Caninsulin®
Presentation
Caninsulin is an aqueous suspension of insulin containing 40 IU per ml of highly purified porcine insulin, 30% is amorphous zinc insulin and 70% crystalline zinc insulin.
Uses
Caninsulin an intermediate-acting insulin contains porcine insulin, which is structurally identical to canine insulin. It is indicated in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (hyperglycaemia and its associated clinical signs) in dogs and cats.
Dosage and administration
Caninsulin should be administered once or twice daily, as appropriate, by subcutaneous injection. Alternate the injection site daily. Shake the product gently before use. A 40IU/ml insulin syringe should be used.
A once daily injection is sufficient to stabilise the blood glucose concentration in most diabetic dogs. However, the duration of action may vary, making it necessary to administer the insulin dose twice daily to some diabetic dogs.
In diabetic cats, it is necessary to administer Caninsulin twice daily.
The dose depends on the degree of deficit in the animal's own insulin production and is therefore different in each case.
Starting Treatment
In dogs, the initial daily dose is 1 IU per kg bodyweight plus a body weight dependent supplement dose.
In cats, the initial daily dose is 0.25-0.5 IU/kg twice daily, with a maximum dose of 2 units twice daily in the first week. Especially in obese cats, an unduly high starting dose may be dangerous
Subsequent adjustment to establish the maintenance dose should be made by increasing or decreasing the daily dose by approximately 10% per day according to the results of measurement of the glucose concentrations in the blood. Alterations in dose should not normally be made more frequently than every 3-4 days.
Maintenance
Once the maintenance dose has been established and the animal is
stabilised a long-term management programme needs to be implemented.
The aim should be to manage the animal in such a way as to minimise
the variations in its insulin requirement. This includes monitoring
to detect under or overdose of insulin and adjustment of dose if
required. Careful stabilisation and tight monitoring and control
during maintenance will help to limit the chronic problems associated
with diabetes including cataracts, fatty liver etc.
Various approaches to
maintenance have been described. The most clinically rational approach
is for the owner to monitor and record the dog's general health
(including well being, thirst and appetite) and check urine glucose
at least daily. The veterinary surgeon checks the case every 2-4
months (or more often if there are problems) including its health
and urine glucose record. Blood glucose is also measured at this
time.
The veterinary surgeon based on full analysis of the clinical data
and the blood glucose measurement makes adjustments to the insulin
dose.
The ability for owners to recognise the signs of hypo- or hyperglycaemia and respond appropriately is important if control is to be achieved during maintenance therapy. Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia in combination with weight loss, general bad condition, loss of hair or abnormal furry coat and lethargy are the most common clinical signs of hyperglycaemia and requires administration of insulin to restore blood glucose concentrations to the normal range.
Contra-indications, warnings etc
- Caninsulin is an intermediate duration insulin and is not intended for the treatment of animals with severe acute diabetes presenting in a ketoacidotic state. Caninsulin must not be administered by the intravenous route.
- The use of progestogens in animals suffering from diabetes mellitus should be avoided. Ovariohysterectomy may have to be considered.
- Stress and irregular exercise must be avoided. Care must be taken with the use of corticosteroids.
- It is important to establish a strict feeding schedule in consultation with the owner that will include a minimum of fluctuations and changes.
- An adult responsible for the welfare of the animal must carry out administration of Caninsulin.
- For animal treatment only. Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage
Store refrigerated at 2-8ºC. Protect from light. Store in the upright position. Following withdrawal of the first dose use the product within 28 days. Discard unused material.
Insulin should not be frozen as this will denature the fragile insulin chains. Similarly, high temperatures should be avoided. Before drawing insulin into the syringe, the contents of the bottle should be gently mixed so that they are properly resuspended. Excessive shaking can damage the insulin and thus make the product less effective or even ineffective.
Packaging
Vials containing 10 ml or 2.5 ml in single and multiple packs.
Please note
Product information provided pertains to the EU. Product data may differ in other countries depending on local regulations. Non-EU visitors can consult the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health representative in their country for further information.