Pet News
FDA alert for Vetsulin®, also known as
Caninsulin® in Canada
The U.S Food and Drug Administration Centre for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health released an alert this week regarding Vetsulin® (called Caninsulin® in Canada), a veterinary insulin used to help manage canine and feline diabetes.
» Click here to read the FDA-CVM media release
The release states that Caninsulin® contains porcine insulin zinc suspension, used to treat diabetes in animals, and further states that it may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation. According to the release, this Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product is out of specification and could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity. 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. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is currently unable to assure the FDA that each batch of their product is stable.
Veterinarians should closely monitor their patients receiving Caninsulin® 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 would include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy, and seizures.
Veterinarians are encouraged to report any adverse events with the product to Intervet/Schering Plough through the company's Technical Services Department at 1.800.224.5318.
Intervet/Schering-Plough is currently working with the FDA to resolve this issue. OVMA will be providing updates to its members as soon as information becomes available.
If you have questions regarding your pets health, please contact Westmount Neighbourhood Pet Clinic.
Source: Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).
