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FDA Issues Alert on Pet Insulin Product Due to Formulation Problems

Veterinarians are being warned to closely monitor dogs and cats receiving Vetsulin because the product may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation, according to an alert sent out Nov. 2 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Vetsulin, which is manufactured by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, is a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to treat diabetes in animals.

Because the product is out of specification, there could be a delay in insulin action and overall longer duration of insulin activity, according to the FDA. Products having significant problems with stability can affect the management of chronic diseases. Unstable insulin products can result in unpredictable fluctuations in the glucose levels of diabetic patients, the FDA noted in its alert.

Veterinarians are urged to monitor patients for any changes in onset or duration of activity, or for any signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. The classic signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy. The classic signs of hypoglycemia include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy and seizures.

The FDA said that while Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is working with them to resolve the issue, supplies may be limited. Therefore, the FDA is suggesting that veterinarians consider transitioning their diabetic patients to other insulin products.

The FDA is also encouraging veterinarians to report any adverse events with Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health at 800-224-5318. <HOME>

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FDA Issues Alert on Pet Insulin Product Due to Formulation Problems

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My dog Tigger is my baby. She has been on Vetsulin for 2 yaers and was doing well. Now that she has been taken off it and placed on human Insulin, she is NOT responding to it, regardless of increasing the units. As a result she has developed heart and lung problems from her body pushing the heart to circulate the blood faster in an effort to retrieve Insulin from the blood. FDA needs to let us decide if we use it. Candy, Myrtle Beach, SC Posted: 6/29/2010 12:54:26 AM Dear Jill, I have a 12 year old diabetic dog. Coco had been on Vetsulin for about two years before we started seeing the same symptoms you are describing. Our veterinarian has now put Coco on" Humulin N" made by Lilly. The cost is about the same as the Vetsulin ( I was able to get it at our local CVS) Coco has been on Humulin N now for two weeks, we've seen a change for the better, Coco goes in for a curve Tuesday...we are hoping Coco is stabilized now !! I'd like to share info, you can contact me at by e-mail cupid213991@comcast.net Susan, Fishers, IN Posted: 11/4/2009 6:13:06 PM My cat is in the animal hospital as we chat.He has been on vetsulin since last Feb. March and has never been regulated. Just as he would start to get better,we then would go backwards again. This past weekend, he took another downturn. Stopped eating, drinking and insulin levels once again became very unstable.We were not sure he was going to make it. $5ooo paid up to this point,and today he seemed to be improving.I also might add that I was told by my vet when I hit a frustration level several months ago, that Vetsulin was the only product on the market, and we had no other choices. Why was I told this?It has been a rollercoaster. I love the hospital and the doctors there, and we are going to try a new product.I don't know if it was the Vetsulin, but will continue to do the research. Thank You. Jill Dvorak tt jill, littleton, CO Posted: 11/3/2009 8:51:15 PM