What is ProZinc Insulin?

ProZinc is insulin combined with zinc and protamine which helps to prolong the release of the insulin into your pet's body. ProZinc requires a prescription from your veterinarian. U-40 Syringes are sold separately. ProZinc Insulin requires refrigeration and must be kept at refrigerator temperatures at all times. To ensure proper temperature, it requires overnight shipping at an additional cost.

For:

Dogs and Cats

Benefits:

• Helps control blood glucose and alleviate symptoms of diabetes.
• It is the first and only FDA-approved insulin for cats made from recombinant DNA (DNA molecules created from the DNA of two unrelated organisms) that is identical to human insulin.
• Now FDA-approved for use in dogs
• The ingredients in ProZinc (protamine zinc insulin) are classified as long-acting with duration of effect for 10-14 hours.

How it Works:

Like other insulins, ProZinc controls blood glucose by stimulating carbohydrate metabolism in heart, bone and fat tissue, helping these cells to use glucose for energy.

Cautions:

Syringes are sold separately. We recommend using U-40 syringes. ProZinc is for use in dogs and cats only. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Accidental injection may cause hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to product may induce a local or systematic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. Do not switch from one type insulin to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose.

Brand Name:

ProZinc

Generic Name:

protamine zinc recombinant human insulin

What is the most important information I should know about ProZinc:

Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the body produces insufficient insulin. The low insulin levels may result in high blood glucose that could produce the following changes in a pet; increased thirst, urination and appetite; weight loss; high levels of glucose in the urine. ProZinc is not a cure for diabetes mellitus, it can control the levels of glucose in the blood to help alleviate the clinical signs. Follow any diet or exercise plan developed by your Veterinarian.

What is ProZinc:

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to use the sugar in food as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, this condition is called diabetes mellitus. This condition allows sugar levels in the body to become very high. ProZinc is a protamine zinc insulin, a type of long-acting insulin derived from recombinant human insulin used to reduce hyperglycemia (high blood glucose or sugar) in pets with diabetes mellitus. A licensed veterinarian must prescribe ProZinc insulin for your pet. ProZinc insulin should be given to dogs and cats only. Seek medical attention immediately if you accidentally inject yourself with ProZinc insulin. ProZinc is available by prescription as a sterile injectable suspension in 10 ml multidose vials. Each ml of ProZinc product contains 40 International Units (U) of recombinant human insulin and is given to pets by subcutaneous injection.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving ProZinc:

Do not give ProZinc to pets sensitive to Protamine zinc recombinant human insulin or any other ingredients in the ProZinc product. Do not give ProZinc during episodes of hypoglycemia. Before using ProZinc, tell your veterinarian if your pet has any other medical conditions or allergies, or if your pet takes any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or if you plan to breed your pet.

How should this medication be given:

Do not switch from one type insulin to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose. ProZinc should be given according to your veterinarian's instructions. ProZinc is given using a U-40 syringe only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing. ProZinc should not be shaken. Just prior to use, the vial should be mixed by rolling the vial between the palms of your hands. Do not reuse a syringe. Dispose of all syringes in an appropriate puncture-resistant disposal container. Dosage regimens of ProZinc will vary among patients. The recommended starting dose for cats is 0.1 to 0.3 units per lb of body weight every 12 hours. The recommended starting dose for dogs is 0.2 to 0.5 units per lb of body weight once daily. This dose should be adjusted based on changes in blood glucose levels and resolution of clinical signs. Further adjustments may be necessary with changes in the pet's diet, body weight or other medications, or if the pet develops an infection, inflammation, neoplasia or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder. Store ProZinc in an upright position, in the refrigerator, between 36°-46° F. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose:

Contact and follow your veterinarian's directions if you miss giving a dose of ProZinc. If you cannot contact your veterinarian and your pet is eating and acting normally, give your pet the usual dose at the next regularly scheduled time. To prevent missed doses, be sure to always have enough ProZinc on hand.

What happens if I overdose the pet:

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you inject more than the prescribed amount of ProZinc. Signs of hypoglycemia that may occur include; weakness; depression, lethargy, sluggishness; staggering gait; behavioral changes; muscle twitching; seizures; coma; death.

What should I avoid while giving ProZinc:

ProZinc should be given to dogs and cats only. ProZinc should not be administered to humans. Call a physician immediately if you accidentally inject yourself with ProZinc. Do not give a dose of ProZinc to a pet experiencing an episode of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Common causes for hypoglycemia include excessive doses of insulin, failure to eat, accidental doubling of insulin dose, strenuous exercise, correction of obesity or diabetes-inducing disease, drug effects. Do not give a dose of PROZINC if the pet has not eaten or is vomiting.

What are the possible side effects of ProZinc:

Rarely, allergic reactions to insulin can occur. Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if an allergic reaction is experienced (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other serious side effects can occur with or without warning. The most common insulin-related side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with symptoms that include; weakness; depression, lethargy, sluggishness; staggering gait; behavioral changes; muscle twitching; seizures; coma; death. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has a medical problem or side effect from ProZinc therapy. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the pet.

What other drugs will affect ProZinc:

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. Do not give any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products, without first talking to your veterinarian or pharmacist during treatment with ProZinc.

Where can I get more information:

Your pharmacist has additional information about ProZinc written for health professionals that you can read.