ProZinc ™ (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin)

PROZINC: understanding insulin

About insulin

What insulin is, and what it does
For some cats with diabetes, lifestyle changes such as an exercise plan and a special diet may be the only treatment they need. But most cats with diabetes also need insulin injections.

Insulin is important for regulating a cat's blood glucose (sugar), which is a critical metabolic process. Healthy cats can produce all the insulin they need on their own. Some cats with diabetes must get the insulin they need another way — through insulin injections.

 

Why PROZINC is special

PROZINC is a protamine zinc insulin, a type of long-acting insulin that is ideal for your cat's condition. Protamine zinc insulin releases slowly over time to better maintain a stable, consistent blood glucose level throughout the day.

PROZINC is the first protamine zinc insulin that is approved by the FDA specifically for use in cats.

To learn more about PROZINC, click here.

The safety and effectiveness of PROZINC insulin in kittens and in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats has not been evaluated. Use of this product, even at established doses, has been associated with hypoglycemia.1 An animal with signs of hypoglycemia should be treated immediately. See Safety Info page for more information.

 

Measure dose as shown

The PROZINC syringe

When you give your cat a PROZINC injection, make sure you use the correct type of syringe. PROZINC is a U-40 insulin, meaning that there are 40 units of insulin per milliliter (ml) of product. That is why PROZINC must be injected with a U-40 syringe. This is very important because using another type of syringe will deliver the wrong dose.

How to fill the syringe
To watch a video demonstrating these steps, click here.

  1. The syringe is marked with numbers indicating units of PROZINC. Be sure to give your cat the number of units prescribed by your veterinarian. NOTE: Do not try to adjust your cat's dosage without your veterinarian's supervision.
  2. Remove the caps from the plunger and needle, and pull back the plunger to the prescribed dose of PROZINC.
  3. Gently roll the PROZINC vial between your hands. This step mixes the insulin and also warms it so the injection will be more comfortable for your cat. NOTE: It is important that you roll the vial, and not shake it. Shaking the vial may reduce the effect of the insulin by breaking the insulin molecules apart.
  4. Insert the needle into the top of the PROZINC vial and push the plunger all the way in to inject air into the vial.
  5. Now turn the vial upside-down with the needle still inserted. Make sure the tip of the needle is submerged in the insulin. Pull back the plunger a few units past the prescribed dose. Keep the needle inserted in the vial.
  6. Look for large air bubbles in the syringe. If you see any, gently tap the side of the syringe with your finger to release them.
  7. Now gently push the plunger back in to the prescribed dose. Take your finger off of the plunger and withdraw the needle from the vial.

Now you're ready to give the injection.

 

Inject PROZINC into the skin

Administering PROZINC

It is best to give your cat's PROZINC injections at feeding time or just afterward. It is also best to give the injections at the same time every day, because it will help your cat maintain the most stable blood glucose levels. This will be easier to do if you stick closely to your feeding schedule.

The easy way to give your cat an injection
Injecting your cat with PROZINC might sound scary and seem like a hard thing to do, but it's really not. Your veterinarian will show you how, and you can also follow the instructions below. With a little practice, PROZINC injections will become easy for you and your cat.

To watch a video demonstrating these steps, click here.

  1. Place your cat on a stable surface.
  2. Take a moment to pet your cat! It's best if you and your cat are calm while you give the injection.
  3. While you're petting your cat, gently pull up a fold of skin on your cat's neck or side. Don't use the same spot each time.
  4. Quickly insert the needle into the fold of skin. The insulin needle is very thin and sharp. It won't hurt your cat, especially if you insert it quickly.
  5. Pull the plunger back slightly to ensure no blood enters the syringe. If you see any blood in the syringe, discard it and start over with a new syringe.
  6. Gently push the plunger all the way in, pull out the needle, and reward your cat with more petting.
  7. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.
  8. Store PROZINC in the refrigerator. PROZINC should be stored at a temperature between 36° and 46° F.

If you are not sure the dose was completely delivered, it is important to not give another dose. It is better to err on the side of underdosing your cat with insulin, not overdosing.

 

User safety warnings
For use in cats 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. See Safety Info page for more information.

1 PROZINC Product Insert