ProZinc® Vial for Diabetic Cats and Dogs

ProZinc® Vial is a protamine zinc insulin formulated to control blood glucose in diabetic cats and dogs. It is available from Canada with US delivery from Canada and prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping. Consistent dosing helps reduce excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss associated with diabetes mellitus in pets.

What ProZinc® Is and How It Works

ProZinc® contains recombinant human insulin complexed with protamine and zinc to slow absorption after subcutaneous injection. This prolonged profile helps maintain steadier blood glucose between meals in cats and dogs. At CanadianInsulin, every order is prescription‑checked with your clinic and dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

After injection, the protamine and zinc components create a depot in the subcutaneous tissue. Insulin releases gradually, supporting basal needs for many hours. Veterinary teams commonly use blood glucose curves and clinical signs to titrate doses. ProZinc should be used as part of a comprehensive diabetes plan that includes an appropriate diet and routine.

ProZinc is a veterinary prescription insulin. It is not for human use.

Who ProZinc® Is For

ProZinc is indicated for reducing hyperglycemia and associated clinical signs in cats and dogs with diabetes mellitus. It may be suitable for adult and senior pets once a veterinarian confirms the diagnosis and rules out complicating conditions.

Use with caution in animals with concurrent illnesses that affect insulin needs, such as pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or kidney disease. ProZinc should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia or in pets with known hypersensitivity to insulin or formulation components. Safety in pregnant or lactating animals has not been established; veterinarians may consider risks and benefits. ProZinc is for subcutaneous use only; do not administer intravenously or intramuscularly.

Dosage and Usage

Veterinarians typically start with a conservative dose and adjust based on home monitoring, periodic curves, and clinical response. Many pets receive twice‑daily dosing with meals to reduce variability and support predictable absorption.

• Always use U‑40 insulin syringes to match ProZinc concentration.
• Gently roll the vial between the hands to resuspend; avoid vigorous shaking or frothing.
• Inspect visually. Do not use if clumps, particles, or discoloration persist after gentle mixing.
• Inject subcutaneously as directed and rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation.
• Feed a consistent diet on a regular schedule to support stable glycemia.

For caregivers comparing devices and technique, this overview can help frame the conversation with the clinic: Pen vs Syringe. For general dosing concepts across insulin types, see the educational Insulin Dosage Chart article. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions for the pet’s exact dose and adjustment plan.

Strengths and Forms

ProZinc is supplied as a U‑40 insulin suspension in a multi‑dose vial, commonly used with U‑40 insulin syringes. The vial presentation and pack sizes can vary by market and availability.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, label‑aligned guidance generally advises giving the next scheduled dose rather than doubling up. When a dose is delayed, veterinarians often recommend administering it if not too close to the next planned dose and then returning to the regular schedule. If uncertain, contact the clinic for case‑specific advice. Monitor the pet for signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia when schedules change.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened and in‑use vials should be kept refrigerated according to the product label. Avoid freezing. Keep the vial upright and protected from light. Do not use if the insulin has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat. During trips, pack the vial in an insulated case with cool packs to maintain a stable temperature without directly freezing the medicine. Keep supplies together: syringes, alcohol wipes, and a backup thermometer for the travel bag. Medicines are dispensed and labeled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

For added protection around the home or while traveling, accessories such as the Vial Safe Protector or the Vial Safe Tall can help shield glass vials from drops.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

ProZinc is a vial product used with U‑40 insulin syringes. Do not share syringes or needles between animals. Use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Place used sharps directly into an approved sharps container and follow local guidance for disposal. Never recap a used needle by hand if the technique is not instructed by the veterinary team. Keep all supplies out of reach of children and other pets.

Benefits

• Veterinary long‑acting insulin option formulated for cats and dogs.
• Supports steadier glycemia between meals when paired with diet and routine.
• Often improves excessive thirst, frequent urination, and appetite changes.
• Compatible with home monitoring plans directed by the clinic.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: mild lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, soft stools, transient injection‑site reactions.
• Low blood sugar can occur, especially if the pet eats less than usual, receives too much insulin, or exercises more than expected. Signs may include weakness, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, restlessness, vocalizing, or seizures.
• Less common: persistent injection‑site swelling, allergic‑type reactions, or worsening of concurrent conditions affecting glucose control.

Severe or persistent adverse effects require prompt veterinary attention. Hypoglycemia is a medical urgency; clinics may advise having a source of simple sugar available for emergencies and clear instructions for when to seek care. Report suspected side effects to the veterinarian.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Medications can alter insulin needs. Corticosteroids, progestins, certain diuretics, thyroid hormones, and sympathomimetics may antagonize insulin. Salicylates, some sulfonamides, ACE inhibitors, and certain beta‑blockers may potentiate effects. Changes in diet, appetite, or concurrent disease can also shift insulin requirements. Do not dilute or mix ProZinc with other insulins or solutions. Alcohol or disinfectant should not contaminate the insulin vial or syringe hub. Decisions on dose changes and monitoring frequency should be made by the veterinary team.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent dosing, diet, and monitoring, many pets show improved energy, reduced thirst and urination, and steadier weight over time. Veterinary teams typically adjust doses gradually based on glucose data and clinical signs. Some periods may require closer observation, such as during diet switches, new medications, illness, or changes in activity.

Compare With Alternatives

Clinics may consider other veterinary insulin options based on the pet’s response and history. Examples include porcine insulin zinc suspension, available as Caninsulin Vial or Caninsulin Cartridges. Selection depends on species, prior control, and clinician preference.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful savings compared with typical US cash‑pay costs. Ordering through CanadianInsulin connects the prescription to licensed Canadian pharmacies for dispensing. Many customers choose multi‑month refills to reduce per‑vial shipping overhead. For current deals and tips, visit our promotions page. Cross‑border service is designed for US delivery from Canada with pharmacy handling and temperature protection.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by batch and season. If ProZinc is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative based on the pet’s history and recent glucose data. Explore related options in Pet Medications and discuss substitutions with the clinic before making changes.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

• Good candidates: cats and dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus whose clinicians prefer a protamine zinc profile.
• Use caution: fragile patients with significant kidney, liver, or endocrine disease; those with variable appetite; or animals on medicines that shift insulin needs.
• Not appropriate during hypoglycemia or in pets with known insulin hypersensitivity.
• Cost‑savvy ideas: schedule regular rechecks to avoid emergency adjustments; consider multi‑vial orders when permitted by the prescription; keep a protective case such as the Vial Safe Protector to avoid breakage; maintain consistent diet and routines to limit wasted doses.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What starting dose and timing fit this pet’s feeding schedule?
• Which signs should trigger a same‑day call or emergency visit?
• How often should glucose curves or spot checks be performed at home?
• What is the plan for dose changes during illness, reduced appetite, or new medications?
• Which U‑40 syringes and needle sizes are preferred for this pet?
• How long should an opened vial be used, and how should it be stored?
• What are the clinic’s recommendations for a hypoglycemia action plan?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine
• AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

Ready to place an order? CanadianInsulin supports US delivery from Canada with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping so the vial arrives properly handled.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always follow the product label and the prescribing veterinarian’s instructions.