VETSULIN- insulin pork injection
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
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vetsulin® is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin.
Each mL contains: | purified porcine insulin 40 IU (35% amorphous and 65% crystalline) Zinc (as 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. |
vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.
USE OF A SYRINGE OTHER THAN A U-40 SYRINGE WILL RESULT IN INCORRECT DOSING.
FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION IN DOGS AND CATS ONLY
Shake the vial thoroughly until a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained. Foam on the surface of the suspension formed during shaking should be allowed to disperse before the product is used and, if required, the product should be gently mixed to maintain a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension before use. Clumps or white particles can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if visible clumps or white particles persist after shaking thoroughly. 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. Always provide the Owner Information Sheet with each prescription.
The initial recommended vetsulin® dose is 0.5 IU insulin/kg body weight. Initially, this dose should be given once daily concurrently with, or right after a meal.
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 each 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.
The veterinarian should re-evaluate the 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. 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.
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. The veterinarian should re-evaluate the cat at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and 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.
Dogs and cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with vetsulin®. vetsulin® is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia.
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 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.
Owners should be advised to observe for signs of hypoglycemia (see Owner Information Sheet). Use of this product, even at established doses, has been associated with hypoglycemia. An animal with signs of hypoglycemia should be treated immediately. Glucose should be given orally or intravenously as dictated by clinical signs. Insulin should be temporarily withheld and, subsequently, the dosage should be adjusted, if indicated. Any change in insulin should be made cautiously and only under a veterinarian's supervision. Changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, species (animal, human) or method of manufacture (rDNA versus animal-source insulin) may result in the need for a change in dosage.
Appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed to rule out endocrinopathies in pets that are difficult to regulate (e.g., hyperadrenocorticism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats).
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. 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.
In the US clinical effectiveness studies, dogs and cats received various medications while being treated with vetsulin® including antimicrobials, antivirals, antifungals, antihistamines, analgesics, anesthetics/tranquilizers, diuretics, bronchodilators, corticosteroids (cats), NSAIDs, thyroid hormone supplementation, hyperthyroid medication (methimazole), internal and external parasiticides, anti-emetics, dermatological topical treatments and oral supplements, ophthalmic preparations containing antimicrobials and antiinflammatories, and various vaccines. No medication interactions were reported. This drug was not studied in dogs receiving corticosteroids.
In the field effectiveness and safety study, 66 dogs were treated with vetsulin®. Sixty-two dogs were included in the assessment of safety. Hypoglycemia (defined as blood glucose < 50 mg/dL) with or without associated clinical signs occurred in 35.5% (22/62) of the dogs at various times during the study. Clinical signs of hypoglycemia were generally mild in nature (described as weakness, lethargy, stumbling, falling down, and/or depression). Disorientation and collapse were reported less frequently and occurred in 16.1% (10/62) of the dogs. Two dogs had a seizure and one dog died during the seizure. Although never confirmed, the presumptive diagnosis was hypoglycemia-induced seizures. In the rest of the dogs, hypoglycemia resolved with appropriate therapy and adjustments in insulin dosage. Seven owners recorded the following observations about the injection site on the home monitoring forms: swollen, painful, sore, and a bleb under the skin.
The following clinical observations occurred in the field study following treatment with vetsulin® and may be directly attributed to the drug or may be secondary to the diabetic state or other underlying conditions in the dogs: hematuria, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, non-specific hepatopathy/pancreatitis, development of cataracts, and urinary tract infections.
In a field effectiveness and safety study, safety data was reported for 78 cats receiving vetsulin®. Hypoglycemia (defined as blood glucose < 50 mg/dL) was reported in 61 cats (88 total incidences). Fifteen of the occurrences (involving 13 cats) were associated with clinical signs described as lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, and hypothermia. One cat had seizures following accidental overdosing by the owner and again during the subsequent dose adjustment period. The cat responded to supportive therapy and had no further hypoglycemic episodes. In all cases of hypoglycemia, the clinical signs resolved following symptomatic treatment and/or dose adjustment. Polyneuropathy was reported in 4 cats. Two injection site reactions were reported: one as a mildly thickened subcutaneous tissue reaction and the second as a mild bruising.
The following clinical observations occurred in the field study following treatment with vetsulin® and may be directly attributed to the drug or may be secondary to the diabetic state or other underlying conditions in the cats: vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite/anorexia, pancreatitis, dermal events, respiratory disease, urinary tract disorder, renal disease, dehydration, weight loss, polydipsia, polyuria, behavioral change, and ocular discharge/conjunctivitis. In a smaller field effectiveness and safety study, 14 cats were treated with vetsulin®. Hypoglycemia was reported in 6 cats (8 total occurrences). Lethargy not associated with hypoglycemia was reported in 4 cats (6 total occurrences). The following clinical observations occurred in the field study following treatment with vetsulin® and may be directly attributed to the drug or may be secondary to the diabetic state or other underlying conditions in the cats: foul odor to stool, diarrhea, dull coat, rapid, shallow breathing, stiff gate in rear, gallop rhythm, and pruritus with alopecia.
During the 1998–2007 period, the following adverse events in 50 cats treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension were reported to Intervet International and Intervet Inc: Death, seizures, lack of effectiveness/dysregulation, hypoglycemia, allergic or skin reaction, lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea, injection pain, hyperthermia, nystagmus, PU/PD, and abnormal behavior.
To report suspected adverse drug experiences, call Merck at 1-800-224-5318. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS, or http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary
vetsulin® is a mixture of amorphous and crystalline insulin resulting in immediate and prolonged insulin activity. In dogs, vetsulin® may show two peaks of activity. In a laboratory study, 12 healthy adult Beagles were administered vetsulin® at a dose of 0.5 IU/kg. The onset of activity varied from 0.5 to 2 hours; the time to peak activity varied from 1 to 10 hours; and the duration of activity varied from 10 to 24 hours. In diabetic dogs, vetsulin® has two peaks of activity following subcutaneous administration (the first occurs at 2 to 6 hours and the second at 8 to 14 hours) (1). The duration of activity varies between 14 and 24 hours (1).
In cats, vetsulin® has a single peak of activity. In a laboratory study, 12 healthy adult cats were administered vetsulin® at a dose of 0.5 IU/kg. The onset of activity varied from 0.5 to 2 hours; the time to peak activity varied from 2 to 6 hours; and the duration of activity varied from 8 to 24 hours. In diabetic cats, the peak activity following subcutaneous administration of vetsulin® occurs between 1.5 and 8 hours (2), and the duration of activity varies between 8 and 12 hours (2).
The peak(s) of activity, duration of activity, and dose required to adequately control diabetic signs vary between individuals and may vary in the same individual from day to day. The time ranges should only be considered as initial guidelines.
A total of 66 client-owned dogs were enrolled in and 53 completed the effectiveness and safety field study. The dogs completing the study included 22 breeds of purebred and various mixed breed dogs ranging in age from 4.8 to 14 years, and ranging in weight from 4.2 to 51.3 kg. Of the dogs completing the study, 25 were spayed females and 28 were male (21 neutered and 7 intact).
Dogs were started on vetsulin® at a dose of 1 IU/kg plus a body weight-dependent dose supplement once daily. The initial treatment time to reach acceptable glycemic control (Dose determination period) ranged from 5 to 151 days. Dogs were evaluated for treatment effectiveness three times at 30-day intervals (Study Period). The blood glucose curve means and mean nadirs were compared pre- and post-treatment to assess effectiveness. 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. The blood glucose curve mean was reduced from 370 mg/dL pre-treatment to 151 mg/dL, 185 mg/dL, and 184 mg/dL at the three treatment period evaluations. The blood glucose mean nadir was reduced from 315 mg/dL pre-treatment to 93 mg/dL, 120 mg/dL, and 119 mg/dL at the three treatment period evaluations. Sixty days after an adequate vetsulin® dose was initially established, 94%, 96% and 83% of study dogs experienced a reduction in polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria, respectively. Investigators reported adequate glycemic control an average of 81% of the time during the Study Period.
A total of 85 client-owned cats (53 males and 25 females—all neutered) of various breeds were enrolled in a 60 day field effectiveness and safety study with continued use up to Day 180. Seven cats were removed from the study prior to the Day 7 evaluation. The remaining cats ranged in age from 3 to 17.5 years and in weight from 1.9 to 10.8 kg. Seventy-two cats completed the study to Day 60 and 66 cats completed to Day 180. The cats were started on vetsulin® at an initial dose of 1 to 2 IU insulin twice daily. Scheduled evaluations occurred at Days 7, 14, 30, 60, and 180. Dose adjustments were allowed at and between the evaluations. Effectiveness was based on blood glucose curve mean, blood glucose nadir and improvement in clinical signs. Blood glucose curve means decreased from 394 mg/dL on Day 0 to 217 mg/dL on Day 60. The mean blood glucose nadir decreased from 343 mg/dL on Day 0 to 146 mg/dL on Day 60. Fourteen client-owned cats (10 males and 4 females—all neutered) of various breeds were enrolled in a 60 day effectiveness and safety field study. The cats ranged in age from 5 to 14 years and in weight from 3.40 to 6.97 kg. Twelve cats completed the study. The cats were started on vetsulin® at an initial dose of 1 to 2 IU insulin twice daily. Scheduled evaluations occurred at Days 7, 14, 30, and 60. Dose adjustments were allowed at and between the evaluations. The blood glucose curve means decreased from 354 mg/dL on Day 0 to 162 mg/dL on Day 60. The mean blood glucose nadir decreased from 321 mg/dL on Day 0 to 99 mg/dL on Day 60.
vetsulin® is supplied as a sterile injectable suspension in multidose vials containing 10 mL of 40 IU/mL porcine insulin zinc suspension. Vials are supplied in cartons of one, 10 mL vial.
Additional information about vetsulin® and diabetes mellitus can be found at www.vetsulin.com
Distributed by: | Intervet Inc (d/b/a Merck Animal Health) Summit, NJ 07901 |
Made in Germany
02/13
Copyright © 2012 Intervet Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Intervet Inc. d/b/a Merck Animal Health, Summit, NJ 07901.
This summary contains important information about vetsulin®. You should read this information before you start giving your pet vetsulin® and review it each time your prescription is refilled. This sheet is provided only as a summary and does not take the place of instructions from your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian if you do not understand this information or if you want to know more about vetsulin®.
What is vetsulin®?
vetsulin® is an aqueous suspension of porcine (pork) insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas (a large gland that lies near the stomach). This hormone is necessary for the body's correct use of food, especially sugar.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus (DM) occurs when a dog or a cat has inadequate levels of or an abnormal response to insulin. DM is common in middle age and older dogs and cats. Daily insulin injections are usually necessary to treat DM. vetsulin® may help your pet effectively use food, aid in maintaining an acceptable blood sugar (glucose) level, and reduce or eliminate clinical signs commonly seen with DM. Diabetes mellitus may cause some or all of these signs or changes:
Untreated or improperly regulated diabetes may lead to changes in the acidity of the blood (diabetic ketoacidosis) with dehydration, vomiting, weakness, depression, coma, and death.
What kind of results can I expect when my pet is on vetsulin® for DM?
Although vetsulin® is not a cure for DM, it can help control or eliminate many of the complications associated with the disease (such as excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss) and prevent development of life threatening ketoacidosis.
Who should not receive vetsulin®?
What to tell/ask your veterinarian before using vetsulin®.
Talk to your veterinarian about:
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had the following medical problems
Tell your veterinarian about:
How to give vetsulin® to your pet
Doses of insulin are measured in units. U-40 insulin contains 40 units/mL (1 mL = 1 cc). Use vetsulin® with U-40 syringes only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing. A licensed veterinarian must prescribe vetsulin® for your pet, and it should be administered according to your veterinarian's instructions.
Your veterinarian will determine the amount of insulin needed (based on the weight of your pet, clinical signs such as water consumption, and laboratory results), instruct you on proper storage and handling, show you how to draw the insulin from the bottle, and instruct you on how to administer the injection. Once you can do this correctly, your veterinarian will provide you with everything you need to care for your pet at home. vetsulin® should be administered with a U-40 insulin syringe according to the following instructions:
Preparing the Dose:
Giving the injection:
What are the possible side effects that may occur during vetsulin® therapy?
The most common side effect experienced with vetsulin® therapy is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can be caused by:
Signs of hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include
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What do I do in case my pet shows signs of hypoglycemia?
Other side effects that can be seen include loss of effectiveness and local or systemic allergic reactions. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has a medical problem or side effect from vetsulin® therapy. In particular, please contact your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following:
What else can I do to keep my pet's blood sugar stable?
Can vetsulin® be used with other medications?
Progestogen (such as megestrol) and glucocorticoids (such as cortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone) should be avoided during vetsulin® therapy. Progestogen, glucocorticoids, and certain endocrine diseases may counter the effect of insulin. Other medications may also interfere with your pet's response to insulin. Tell your veterinarian about all the medicines you have given your pet in the past, and any medicines that you are planning to give with vetsulin®. This should include other medicines that you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
What do I do in case my pet receives more than the prescribed amount of vetsulin®?
If your pet is given too much vetsulin®, severe (lifethreatening) hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, seek other veterinary advice at once. Your pet may need to be hospitalized for observation or treatment.
What do I do if my pet receives less than the prescribed dose, or I miss an injection?
How do I store vetsulin®?
vetsulin® should be stored in an upright position under refrigeration (2-8 Degrees Celsius / 36-46 Degrees Fahrenheit).
Do not freeze. Protect from light. Use contents within 42 days of first vial puncture.
What else should I know about vetsulin®?
This sheet provides a summary of information about vetsulin®. If you have any questions or concerns about vetsulin® or DM, talk to your veterinarian.
As with all prescribed medicines, vetsulin® should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed and for the condition for which it was prescribed.
It is important that your veterinaran periodically evaluate your pet's response to vetsulin® at regular checkups that include blood glucose monitoring. Your veterinarian will best determine if your pet is responding as expected.
Additional information about vetsulin® and DM can be found at www.vetsulin.com
Distributed by: Intervet Inc (d/b/a Merck Animal Health) • Summit, NJ 07901 • Made in Germany
556 Morris Ave. • Summit, NJ 07901 • Customer Service 1-800-521-5767
Copyright © 2012 Intervet Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
02/13 MAH-VET-04
NADA 141-236, Approved by FDA
129347 R3
vetsulin®
(porcine insulin zinc suspension)
40 units per mL (U-40)
For subcutaneous injection
in dogs and cats only.
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this
drug to use by or on the order of a
licensed veterinarian.
NADA No. 141-236, Approved by FDA
Net contents: 10 mL
MERCK
Animal Health
VETSULIN
insulin pork injection |
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Labeler - Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (001317601) |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
Intervet International GMBH | 328855635 | MANUFACTURE |
Establishment | |||
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Business Operations |
Diosynth France SA | 277360897 | API MANUFACTURE |