What is PZI VET?
PZI VET is a mixture of 90% beef and 10% pork insulin that is used to control hyperglycemia (Diabetes mellitus) in cats. PZI VET requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats
Benefits:
• Long duration of action
• Beef insulin is closest to cat insulin for most effective results
How it works:
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pancreas. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced is not effective, it results in diabetes. PZI (Protamine Zinc Insulin) is insulin combined with zinc and protamine (a protein extracted from salmon testes), which slowly releases insulin into your cat’s bodily tissue.
Cautions:
Insulin requires refrigeration. Overnight shipping is required. The vial should be gently rolled to re-suspend the insulin before each use, not shaken. PZI VET insulin should appear uniformly cloudy or milky after re-suspending. Use PZI VET with U-40 syringes only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing.
Before using PZI Vet, tell your veterinarian if your cat has any other medical conditions, or if your cat takes any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
More Information:
Brand Name
PZI VET (Idexx Laboratories)
Generic Name
Protamine Zinc Insulin
What is the most important information I should know about PZI VET: Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the body produces insufficient insulin. The low insulin levels may result in high blood glucose that could produce the following changes in a cat; increased thirst, urination and appetite; weight loss; high levels of glucose in the urine. PZI VET is not a cure for diabetes mellitus, it can control the levels of glucose in the blood to help alleviate the clinical signs. Follow any diet or exercise plan developed by your Veterinarian. PZI VET
What is PZI VET: Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to use the sugar in food as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, this condition is called diabetes mellitus. This condition allows sugar levels in the body to become very high. PZI VET is a mixture of beef and pork insulin that is used to control hyperglycemia in cats with diabetes mellitus. PZI VET is available by prescription as a white to off-white sterile injectable suspension that contains 40 International Units (IU) of insulin per ml and is given to cats by subcutaneous injection.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving PZI VET: Do not give PZI VET if your cat is allergic to insulin. Before using PZI VET, tell your veterinarian if your cat has any other medical conditions, or if your cat takes any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. Tell your veterinarian if your cat has any liver or kidney disease; or if your cat is pregnant, nursing, or if you plan to breed your cat.
How should this medication be given: PZI VET should be given according to your veterinarian¿s instructions. PZI VET is given using a U-40 syringe only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing. PZI VET should not be shaken. Just prior to use, the vial should be mixed by rolling the vial between the palms of your hands 10 times. Do not use PZI VET if it is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from previous vials. Do not reuse a syringe. Dispose of all syringes in an appropriate puncture-resistant disposal container. Dosage regimens of PZI VET will vary among patients. The recommended starting doe is 0.1 to 0.3 units per lb every 12 to 24 hours. This dose should be adjusted based on changes in blood glucose levels and resolution of clinical signs. Further adjustments may be necessary with changes in the cat¿s diet, body weight or other medications, or if the cat develops an infection, inflammation, neoplasia or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder. Store PZI VET in the refrigerator between 36º-46º F. Do not freeze. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Keep this medication out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Follow your veterinarian¿s directions if you miss giving a dose of PZI VET. To prevent missed doses, be sure to always have enough PZI VET on hand.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Contact your veterinarian immediately if you inject more than the prescribed amount of PZI VET.
What should I avoid while giving PZI VET: PZI VET should be given to cats only. PZI VET should not be administered to humans. Calla physician immediately if you accidentally inject yourself with PZI VET. Do not give a dose of PZI VET to a cat experiencing an episode of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Common causes for hypoglycemia include excessive doses of insulin, failure to eat, accidental doubling of insulin dose, strenuous exercise, correction of obesity or diabetes-inducing disease, drug effects. Do not give a dose of PZI VET if the cat has not eaten for 12 to 24 hours.
What are the possible side effects of PZI VET: Rarely, allergic reactions to insulin can occur. Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if an allergic reaction is experienced (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other serious side effects can occur with or without warning. The most common insulin-related side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) with symptoms that include; lethargy, staggering gait, seizure or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat has a medical problem or side effect from PZI VET therapy. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the cat.
What other drugs will affect PZI VET: PZI VET can be given with other medications, but the dose may need to be adjusted due to the medication resulting in either increased or decreased insulin requirements. Do not give any other prescription or over the counter medications, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products, without first talking to your veterinarian or pharmacist during treatment with PZI VET.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about PZI VET written for health professionals that you can read.
Directions:
• PZI VET is a mixture of beef and pork insulin that is used to control hyperglycemia in cats with diabetes mellitus.
• PZI VET is available by prescription as a sterile injectable suspension that contains 40 International Units (IU) of insulin per mL given to cats by subcutaneous (SQ) injection.
• PZI VET is not a cure for diabetes mellitus, but it can control the levels of glucose in the blood to help alleviate clinical signs.
Tip: PZI VET is given using a U-40 syringe only. Use of a syringe other than a U-40 syringe will result in incorrect dosing.
Storage: Pzi Vet in the refrigerator between 36° - 46° F. Do not freeze. Do not expose to direct sunlight.
