FDA OKs dog-cat diabetes drug limited use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it will allow the limited use of the diabetes drug Vetsulin for dogs or cats in critical need of the medication.

The FDA says the action addresses concerns regarding the supply of the Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health’s drug (porcine insuline zinc suspension). Under the plan, the drug may be offered in limited supply for use in a dog or cat that, in the medical judgment of the pet’s veterinarian, cannot be effectively managed on another insulin product.

The federal agency in November announced concerns about the stability of Vetsulin and recommended diabetic dogs and cats be switched to other insulin products.

After publicizing that recommendation, the FDA heard from many veterinarians and pet owners who expressed concerns about specific diabetic dogs and cats that could only be controlled with Vetsulin.

“As a result of these concerns, FDA is recommending veterinarians with qualified patients contact Intervet’s technical services department at 800-224-5318 to request enrollment of the patient in the Vetsulin Critical-Need Program,” the federal agency said. “The veterinarian will need to provide the medical rationale for why the patient cannot be effectively controlled using another insulin product.”

Officials said use of this product under the Critical-Need Program will require close monitoring of the animal.

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WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI)