Vetsulin® Insulin

Vetsulin® Insulin Suspension

Vetsulin® Insulin Suspension is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.

Dogs and Cats

Porcine Zinc Insulin

Vetsulin® 

Insulin, Intermediate-Acting

Merck

Vetsulin® 40 Units/ml Insulin 10 ml: white and cloudy/milky suspension. (NDC 57926-0490-62)

Insulin porcine

Zinc chloride, methylparaben, sodium chloride, sodium acetate, water

Vetsulin® Insulin should be administered as directed by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will determine the correct dose of insulin need for your pet by means of a blood glucose test. Follow your veterinarian's instructions as doses may vary over time. Use vial within 42 days of first puncture, discard unused portion. 

Before administering Vetsulin®, it should be shaken thoroughly until a uniform, milky suspension is obtained. Any foaming during shaking should be allowed to disperse before the product is use. Vetsulin® should be shaken thoroughly if clumps or white particles are seen. Do not use if visible clumps or white particles persist after thorough shaking. 

Injections should be given subcutaneously, just under the skin. Be sure to rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems at the injection site. Pinch a fold in the skin to create a small space for the needle. Insert the needle into the center of the fold as instructed by the veterinarian. Inject the drug by pushing the plunger as far as it will go. Withdraw the needle and be careful to not stick yourself. Dispose the needle immediately in a proper sharps disposal container. 

Insulin syringes and sharps containers are sold separately.  Use only sterile needles/syringes and use each needle/syringe only once.  Injectable medications require needles and syringes.  Those items are purchased separately.  Please ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for the correct needle/syringe sizes for your pet.

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at once.

Possible side effects of insulin therapy may include hypoglycemia. Signs include hunger, nervousness, vocalization, anxiety, muscle tremors, ataxia, and papillary dilation. If there are signs of hypoglycemia, offer the pet some food or oral dextrose. Positive response should occur within one to two minutes. Prolonged hyperglycemia can result in seizures, coma, and death. Severe hypoglycemic signs require prompt veterinary intervention.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

The following drug interactions that may occur with insulin include: Beta-adrenergic blockers, clonidine, resperidine, and digoxin. Drugs that may increase hypoglycemic activity of insulin (resulting in low blood sugar) include: captopril, enalapril, alcohol, anabolic steroids, beta-adrenergic blockers, MAOI's, guanethidine, phenylbutazone, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and aspirin, or other salicyclates. Drugs that may decrease hypoglycemic activity of insulin (resulting in high blood sugar) include: epinephrine, estrogen/progesterone combinations, furosemide, glucocorticoids, isoniazide, phenothiazine derivatives, thiazide diuretics, and thyroid hormones. Serum potassium levels can fluctuate in combination with digoxin and insulin and additional monitoring may be needed. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving your pet. Dietary changes may also affect insulin requirements. Quite often your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely. 

Vetsulin® should not be used in dogs or cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products. This medication is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus.  Inform your veterinarian prior to use of this medication if your pet has low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Do not switch from one type insulin to another unless under the direction of a veterinarian as making the switch may require an adjustment in the dose.

Keep out of reach of children. Not for human use.

Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Be sure to inform VetSource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known drug sensitivities or allergies. If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your veterinarian immediately or go to a veterinary emergency clinic. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: swollen lips, tongue, face, airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; vomiting; widespread hives and itching.

If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact the manufacturer Merck at 800-224-5318 or Vetsource customer service at 877-738-4443.

Store at 36°F to 46°F in the refrigerator. Do not freeze, discard if it has been frozen.

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store in a childproof container. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.