FDA approves insulin pen for cats and dogs

Published on
information-circle This article is more than 3 years old

​The Food and Drug Administration announced March 19 its first approval of insulin administration in dogs and cats by means of an automatic injection pen.

The approval provides consumers with the option of using Vetsulin, a porcine insulin manufactured by Merck Animal Health, with the VetPen automatic injection pen. The refillable VetPen automatically measures out the prescribed insulin dose.

Vetsulin is the only insulin product that has received FDA approval for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. In 2011, Vetsulin was taken off the market because of manufacturing concerns. The product was reintroduced to the market in 2013, and the FDA continues to monitor its use.

Merck Animal Health initially will offer the VetPen in veterinary clinics so the manufacturer can work with veterinarians on the pen’s use, helping to ensure that pet owners administer Vetsulin safely and effectively.