Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Pet Division
3902 Gene Field Road
St. Joseph, Missouri 64506
- Phone 866-638-2226
- Fax 816-326-9167
Value Through Innovation23 May 2013
ProZinc®
(protamine zinc recombinant human insulin)
PROZINC is indicated for the reduction of hyperglycemia and hyperglycemia-associated clinical signs in cats with diabetes mellitus. PROZINC is a protamine zinc insulin that is FDA approved for use in diabetic cats. Efficacy and safety studies demonstrated that PROZINC is effective in controlling hyperglycemia as either an initial treatment for newly diagnosed diabetic cats or as an alternative treatment for poorly regulated diabetic cats1.
- FDA approved for cats
- Predictable glycemic control; PROZINC has a duration of action identified by AAHA as appropriate for the majority of diabetic cats2
- Feline specific3
- Human recombinant technology
As a class, the use of any insulin when regulating a diabetic cat may be associated with side effects. The most common side effect reported in field studies was hypoglycemia. This is usually mild (lethargy, weak, trembling, uncoordinated, groggy, dazed), but may be serious and life-threatening (seizures, coma). If side effects occur, cat owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. Cats should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with PROZINC. Routine monitoring (blood parameters such as glucose and fructosamine and clinical signs) is essential to maintain a regulated cat. PROZINC insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Please refer to the package insert for complete product information.
CAUTION: Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian
- A protamine zinc insulin (PZI), which has a typical duration of effect in the cat of 10 - 14 hours4
- Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian
- Protamine and zinc serve to release insulin slowly over each treatment period to help maintain blood glucose levels throughout the day
- Not subject to sourcing constraints of older, animal-source insulin products, which means a more reliable supply of product
- Proven safe and effective for both newly diagnosed and poorly regulated diabetic cats
PROZINC is a sterile injectable suspension supplied in 10-mL multidose vials. Each mL of PROZINC contains 40 IU recombinant human insulin.
Important Safety Information
As a class, the use of any insulin when regulating a diabetic cat may be associated with side effects. The most common side effect reported in field studies was hypoglycemia. This is usually mild (lethargy, weak, trembling, uncoordinated, groggy, dazed), but may be serious and life-threatening (seizures, coma). If side effects occur, cat owners should contact their veterinarian immediately. Cats should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and currently prescribed medications prior to treatment with PROZINC. Routine monitoring (blood parameters such as glucose and fructosamine and clinical signs) is essential to maintain a regulated cat. PROZINC insulin is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia. Please refer to the package insert for complete product information.
CAUTION: Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian
PROZINC insulin should be mixed by gently rolling the vial prior to withdrawing each dose from the vial. Inject subcutaneously on the back of the neck or on the side of the cat using a U-40 syringe. Use of a syringe
other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing.
The initial recommended PROZINC dose is 0.1 0.3 IU insulin/pound of body weight (0.2 0.7 IU/kg) every 12 hours. The dose should be given concurrently with or right after a meal. The veterinarian should re-evaluate the cat at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on both clinical signs and glucose nadirs until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
For complete safety information, please consult package insert.
1. Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C, et al. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009;23:787-793
2. Rucinsky R, Cook A, Haley S, et al. AAHA diabetes management guidelines for dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2010;46:215-22
3. FOI for NADA 141-297. (PROZINC)4. Nelson RW. Disorders of the endocrine pancreas. In: Nelson RW, Couto CG, eds. Small Animal Internal Medicine, 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:764-802.
4. Nelson RW. Disorders of the endocrine pancreas. In: Nelson RW, Couto CG, eds. Small Animal Internal Medicine, 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:764-802.
