Cat & Dog - Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body turn the food your pet eats into energy.  Insulin works by allowing the sugar to pass from the blood into the body's cells to make fat, sugar and protein.  Without insulin, sugar cannot get into the body's cells.  Insulin works whether the body makes its own insulin or if it is given by injection.  Insulin is given when the pet has insulin deficiency, diabetes mellitus.

Some insulin preparations are not available as veterinary preparations.  Your veterinary surgeon may ask you to sign a consent form so a preparation licensed for humans can be used to treat your pet.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet by subcutaneous injection as directed by your veterinary surgeon.  READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Measure the dose carefully.
• Vials should be gently inverted several times before the dose is withdrawn.  Inject the insulin immediately after withdrawing the dose from the vial.
• If you're not sure if you've given the injection properly do not try giving a dose again, wait until the next dose is due
• Alternate the injection site daily.
• Give this medication at the same time each day.
• Feed your pet at the same time each day.
• DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Contact your veterinary surgeon.

How do I store this medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
• Store this medicine in the refrigerator.  DO NOT freeze.  Discard open vials after 1 month.
• Store upright as the rubber top can cause the insulin to degrade
• DO NOT expose insulin to extreme heat or to sunlight.  This will cause the insulin to become less effective quicker.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon will need to monitor your pet and take regular samples to monitor blood parameters.  Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant.
• If your pet receives too much insulin he may become hypoglycaemic (low blood sugar).  This could result in disorientation, weakness, hunger, drowsiness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, shakiness and possibly seizures and coma.  If seizures occur, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.  If the side effects are mild, offer your pet powdered glucose made into a solution and some food and contact your veterinary surgeon.  The dosage of insulin may need adjusting.
• High blood sugar is another problem that may occur.  Notify your veterinary surgeon immediately if the following symptoms occur: drowsiness, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, troubled breathing and unusual thirst.
• Other side effects may occur.  If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.