Caninsulin for Cats & Dogs

Caninsulin for Dogs & Cats

Prescription required

Caninsulin® is an intermediate-acting veterinary insulin used to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. It helps lower elevated blood glucose and control signs of diabetes, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, and unintended weight loss.

Caninsulin controls diabetes but does not cure the condition. Ongoing treatment, consistent feeding, and regular veterinary monitoring are required.

Important Shipping Information

Caninsulin is temperature-sensitive and normally requires refrigeration. Orders are packed with an insulated shipping kit and ice packs to help maintain an appropriate temperature during transit.

• Same-day delivery is available for eligible local orders.

• Non-local orders are sent using expedited delivery.

• An additional fee applies for insulated packaging, ice packs, and priority handling.

• Refrigerated products are not shipped on Thursdays or Fridays to reduce the risk of packages being held in courier facilities over the weekend. These orders will normally ship the following Monday.

Temperature-controlled packaging reduces but does not eliminate the risk of a temperature excursion. Refrigerate the product immediately upon delivery.

If Caninsulin arrives warm, frozen, damaged, or substantially delayed, do not use it until you have contacted the pharmacy. Product suitability depends on the temperature reached, the duration of exposure, and whether the vial or cartridge has previously been used.

Due to storage and safety requirements, refrigerated prescription products cannot normally be returned or restocked after dispensing. This does not affect remedies available for dispensing errors, verified product defects, or other circumstances required by law.

Active Ingredient

Each millilitre contains:

• Highly purified porcine insulin zinc: 40 IU

• Concentration: 40 IU/mL (U-40)

Caninsulin is a lente insulin suspension containing approximately:

• 35% amorphous zinc insulin

• 65% crystalline zinc insulin

The two components contribute to its intermediate duration of action.

Dosage and Administration

The dose and administration schedule must be prescribed individually by a veterinarian. Doses may be adjusted according to the animal’s clinical signs, food intake, blood-glucose measurements, glucose curves, and other monitoring results.

Caninsulin is administered by subcutaneous injection.

Correct Administration Device

• Caninsulin vial: Use only a U-40 insulin syringe.

• Caninsulin cartridge: Use only with the compatible VetPen® device.

Do not use a U-100 human insulin syringe. Caninsulin contains 40 units/mL, and using an incorrectly calibrated syringe can cause a serious dosing error.

Before every dose, mix Caninsulin as directed until it forms a homogeneous, uniformly milky suspension. Allow any foam to disperse before drawing up or administering the dose. Do not use the product if persistent clumps, particles, or flocculation remain after thorough mixing.

Administer insulin and meals according to the veterinarian’s prescribed schedule. Maintain a consistent diet, feeding schedule, and activity level whenever possible.

Never change the dose or discontinue insulin without veterinary direction. If a dose is missed or it is uncertain whether the complete dose was given, do not repeat or double the injection—contact the veterinarian for advice.

Hypoglycemia Warning

Hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood glucose, is the most important potential adverse effect of insulin. Signs may include:

• Sudden hunger
• Restlessness or unusual behaviour
• Weakness or wobbliness
• Trembling
• Disorientation or reduced responsiveness
• Collapse
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If the animal is conscious and able to swallow, offer food immediately. A small amount of corn syrup, honey, or another veterinarian-recommended glucose source may be applied to the gums while urgent veterinary advice is obtained.

Do not force food or liquid into the mouth of an unconscious or actively seizing animal. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Additional Safety Information

• Caninsulin is not intended as the sole treatment for an animal experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis, severe vomiting, or loss of appetite. These conditions require urgent veterinary care.
• Contact the veterinarian if the animal refuses food, vomits repeatedly, becomes unusually lethargic, or develops a significant change in thirst, urination, appetite, or weight.
• Regular veterinary reassessment and glucose monitoring are necessary.
• Use each needle or syringe only once and dispose of it immediately in an approved sharps container.
• Keep insulin, syringes, needles, and VetPen supplies out of reach of children and animals.

Storage

Before First Use

• Refrigerate at 2–8°C.
• Store upright and protect from light.
• Keep in the original carton.
• Do not freeze.
• Discard the product if it has frozen.

After First Use

According to the Canadian manufacturer’s technical bulletin:

• 2.5 mL and 10 mL vials: Store below 25°C and use within six weeks after the first dose is withdrawn.

Follow the storage and discard date printed on the dispensed product and pharmacy label, as instructions may vary by presentation or product version. Canadian Caninsulin technical bulletin

Manufacturer Information

• Manufacturer: Intervet Canada Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
• Official website: Merck Animal Health Canada