ProZinc (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) U-40 Injectable for Dogs & Cats

PROZINC® is an injectable insulin for cats and dogs that is FDA approved to help control hyperglycemia (high blood glucose / high blood sugar) and the clinical signs associated with hyperglycemia in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Insulin helps regulate cellular metabolism by moving all-important glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus don’t produce enough of their own naturally produced insulin, or their own insulin doesn’t work properly. This causes glucose to persistently build up in the bloodstream, leading to health problems. PROZINC® becomes the essential replacement for diabetics to get their appropriate source of daily insulin.

With just two daily doses a day in cats and once-a-day dosing in most dogs, delivered with or just after a meal, PROZINC® provided fast, effective results for hyperglycemia in pets with diabetes.1,2

PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) has been rigorously tested for safety in cats and dogs and has been approved by the FDA to be safe and effective for diabetes control (when used as prescribed).1,2 Please refer to full prescribing information.

As with the use of all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), is essential to prevent possible associated complications. The most common insulin-related side effect is hypoglycemia. Signs of low blood sugar can occur suddenly and may include: weakness , staggering gait, muscle twitching , coma, depression, lethargy, sluggishness, behavioral changes, seizures, convulsions and death.

If your dog or cat is unconscious or having a seizure, this is a medical emergency. Take them to the veterinarian immediately. If your dog or cat is conscious, rub approximately 1 teaspoon of corn syrup or honey on your pet’s gums. When they are able to swallow, give corn syrup or honey by mouth until your pet is alert enough to eat. Feed the usual meal and contact your veterinarian.

PROZINC® should be given with or right after a meal and at about the same time each day. Before administration, mix PROZINC® by gently rolling the vial. Once mixed, PROZINC® has a white, cloudy appearance. After mixing, use a U-40 syringe to draw up the dose of insulin prescribed by your veterinarian. Administer the injection under the skin along the back of the neck or on the side of the dog or cat. Do not give your cat/dog its prescribed dose of PROZINC if it:

• Is experiencing an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Common causes for low blood sugar include excessive doses of insulin, failure to eat, strenuous exercise, changes in the body’s need for insulin, diabetes-inducing disease or drug effects.
• Is not eating or is vomiting.
• Is sensitive to protamine zinc recombinant human insulin or any other ingredients in PROZINC.
• Do not give your cat/dog its prescribed dose of PROZINC if you see clumps or visible white particles in the vial after gently rolling

PROZINC® is the only FDA-approved recombinant human insulin for use in dogs and cats with diabetes. PROZINC® contains Protamine and Zinc in the formulation which helps promote optimal and consistent glycemic control.

PROZINC® is designed to be used with a U-40 syringe and using non U-40 syringes may result in incorrect dosing.

Consult your veterinarian prior to using PROZINC® in order to establish the insulin dosing needs of your pet. As per the product insert, it is recommended to initiate PROZINC® for dogs with a one-daily starting dose of 0.2-0.5 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.5- 1.0 IU/kg). The recommended starting dose for naïve diabetic dogs is the lower end of the dose range. For Cats, it is recommended that PROZINC® be given twice per day with a recommended starting dose of 0.1 – 0.3 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.2 – 0.7 IU/kg). Consult your vet prior to using PROZINC® to establish the dosing needs of your pet.

Contact your veterinarian immediately and, if your veterinarian is not available, seek other veterinary advice at once.

The safety and effectiveness of PROZINC® in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats and dogs has not been evaluated. The safety and effectiveness of PROZINC® in puppies and kittens has not been evaluated.

PROZINC® has a two-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. Use the 10 mL vial within 60 days of first puncture. Use the 20 mL vial within 80 days of first puncture.

The vial of PROZINC® should be stored in an upright position under refrigeration at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.

PROZINC® is available in 20 mL and 10 mL multidose vials. Each mL of PROZINC® product contains 40 IU (international units) of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin.

PROZINC® can be given with other medications, but the dose may need to be adjusted due to the medication resulting in either increased or decreased insulin requirements. Tell your veterinarian about all medications you have given your pet in the past, and any medications that you are planning to give with PROZINC®. This should include medications that you can get for your pet without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to ensure that all of your pet’s medications can be given together.

What do I do in case of accidental contact with eyes or accidental injection?

Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.

Do not give your cat/dog its prescribed dose of PROZINC if it:

• Is experiencing an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Common causes for low blood sugar include excessive doses of insulin, failure to eat, strenuous exercise, changes in the body’s need for insulin, diabetes-inducing disease or drug effects.
• Is not eating or is vomiting.
• Is sensitive to protamine zinc recombinant human insulin or any other ingredients in PROZINC.
• Do not give your cat/dog its prescribed dose of PROZINC if you see clumps or visible white particles in the vial after gently rolling

Refer to your veterinarian for general questions. For any specific product questions, please refer to the prescribing information or call Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.