ProZinc® Insulin

ProZinc (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus.

PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) is the simple and reliable choice for diabetes control in dogs and cats. It is a veterinarian-approved, veterinarian-prescribed injectable insulin for cats and dogs. With just two daily doses a day in cats and once-a-day dosing in most dogs, delivered before or just after a meal, PROZINC insulin provides predictable glycemic control in pets with diabetes.^3,5 A single PROZINC injection has an appropriate duration of activity (10-14 hours) in cats and an extended duration of activity (16->24 hours) in dogs.²

If your cat or dog has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, you understand the importance of regulating blood glucose and controlling clinical signs. With its appropriate duration of action in cats, and extended duration of action in dogs, PROZINC® insulin will provide glycemic control and help improve the quality of life of your cat or dog.^2,3,5

PROZINC® insulin should only be administered to the cat or dog for whom it was prescribed, and at the dosage and frequency for which it was prescribed. If you have any questions or concerns about the product or about diabetes mellitus, talk to your veterinarian. PROZINC® insulin requires refrigeration³, as well as the use of U-40 syringes³, which are sold separately.

References:

1. Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA diabetes management guidelines for dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018;54(1):1-21.

2. Ward CR, Christiansen K, Li J, et al. Field efficacy and safety of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin in 276 dogs with diabetes mellitus. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2021;75:106575.

3. PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) [Freedom of Information Summary; NADA 141-297]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2009/2019.

4. PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) [prescribing information]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2019.

5. Gostelow R, Scudder C, Hazuchova K, et al. One-year prospective randomized trial comparing efficacy of glargine and protamine zinc insulin in diabetic cats. In: Proceedings from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum; June 8–10, 2017; National Harbor, MD. Abstract EN10.

Dogs and Cats

Protamine zinc recombinant human insulin

Each mL of ProZinc contains: protamine sulfate 0.466 mg; zinc oxide 0.088 mg; glycerin 16.00 mg; dibasic sodium phosphate, heptahydrate 3.78 mg; phenol (added as preservative) 2.50 mg; hydrochloric acid 1.63 mg; water for injection (maximum) 1005 mg.

pH is adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.

ProZinc

Long-acting insulin, Injectable

Boehringer Ingelheim

This sterile injectable suspension contains 40 IU of protamine zinc insulin per 1 mL (U-40) of suspension and is supplied in 10 mL and 20 mL multidose vials. Please ensure the selected product and quantity/vial size are appropriate for your pet, as recommended by your veterinarian.

For current availability, please refer to the product selection above.

ProZinc Insulin should be administered subcutaneously (injected under the skin) as directed by your veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes or discontinuing the prescribed dosing schedule.

For general injectable use (aseptic technique):

Aseptic technique refers to a set of practices designed to minimize the risk of contamination and infection during medical procedures. These practices can also be applied to the handling and administration of injectable medications to your pet to help reduce the risk of post-injection bacterial infections.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after administration.

Use a new, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Needles and syringes should never be reused.

Do not touch the needle, syringe tip, or vial stopper (once it has been wiped with alcohol) to any surface to avoid contamination.

Adequately clean and disinfect the vial stopper with an alcohol wipe, then allow it to dry before inserting the sterile needle/syringe.

Withdraw and administer the prescribed dose as directed by your veterinarian.

Dispose of the needle/syringe immediately after use into a proper sharps disposal container.

Manufacturer Dosage and Administration:

FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION IN DOGS AND CATS ONLY.

USE OF A SYRINGE OTHER THAN A U-40 SYRINGE WILL RESULT IN INCORRECT DOSING.

DO NOT SHAKE OR AGITATE THE VIAL. PROZINC insulin requires refrigeration at all times.

PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin) should be mixed by gently rolling the vial prior to withdrawing each dose from the vial. Once mixed, PROZINC® insulin suspension has a white, cloudy appearance. Clumps or visible white particles can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if clumps or visible white particles persist after gently rolling the vial.

Using a U-40 insulin syringe, the injection should be administered subcutaneously on the back of the neck or on the side of the cat or dog.

Administer the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not administer more medication than prescribed or two doses at once.

If you have questions about your pet’s prescribed dosing schedule (e.g., timing, interval), please consult your veterinarian.

Store in an upright position under refrigeration at 36-46°F. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

The most common insulin-related side effect is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of low blood sugar can occur suddenly and may include weakness, staggering gait, muscle twitching, coma, depression, lethargy, sluggishness, behavioral changes, seizures, convulsions, and death.

Always be prepared for an unexpected hypoglycemic event; a source of real sugar (e.g., food, oral dextrose) should be kept on hand and offered to your pet if hypoglycemia occurs. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Prolonged hyperglycemia can result in severe side effects including seizures, coma, and death. If your pet falls unconscious or has a seizure, this is a medical emergency—seek emergency veterinary attention immediately.

In some cases, injection site reactions (including lumps or thickening of the skin) have been reported. Rotating injection sites may help prevent these reactions.

Notify your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the effects described above, or if you notice any other side effects that are persistent or troublesome.

If you notice anything unusual, please consult your veterinarian.

This is a U-40 insulin; only compatible (U-40) syringes should be used to administer this product.

Inspect the vial before each use. Do NOT use the product if clumps or visible white particles persist after gently rolling the vial, as these signs indicate that the product is no longer fit for use.

For use in cats and dogs only. Keep out of the reach of children.

Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.

Do NOT administer this medication during episodes of hypoglycemia, if your pet is vomiting, or if your pet is not eating normally. Any change in insulin should be made cautiously and only under a veterinarian's supervision.

Cats and dogs presenting with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy until their condition is stabilized. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are essential to attain and maintain adequate glycemic control and prevent associated complications. Overdose can result in profound hypoglycemia and death.

Glucocorticoids, progestogens, and certain endocrinopathies can have an antagonistic effect on insulin activity. Glucocorticoid and progestogen use should be avoided.

The safety and effectiveness of PROZINC insulin in puppies, kittens, or breeding, pregnant, and lactating animals has not been evaluated. Discuss the risks of using this medication with your veterinarian prior to use if your pet is in one of these groups.

Do not administer to animals with a known history or suspected allergy/hypersensitivity to protamine zinc recombinant human insulin or any other ingredients in PROZINC. Allergic reactions to medications may occur. Please inform Vetsource and your veterinarian if your pet has any known sensitivities or allergies, especially to medications and supplements.

If your pet displays symptoms of an allergic reaction, discontinue therapy and call your veterinarian immediately or seek emergency veterinary attention. Symptoms may include (but are not limited to): swollen lips, tongue, face, or airways; difficulty breathing; agitation; profuse salivation; and widespread hives or itching.

Dietary changes may affect insulin requirements. It is important for your pet to maintain a consistent diet, including food types, quantity, and timing of meals, while receiving this medication.

The following drugs* may have potential interactions with this medication: ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, enalapril), alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine, dexmedetomidine), anabolic steroids, ARBs (e.g., telmisartan), aspirin, beta agonists (e.g., albuterol), beta blockers (e.g., atenolol, sotalol), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, prednisone), digoxin, diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), estrogens (e.g., estriol), fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin), concurrent insulins, MAOIs (e.g., amitraz, selegiline), metformin, metoclopramide, NSAIDs, pentoxifylline, phenothiazines (e.g., acepromazine), phenylpropanolamine (Proin), progestins (e.g., altrenogest, megestrol), SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., bexagliflozin, velagliflozin), SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), sulfonamides (e.g., sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole), tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline), and thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine).

*NOTE: this may not be a comprehensive list. Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

Please ensure your veterinarian is aware of all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) products that your pet is currently using. Your veterinarian may prescribe multiple medications, even if a potential drug interaction may occur. In these instances, your veterinarian may adjust the dosages or monitor your pet more closely.

If you are concerned that your pet has experienced an adverse reaction to this medication, please contact the manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim at 1-888-637-4251 or Vetsource Pet Owner Care at 877-738-4443.

If you have any reason to suspect an overdose, call your doctor/veterinarian or the appropriate poison control resource immediately.

For humans:

The national toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, will connect you to your local poison center in case of emergency. This service is available nationwide and in most U.S. territories.

For animals:

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 888-426-4435.

Pet Poison Helpline® also provides a 24/7 animal poison control service at 855-764-7661.

All content, including the images and product description above, is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Consult your veterinarian for complete information about this product and how it fits into your pet's individual treatment plan.