Vetsulin Insulin Vetpen Cartridge U-40/mL?
Vetsulin and Vetpen are for use in animals only. Dogs and cats known to have an allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with Vetsulin. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Animals with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy before use. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 insulin syringe will result in incorrect dosing. Using a U-100 syringe with Vetsulin would result in an animal receiving 2½ times less insulin than required. Human insulins are formulated at a concentration of 100 IU/mL. If clients use a U-40 insulin syringe with a 100 IU insulin preparation, they would be injecting 2½ times the amount of insulin necessary, which could result in fatal hypoglycemia.
Storage:
Protect from light and avoid high temperatures, keep refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze insulin because this will denature the insulin. Store insulin vials upright to avoid crystallization around the stopper, but when VetPen is loaded it can be stored on its side. Use insulin contents within 42 days of first puncture.
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