• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Lilly's Withdrawal of Human Insulin Has Veterinary Ramifications; Owners of Diabetic Dogs Advised to Consult Their Veterinarians Immediately

Posted on: Thursday, 8 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

Eli Lilly and Company's forthcoming discontinuation of four human insulin products has surprised an unlikely group of doctors -- veterinarians -- as they scramble to plan for treatment of dogs with diabetes. Approximately one in 500 dogs in the United States suffers from diabetes mellitus and a significant number are treated with one of the discontinued products. As a result, veterinarians are urging pet owners with diabetic dogs to check with them immediately about which brand of insulin they're administering.

In July 2005, Lilly announced it is discontinuing four insulin products -- Humulin(R) L Lente(R), Humulin(R) U Ultralente(R), regular Iletin(R) II and NPH Iletin(R) II -- citing a drop in sales and use by human diabetics. Based on inventories and client demand, the products should be available in pharmacies until year's end. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications for use in people, veterinarians have been prescribing Humulin L and Iletin II for their diabetic canine patients for decades because no veterinary alternatives were available.

Only 15 months ago, the FDA approved the first insulin medication for diabetic dogs, Vetsulin(R) (porcine insulin zinc suspension). Because it is formulated for dogs rather than people, Vetsulin is less concentrated than human insulin products, making it easier to dose dogs with less risk of under- or over-dosing. An added benefit is that about one-third of dogs treated with Vetsulin can be regulated with one daily injection versus the two injections required when treating with a human insulin.

Pet owners who are in the position of switching their dogs from human insulin to the canine-formulated insulin can expect only minor changes in their daily routine, noted Michael J. Coyne, VMD, PhD, market development manager for Intervet and a practicing veterinarian in Bear, Del.

"Since Vetsulin was launched in January 2005, veterinarians have been able to successfully regulate many diabetic dogs with Vetsulin, including dogs that were previously difficult to manage," said Dr. Coyne. "And with a fast-approaching deadline to switch regulated patients from products such as Humulin L to Vetsulin, we want to assure dog owners and their veterinarians that the transition can be smooth and safe.

"While diabetic dogs can live normal, healthy lives, we know that providing the best care requires information and support for their owners," stated Dr. Coyne. For more information about canine diabetes and Vetsulin -- including what dog owners should tell or ask their veterinarian before starting Vetsulin -- visit www.vetsulin.com.

About Vetsulin(R) (porcine insulin zinc suspension)

Vetsulin is a porcine insulin zinc suspension approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs. Prescribed by a veterinarian, Intervet International's porcine insulin zinc suspension has been approved and sold in 24 other countries -- in some for more than a decade -- under the name Caninsulin(R).

Vetsulin should not be used in dogs known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products, and is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Keep out of the reach of children. Animals 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 associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Please refer to the package insert for complete product information.

About Intervet

Intervet Inc. is the manufacturer of Vetsulin(R), Panacur(R) C, Salix(R), Progard(R), ProLyme(R), Protex(R) and Prorab(R) vaccines. Intervet Inc. is an affiliate of Intervet International bv, one of the world's leading animal health companies and currently ranked third among global animal health suppliers. The company is a leader in research and is dedicated to the development, production and marketing of innovative, high-quality animal health products and feed additives. Intervet's product range includes vaccines for use in livestock, companion animals, poultry and fish; anti-parasitics; anti-infectives; endocrine products for regulation and improvement of breeding performance; diagnostics; feed additives; and productivity enhancers. Intervet International employs more than 4,800 personnel and maintains a global distribution network in 120 countries.

Vetsulin, Caninsulin, Panacur, Salix, Progard, ProLyme, Protex and Prorab are registered trademarks of Intervet Inc. Humulin and Iletin are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Lente and Ultralente are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category