Vetsulin Insulin U-40 Cartridge for VetPen
Prescription Item
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Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the only FDA-approved veterinary product for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in both dogs and cats. This sterile, injectable porcine insulin zinc solution is prescribed to help control your pet's glucose levels and alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of diabetes. Vetsulin 2.7 mL is specifically formulated to be used with the VetPen Starter Kit injection pen (sold separately), which is designed to help canine companions and feline friends get more accurate doses consistently.
UsesVetsulin is indicated for the reduction of elevated blood sugar and associated signs in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. Vetsulin is supplied as a sterile injectable porcine insulin zinc suspension.
Possible Side EffectsThe most common insulin-related side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with symptoms that include; lethargy, staggering gait, seizure or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a medical problem or side effect from Vetsulin therapy. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to your pet.
Drug & Food InteractionsVetsulin can be given with other medications, but your veterinarian may adjust your dose depending on insulin requirements. Progestogen and glucocorticoids should be avoided while taking Vetsulin, as they may counter the effect of insulin. Talk to your veterinarian about any other prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins, minerals and herbal products your pet is taking before using Vetsulin.
Precautions
Vetsulin should not be used in dogs or cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Keep out of reach of children. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential to attain and maintain adequate glycemic control and prevent associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. The safety and effectiveness of Vetsulin in puppies and kittens, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs and cats has not been evaluated. See the package insert for full information regarding contraindications, warnings, and precautions
This item is excluded from the first-time Autoship promotion.
Shipping
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Item Number174077
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Common Brand Name(s)Vetsulin
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For Use WithDogs & Cats
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Generic NamePorcine Insulin Zinc Suspension
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Administration FormInjection
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BrandMerck
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Product FormInjectable
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Health ConditionDiabetes
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Drug TypeInsulin, Hormone
Active Ingredients: Purified Porcine Insulin (35% Amorphous And 65% Crystalline) 40 IU, Zinc (As Chloride) 0.08 Mg, Sodium Acetate Trihydrate 1.36 Mg, Sodium Chloride 7.0 Mg, Methylparaben (Preservative), 1.0 Mg.
Use with the VetPen injection pen, which enables accurate dosing. Follow dosing instructions exactly as given by your veterinarian. Shake the vial thoroughly to a milky, uniform suspension. Make sure all clumps or particles are completely dissolved, and foam formed during shaking has dispersed, before using. Vetsulin should be given with or right after a meal.
Storage InstructionsStore in an upright position under refrigeration at 36° - 46°F. Do not freeze. Protect from light. The loaded VetPen can be stored on its side.
What is Vetsulin?
The first and only insulin approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treating both canine and feline diabetes mellitus. Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is produced by Merck Animal Health and is available only by prescription.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
if Vetsulin is discontinued or not given as directed, the signs of diabetes will return and life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis may develop. Therefore, it is important to maintain therapy in a consistent manner and monitor your dog's glucose level correctly.
What happens if I overdose my pet on this medication?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. 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.
What is the most important information I should know? Prior to loading vetsulin cartridges, shake the cartridge until a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained. Clumps or white particles can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if visible clumps or white particles persist after shaking. The detailed instructions for use provided with VetPen should be strictly followed. 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.
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.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving this medication to my pet?
VETSULIN CARTRIDGES SHOULD BE USED EXCLUSIVELY WITH VETPEN AND 29G/12 MM PEN NEEDLES. 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.
Customer Reviews

100% Recommend
100% of reviewersrecommend this product
You've Already Reviewed This Item
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
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Product is great, packing not so much
By AmyMo on Jan 26, 2021
I ordered this insulin because I'm away from home and couldn't go to my vet. I ordered 2 cartridges and they came very quickly. Since they have to be chilled, they came with ice packs. The box they were sent in was at least 12x12x12. The ice packs didn't take up that much room, so I was wondering why they were sent in a huge box.
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Chewy to the Rescue!
By Sadiladi on Dec 2, 2020
My vet was out of Vetsulin; they were kind enough to call other locations, but no one had it. Chewy did, and I received it the next day. It was less expensive as well. Thank you Chewy!
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Insulin cartridge
By Neice on Oct 1, 2020
It’s great because they last for a while before replacing, depending on the dosage. Easy to I stall
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Not so much
By bowlbuds2 on Oct 4, 2020
The insulin is real but I expected to get a bigger vial. Same price as other sites less volume
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Insulin expires after 28 days opened
By kristin172429 on May 6, 2020
In response to the other reviewer with the small dog, insulin should be disposed of 28 days after opening the vial. You may see blood glucose begin to rise after that as the insulin degrades. Check with your vet! I like that these are at least smaller than the 10ml bottles. We only need 2 mls per month for our cat and I can't stand the idea of throwing away 8mls of insulin!
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be sure they send you the correct cartridge
By unhappyinSpokane on Oct 31, 2019
We hada recent delivery for our cat but the pharmacy sent the incorrect cartridge. It reads the same and has the correct amount but no way will it fit into our vet pen 16. Supposedly they are sending the correct one but there is no action on the account or tracker to say it is on the way in time. We will go today to find syringes in order to use the incorrect cartridge until our next autoship (3weeks out). Wewerevery satisfied with the vetpen up until now. Here's hoping things get back to normal soon and our cat doesn't suffer for it.
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Easy to use
By Karen on Sep 23, 2019
Very easy to use for person not used to giving shots. One cartridge last a long time for my small dog.