Vetpen Starter Kit for Dogs & Cats - 16 IU

VetPen is the first insulin pen designed exclusively for diabetic pets. For years, insulin pens have made it easier for human diabetics to manage their diabetes. VetPen allows pet owners to enjoy the same convenience and accuracy when managing their pet’s diabetes. Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus. It also helps reduce the associated clinical signs of hyperglycemia in cats and dogs. Vetsulin is a sterile aqueous zinc suspension of purified porcine insulin that is injectable.

Benefits

• Ergonomically designed for easy handling, even for owners with visual or manual dexterity issues.
• Multi-dose insulin cartridges require fewer steps to prepare doses.
• Portable and easy to take on the go (refrigeration of cartridges is recommended).
• Less intimidating process for owners who have fears and concerns about using the traditional syringe method.
• User friendly; 97% of pet owners reported they had no difficulty learning or using VetPen.
• Minimizes pet discomfort thanks to specially lubricated and triple-sharpened needles.
  • Within 1 week, 42% of VetPen users with cats with diabetes reported that their pets’ response to injections improved when injections were given using VetPen instead of syringes.
• VetPen Starter Kit provides owners with a handy travel pouch containing detailed instructions, needles and needle remover.

Possible Side Effects

Dogs and cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with Vetsulin. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia.

Recommended Dosage

Use as directed by your veterinarian. The initial recommended vetsulin dose is 0.5 IU insulin/kg body weight. Initially, this dose should be given once daily concurrently with, or right after a meal. Twice daily therapy should be initiated if the duration of insulin action is determined to be inadequate. If twice daily treatment is initiated, the two doses should each be 25% less than the once daily dose required to attain an acceptable nadir. For example, if a dog receiving 20 units of vetsulin once daily has an acceptable nadir but inadequate duration of activity, the vetsulin dose should be changed to 15 units twice daily.

How to Use VetPen

Inserting Cartridge in VetPen

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove cap and unscrew body from cartridge holder.
3. Ensure plunger is retracted. If it is not, rewind plunger to retract.
4. Insert cartridge after shaking thoroughly.
5. Screw cartridge holder and body together gently but firmly.
6. Peel off protective film and screw new VetPen needle onto cartridge holder.
7. Remove outer protective needle cap.
8. Replace the pen cap then shake the pen until a homogenous, uniformly milky suspension is obtained.

Priming the VetPen
It is important to remove the air from the cartridge before use to avoid injection of air and ensure proper dosing.

1. Dial one unit on the dose selector and remove the needle cap and the inner protective needle sheath.
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the pen gently with your fingers to push any air bubbles to the top.
3. Push down the release button and hold until the arrow on the body returns to the starting line on the dose selector.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until a strong, steady stream or jet of insulin appears at the needle tip. Expect to expel at least 8 units of air.
5. Push down the release button and hold until the arrow on the body returns to the starting line on the dose selector.
6. Check that the cartridge is free of air bubbles by viewing the cartridge through the VetPen window and inverting or tilting the pen.
7. Ensure the arrow on the VetPen points to the start line on the dose selector, then dial the number of units prescribed.
8. The VetPen is now ready for use.

Giving the Injection

1. Injection should be given under the skin, 3/4 to 2 inches from the middle of the dog’s back, varying from behind the shoulder blades to the middle of the back region and alternating sides.
2. Remove needle cover and protective caps. Insert the needle, then push the release button toward the pen needle and hold it in place until the start line on the dose selector returns to the arrow on the pen body. Take care to not impede the motion of the dose selector.
3. After the dose selector has returned to the start line, wait a minimum of 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle from the skin.
4. If insulin leaks out of the pen after injection, check the cartridge for small air bubble using the VetPen window. Do not attempt to re-dose.

Injection Tips

• If only a partial dose is given, do not attempt to re-dose. Wait and give the pet its usual dose at the next injection time.
• If you over-dial, never wind back the dose selector. Dispose of the insulin and dial up the correct dose.

Possible Side Effects

Dogs and cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with Vetsulin. Vetsulin is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia.

Recommended Dosage

Use as directed by your veterinarian. The initial recommended vetsulin dose is 0.5 IU insulin/kg body weight. Initially, this dose should be given once daily concurrently with, or right after a meal. Twice daily therapy should be initiated if the duration of insulin action is determined to be inadequate. If twice daily treatment is initiated, the two doses should each be 25% less than the once daily dose required to attain an acceptable nadir. For example, if a dog receiving 20 units of vetsulin once daily has an acceptable nadir but inadequate duration of activity, the vetsulin dose should be changed to 15 units twice daily.

Storage Instructions

Store in an upright position under refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F. Do not freeze. Protect from light. The loaded VetPen can be stored on its side.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.