Health Canada Advises Canadians About Problems with Insulin Product for Dogs and Cats

Posted by mincho2008

Health Canada is alerting veterinarians and pet owners about a possible manufacturing problem with Caninsulin, a drug used to treat diabetes in dogs and cats. Caninsulin is an insulin zinc suspension product that may have varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation. This could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity. Products having significant problems with stability can affect the management of chronic diseases and in this case could lead to unpredictable fluctuations in the glucose levels of the treated animals. Health Canada and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the manufacturer of the product, request that veterinarians closely monitor their patients receiving Caninsulin for any changes in onset or duration of activity, or for any signs of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. The classic signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy. The classic signs of hypoglycemia include disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness, lethargy, and seizures. Pet owners whose animals are being treated with Caninsulin should contact their veterinarians immediately if they notice any change in behaviour or symptoms similar to those listed above. Intervet/Schering-Plough is working with Health Canada to resolve this issue and to ensure that the product sold in Canada is both safe and effective for use in dogs and cats. Health Canada encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events with Caninsulin to Intervet/Schering-Plough through the Technical Services Department at 1-866-683-7838. Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709. Egalement disponible en francais