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Vetpen Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats - 8 IU

$206.99

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Prescription Required

Merck Animal Health SKU: 144260 Barcode: 8713184122650

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Easy Accurate Insulin Delivery Pen for Dogs and Cats

Product Description

VetPen Starter Kit for Dogs and Cats is an automatic insulin delivery system designed specifically for pets with diabetes. It helps pet parents administer Vetsulin accurately and conveniently using an easy dial mechanism and multi-dose cartridges. The ergonomic design, portable components, and consistent dosing support reliable insulin administration at home or while traveling.

NOTICE: This item requires Express shipping due to the perishable nature of this product. Express orders are shipped Monday-Wednesday. Cannot be shipped to a PO Box. Product can only be shipped to the continental US.

Benefits

  • Accurate Dosing: Delivers precise insulin doses using a dial system that reduces measurement errors compared with syringes.
  • Pet Specific Design: Developed exclusively for dogs and cats to improve convenience and usability for veterinary diabetes management.
  • Convenient Handling: Ergonomic structure and fewer preparation steps make injections easier for pet parents, including those with vision or dexterity challenges.
  • Portable Use: Compact pen format with cartridge system allows insulin administration at home or while traveling with minimal setup.
  • Consistent Delivery: Designed to provide reliable insulin administration when used with compatible Vetsulin cartridges and recommended needles.

Variants

VetPen 8IU (0.5 to 8 units dosing range)

Ingredients

Composition Table

Ingredient

Quantity

Purified porcine insulin (35% amorphous and 65% crystalline)

40 IU

Zinc (as chloride)

0.08 mg

Sodium acetate trihydrate

1.36 mg

Sodium chloride

7.0 mg

Methylparaben

1.0 mg

How to Use

Recommended Dosage Chart

Pet Weight

Initial Recommended Dose

Frequency

Based on body weight

0.5 IU insulin per kg body weight

Once daily with or after a meal

If twice daily therapy is required, each dose should be reduced by 25 percent from the once daily dose that achieved acceptable nadir levels.

Dosage & Administration Instructions

  • Weight-Based Dose: Initial insulin dose is calculated at 0.5 IU per kilogram body weight, administered with or after feeding.
  • Twice Daily Therapy: If duration is inadequate, the veterinarian may recommend twice daily dosing with each dose reduced by twenty-five percent.
  • Proper Pen Use: VetPen should only be used with compatible Vetsulin cartridges and recommended pen needles to ensure accurate dosing.
  • Meal Timing: Insulin administration should occur concurrently with or immediately after meals to support safe glucose control.
  • Prescription Required: This product is prescription-based and must be used under veterinary supervision to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Directions for Use

  • Insert Cartridge: Wash your hands. Confirm that the plunger is fully retracted. Shake the cartridge thoroughly, then insert it securely into the pen device.
  • Attach Needle: Attach a new compatible needle. Carefully remove the protective caps. Make sure the pen is secured before use.
  • Prime Pen: Dial one unit. Hold the pen upright and tap gently to release bubbles. Press the button until a steady stream appears.
  • Administer Injection: Rotate injection sites regularly. Insert the needle properly. Press the release button fully and hold for five seconds after dosing.
  • Prescription Product: This device is intended for veterinary-prescribed insulin therapy and should only be used under professional veterinary supervision.

Disclaimer: This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.

Additional Information

Precautions

  • Allergy Risk: Do not use in pets with known systemic allergy to pork or pork-derived products.
  • Hypoglycemia Contraindication: Do not give treatment during low blood sugar episodes or hypoglycemia.
  • Careful Monitoring: Regular checks for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are important to keep blood sugar in check and avoid problems.
  • Limited Safety Data: Safety has not been tested in puppies, kittens, breeding animals, or pregnant and nursing pets.
  • Overdose Danger: Too much insulin can lead to severe hypoglycemia, seizures, or death if not treated quickly.

Possible Side Effects

  • Hypoglycemia Signs: Low blood sugar can cause weakness, lethargy, seizures, or changes in behavior that need immediate veterinary attention.
  • Injection Reactions: Some pets may occasionally experience mild local reactions at the injection site during insulin administration.
  • Allergic Response: In rare cases, sensitive animals may have allergic reactions to pork insulin.

Storage Information

  • Refrigerated Storage: Store upright in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F to keep insulin stable and effective.
  • Do Not Freeze: Freezing insulin can harm the product and lessen its effectiveness; therefore, do not freeze it at all.
  • Light Protection: Keep insulin cartridges away from light to preserve their strength and maintain the quality of the medication.
  • Loaded Pen Storage: A loaded VetPen may be stored on its side when required for convenience.

Shipping & Return  

We offer express delivery for this product; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What insulin can be used with VetPen for pets?

Ans: VetPen is designed exclusively for use with 2.7 mL Vetsulin cartridges containing 40 IU per mL porcine insulin. Using other insulin products or cartridges may cause dosing inaccuracies or device damage, so only manufacturer-recommended cartridges should be used.

Q2: Is VetPen suitable for both dogs and cats with diabetes?

Ans: Yes, VetPen is designed for diabetic dogs and cats. It helps pet owners give insulin easily and accurately. It uses dosing increments specific to veterinary needs, which support dependable insulin delivery compared to traditional vial and syringe methods when used correctly.

Q3: How long can a VetPen be used before replacement?

Ans: VetPen is reusable and made to provide multiple doses using replaceable insulin cartridges. Testing by the manufacturer shows that the device can last for at least 3,000 injections when used correctly. After that, users should assess its performance and accuracy before continuing to use it.

Q4: What needles should be used with VetPen?

Ans: VetPen works with 29-gauge and 12 mm pen needles, which are thin, lubricated, and triple-sharpened to lessen injection discomfort. Only use compatible single-use needles to ensure proper function and accurate dosing.

Q5: How does VetPen improve insulin dosing accuracy?

Ans: VetPen uses a dial-based dosing mechanism that allows precise selection of insulin units before injection. This system reduces measurement errors commonly associated with syringes and helps deliver consistent doses, supporting better diabetes management when used under veterinary guidance.