Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, the manufacturer of Vetsulin (porcine insulin zinc suspension) recently sent another letter to veterinarians as a follow up to the Vetsulin Alert/Importance of Diabetic Pet Transition letter that was sent to veterinarians last November. This letter is reminding veterinarians of the dwindling supply of Vetsulin and encourages them to transition their diabetic patients to other insulin products including protamine zinc insulin for cats (ProZinc).
*As a reminder to all PetMeds clients with a diabetic pet, do not switch from one type of insulin product to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose and/or the use of a different insulin syringe.
I want to make sure everyone currently using Vetsulin to control their pet’s diabetes understands the issue that is impacting them.
As you may know, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (the maker of Vetsulin) issued a “Product Alert” on Vetsulin late last year. The issue is with the long-term stability of the product over time. The company is presently working to determine whether there is any significant loss of potency or a delayed onset or extended duration of action. At this time, the company does not believe the efficacy and safety of Vetsulin is affected.
However, all veterinarians have been asked to alert their clients to:
- Monitor their pets on Vetsulin for any unusual signs; and
- Transition their pet to an alternative product as soon as posible
Transitioning your pet as soon as possible is important because Vetsulin will no longer be available in the very near future and all supplies in the U.S. will be depleted while Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health works with the FDA to resolve this issue. Therefore you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately so that the veterinarian can initiate this transition process.
LegitScript is the leading internet pharmacy verification service in the United States. LegitScript is identified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as the only internet pharmacy verification service that adheres to the NABP’s standards.
I am very happy to announce that 1-800-PetMeds has been certified by LegitScript and we are proudly displaying the LegitScript seal on our online pet pharmacy homepage.
1-800-PetMeds is first and foremost a pharmacy. What makes us different from the pharmacy you use for your medications is that we specialize in dispensing medicines for your pet instead of for you.
Because we care about the health and welfare of your pets, we have recently made some important adjustments to the pet information we need from you.
When you look at our “Pet Medical History” page, you will see that we are asking for, and need, some basic information regarding your pet(s). This includes (for each pet):
- The name of the pet – this goes on the prescription label so you can be sure you’re giving the correct medication to the correct pet.
- The type of pet – is it a dog or a cat. This allows us to catch species errors when medications are ordered. For example, was the order for a medication that can only be given to a dog but our records indicate you have a cat.
- Breed – Some breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases.
- Gender – Some pet medications are intended for use in females only. Some medications should be used cautiously if given to pregnant females, or not given to pregnant females at all.
- Pet Age – Older pets that may have age related kidney or liver conditions may need to have their medication dosage adjusted.
- Weight – We want to make sure the medication we send is correct for the weight of your pet.
- Medical Conditions – These help us understand the medication your pet has been given and helps us prevent giving you a medication your pet should not have.
- Allergies – Tell us what your pet is allergic to. For example, does he/she have flea bite allergies?
- Medications my pet is allergic to – By asking for any drug allergies, we can prevent giving your pet a medication they should not be taking. You can chose up to 4 medications (if your pet is allergic to more than one medication).
- Medications my pet is taking (not purchased through us) – This is important since the medication we are sending you may interact with the medication you’ve gotten somewhere else.
We are hopeful that you will see these questions, and your need to answer them, as a benefit to your pets health.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has some excellent winter health tips on their website. The AKC reminds us that dogs cannot talk to us when they are sick and as a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay special attention to your dog’s well-being during the winter season. The AKC suggests dog owners remember the following health concerns:
- Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is highly poisonous. Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.
- Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your dog’s feet after a walk.
- Provide plenty of fresh water. Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
- Frostbite is your dog’s winter hazard. To prevent frostbite on its ears, tail and feet, don’t leave your dog outdoors for too long.
- Be very careful of supplemental heat sources. Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog. Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.
- Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.
- Don’t use (human) over-the-counter medications on your dog without consulting a veterinarian.
As a reminder, 1-800-PetMeds does carry prescription and non-prescription medications to treat cough. Our staff can discuss these products with you.
Have you ever wondered what the most popular pet names are? It turns out that Max, Bella, and Kitty are the most popular names.
According to an Associated Press article published in the Boston Herald, in 2009 Max was the most popular name for male dogs and cats, Bella was the most popular name for female dogs, and Kitty was the most popular name for female cats.
These results, according to the article, were based on an unscientific compilation of 50,000 pets treated at a Boston animal hospital.
I’m sure my Maltese named Max is thrilled to know he’s not unique even though he acts like he is.
Heartgard Tablets, a non-flavored, non-chewable product, has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This product was a great alternative for those dogs with beef allergy that needed heartworm prevention.
If your dog has a beef allergy, and especially if your pet has been taking these tablets, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss alternative heartworm prevention medication.
Heartgard Plus (heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention), and Heartgard Chews (heartworm prevention only) are readily available. Only the non-flavored, non-chewable tablet is discontinued.
Due to a manufacturing issue, the manufacturer of Vetsulin has advised that the Food and Drug Administration has recommended that veterinarians consider transitioning their patients to other insulin products. There has been no recall but supplies will be limited, and it is anticipated that Vetsulin will no longer be available in 3 or 4 weeks.
Prior purchasers of Vetsulin should speak to their veterinarian about an alternative product. For cat owners, your veterinarian can consider the use of ProZinc although some dosage adjustment may be necessary. For dog owners, there are insulin options available, but your veterinarian will need to decide the appropriate product to use.
If you have any questions, please call our pharmacy department at 1-888-738-6331.
November is National Pet Diabetes Month.
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases to affect dogs and cats. We treat our dogs with insulin (Vetsulin, Humulin, Lantus) and we treat our cats with either insulin (Vetsulin, PZI-Vet) or one of the oral antidiabeic medications such as glipizide.
Starting or changing insulin therapy should be done cautiously, and only under the supervision of a veterinarian. The most common adverse effect associated with insulin is hypoglycemia. This can occur suddenly. Your veterinarian can tell you the symptoms of hypoglycemia that you should be aware of, as well as what needs to be done in the event your pet becomes hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
Customers who have a pet or pets with diabetes and are using Vetsulin Insulin should be aware that the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has issued an advisory regarding Vetsulin.
There is NO recall of this product. However, pet owners are advised to monitor their pets for the following symptoms:
- hyperglycemia
- increased thirst, or urination
- weight loss
- disorientation
- signs of weakness
If the pet has any of these symptoms, pet owners are advised to call the manufacturer’s Technical Services Department at 800-224-5318. Customers should also contact their veterinarian.
October is American Pharmacists Month.
This month-long observance is a time to recognize the significant contributions to health care and the commitment to patient care by pharmacists in ALL practice settings.
Pharmacists are actively involved in ever expanding roles which make vital contributions to health care. As medication experts, pharmacists are an integral part of the health care team, not just dispensers of medication. Knowing your medicine and knowing your pharmacist helps to ensure that drug therapy is as safe and effective as possible.
The pharmacists at 1-800-PetMeds are dedicated to the health of our “furry” family members and we are proud that you have chosen us for their prescription needs. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your pet’s medication. We are here to answer your questions.
