Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is an injectable insulin suspension that is administered to dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus to decrease high blood glucose levels and associated clinical signs.

Vetsulin is used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Vetsulin is available in vials for use with a U-40 insulin syringe. Vetsulin is also available in cartridges that are to be used with VetPen^® and 29G/12 MM pen needles.

Directions

Administer Vetsulin as directed by your veterinarian, who will determine an appropriate Vetsulin dose for your dog or cat. Vetsulin is for subcutaneous injection (underneath the skin).

Your veterinarian or veterinary tech should teach you how to properly store, prepare, administer, and dispose of Vetsulin.

Vetsulin is typically administered to dogs one time a day, with or immediately after a meal.

Vetsulin is typically administered to cats two times a day (every 12 hours), with or immediately after meals.

Keep Vetsulin vials stored upright in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). The insulin suspension should not be frozen. Keep out of light and out of reach of children. You may store VetPen on its side. The contents should be used within 42 days of first puncture.

For further usage instructions, refer to the Owner Information Sheet that accompanies the Vetsulin prescription.

Any questions or concerns may be referred to your veterinarian.

Ingredients

Each mL of Vetsulin contains:

• 40 IU purified porcine insulin (35% amorphous and 65% crystalline)
• 0.08 mg zinc (as chloride)
• 1.36 mg sodium acetate trihydrate
• 7 mg sodium chloride
• 1 mg methylparaben as a preservative
• Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment

Contraindications

Vetsulin should not be administered to dogs and cats that have a systemic allergy to pork or products that contain pork.

Vetsulin should not be administered during periods of low blood glucose.

Cautions

• Before your dog or cat begins Vetsulin therapy, inform your veterinarian of your pet’s:
• Medications
• Allergies
• Current health problems
• Past medical history
• Status of pregnancy, breeding, or lactation
• Vetsulin is not for human use. Avoid getting the suspension in the eyes. Caution should be exercised to avoid accidental injection. If accidentally injected, seek medical care right away.
• Monitor your pet for signs of low blood glucose levels. If your pet experiences low blood glucose, treat immediately with glucose as instructed by your veterinarian and temporarily stop Vetsulin therapy. A dosage adjustment may be needed.
• Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet develops severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting.
• Avoid administering progestogen and glucocorticoids to your pet while they are receiving Vetsulin therapy.

Side Effects

Vetsulin side effects in dogs may include signs of low blood glucose, such as weakness, lethargy, stumbling, falling down, and/or depression. Disorientation, collapse, seizures, injection site reactions, blood in the urine, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, non-specific hepatopathy/pancreatitis, cataracts, and urinary tract infections may also occur.

Vetsulin side effects in cats may include signs of low blood glucose, such as lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite, anorexia, vomiting, and hypothermia. Polyneuropathy, seizures, injection site reactions, pancreatitis, skin problems, respiratory disease, urinary tract disorder, kidney disease, dehydration, weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive urination, changes in behavior, eye problems, foul stool odor, dull coat, rapid and shallow breathing, stiff gate in rear, gallop rhythm, and itching with hair loss may also occur.

Other side effects may also occur. Immediately contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat develops side effects that become worrisome or persistent.

Searching for a Vetsulin price that’s competitive? With a valid prescription from your veterinarian, you can buy Vetsulin online right here!

Reference:

1. Vetsulin. Madison, NJ: Intervet Inc. (d/b/a Merck Animal Health); 2019.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....

Product Code : 13371