Zycortal® Injection for Dogs With Addison's Disease

Zycortal is an injectable mineralocorticoid for canine hypoadrenocorticism, also called Addison’s disease. This page explains how the medicine supports electrolyte balance and why monitoring matters. It also outlines ordering steps and planning refills without insurance, with US shipping from Canada.

Dogs with Addison’s disease usually need lifelong hormone replacement. Treatment aims to keep sodium and potassium in a safe range. Clear instructions help reduce missed doses and prevent avoidable illness.

What Zycortal Is and How It Works

Zycortal® contains desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP). DOCP is a mineralocorticoid, meaning it replaces a salt-balance hormone similar to aldosterone. It helps the body retain sodium and water while promoting potassium excretion.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine supports blood volume and hydration through its effects on the kidneys. It does not replace cortisol, which is a glucocorticoid (stress hormone). Many dogs also need a separate glucocorticoid prescribed by a veterinarian.

Who It’s For

This treatment is used for dogs diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism. It is given as part of long-term hormone replacement, with lab monitoring. Some dogs start treatment after an Addisonian crisis, which is an emergency collapse caused by severe hormone deficiency.

Use may be limited or require close monitoring in dogs with conditions affected by fluid retention. Examples include congestive heart failure, kidney impairment, or high blood pressure. Do not use it in dogs with known hypersensitivity to ingredients in the product.

When considering zycortal for dogs, the veterinary team will review current medicines and recent lab results. That review helps reduce avoidable electrolyte swings. It also helps decide whether added glucocorticoid support is needed.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the prescriber based on body weight and follow-up blood tests. A common label starting regimen is a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection about every 25 days. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose and a workable interval for ongoing control.

Monitoring often includes sodium and potassium checks around 10 to 14 days after an injection. Many clinics also recheck near the end of the dosing interval. The prescriber may adjust dose, interval, or both, based on results and clinical signs.

The injection is a suspension, so the vial is typically shaken well before drawing up a dose. Clinics usually use sterile single-use needles and syringes to reduce contamination. Follow the official product label and your veterinary instructions for administration details.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as an injectable suspension in a vial. One commonly listed presentation is zycortal suspension 25 mg ml. Availability can vary by pharmacy, and packaging may differ by market.

Ask the dispensing pharmacy about vial size and any included supplies. If your clinic prefers specific needles or syringes, follow that guidance. Do not transfer contents into another container unless directed.

Missed Dose and Timing

Dogs usually receive this injection on a repeating schedule set by the clinic. If a dose is late, contact the prescriber to arrange the next visit and any needed bloodwork. Do not give extra medication to “catch up” unless a veterinarian directs it.

Signs of under replacement can include low energy, reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness. Signs of over replacement can include increased thirst, increased urination, weight gain, or swelling. Because patterns vary, lab testing is the safest way to guide timing.

If you are tracking zycortal dosage for dogs, record injection dates and any changes in behavior. Bring that log to recheck appointments. It can help the clinic interpret lab values alongside day-to-day function.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the vial as directed on the product label, and keep it in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze the suspension. Avoid exposing the vial to excessive heat, such as inside a parked vehicle.

Use clean handling when preparing doses. Do not use the vial if the seal is broken or if contents look unusual after mixing. Follow label guidance for how long an opened vial can be used.

For travel, pack the medicine to prevent breakage and keep it away from temperature extremes. Carry your pet’s diagnosis and dosing schedule in writing. If a recheck is due during travel, plan a clinic visit at your destination ahead of time.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This medicine is supplied in a vial and is administered with a needle and syringe. Only use sterile, single-use supplies unless a clinic provides different instructions. Do not reuse needles, since reuse increases infection and dosing errors.

Place used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Follow local rules for disposal, which may involve a pharmacy drop-off or a municipal program. Keep all sharps out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits

Mineralocorticoid replacement can help maintain electrolyte balance and circulation. With stable management, many dogs have fewer dehydration episodes and better day-to-day stamina. Ongoing monitoring also helps the clinic fine-tune the dosing interval.

This option is long-acting, which can reduce the burden of daily mineralocorticoid dosing. Regular rechecks remain important, especially after changes in diet, other medicines, or health status. Many dogs still need a separate glucocorticoid plan for stress and routine support.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects relate to mineralocorticoid activity and fluid balance. Contact a veterinarian promptly if signs of overdose or an Addisonian crisis are suspected. Seek urgent care for collapse, severe weakness, or persistent vomiting.

• Increased thirst and urination: may reflect fluid and electrolyte shifts.
• Swelling or weight gain: can occur with sodium and water retention.
• Reduced appetite: may occur, especially with GI upset.
• Vomiting or diarrhea: can be a sign of imbalance or illness.
• Injection site discomfort: mild pain, swelling, or sensitivity.

Serious risks can include high blood pressure, worsening heart disease, or electrolyte abnormalities that affect muscle and heart function. Allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur, with facial swelling, hives, or breathing difficulty. Because some signs overlap with other conditions, lab rechecks help clarify the cause.

If nausea is part of a flare, a veterinarian may choose supportive care, including antiemetics such as Cerenia®. For stomach acid control, a clinic may recommend options such as Famotidine when appropriate. Use only what your prescriber directs.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell the prescriber about all medicines and supplements your dog takes. Drugs that affect sodium, potassium, or kidney function may change monitoring needs. Examples include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and some heart medications.

Glucocorticoids are often part of Addison’s management, and the plan may change during illness or stress. NSAIDs can affect kidney perfusion and may complicate dehydration risks. When multiple medicines are used, the clinic may schedule extra lab checks.

What to Expect Over Time

Management typically becomes more consistent after a stable dose and interval are found. Early months often involve more frequent blood tests and clinic communication. Changes are usually guided by trends rather than a single value.

Many dogs need occasional adjustments over their lifetime. Intercurrent illness, changes in diet, or new medications can shift electrolyte needs. Keeping injection dates and lab reports in one place makes follow-up simpler.

Watch for patterns that occur near the end of the interval, such as reduced energy or GI signs. Share those observations at recheck visits rather than changing timing on your own. The prescriber may also review whether glucocorticoid support is adequate for your dog’s routine and stress needs.

Compare With Alternatives

DOCP is available in more than one injectable product. Some clinics choose a different DOCP formulation based on availability, clinic workflow, or prior response. One alternative is Percorten-V®, which is also used for mineralocorticoid replacement in dogs.

Another approach for some dogs is oral fludrocortisone acetate, a mineralocorticoid with some glucocorticoid activity. It is taken daily and may require different monitoring. Your veterinarian can explain which option fits your dog’s medical history and lifestyle.

Pricing and Access

If you are comparing zycortal price options, check the current listing and confirm the vial size needed for your dog’s schedule. Many pet owners look for ways to reduce out-of-pocket expense, especially for long-term endocrine care. Reviewing interval stability with the clinic can also help prevent wasted product.

CanadianInsulin offers Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada for eligible prescriptions. If you are searching for a zycortal coupon, see current offers on our Promotions page. Prescription required and verified before dispensing.

For general guidance on safe ordering steps and documentation, read Buying Pet Meds Online. That overview can help you prepare a current prescription and confirm follow-up planning with the clinic. It also explains what information pharmacies commonly need.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can change due to manufacturer supply and distributor allocations. If this item is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative. Do not switch products or dose intervals without veterinary approval.

Pharmacies may also need to confirm the exact product and concentration listed on the prescription. If the clinic writes a substitution-allowed prescription, the dispensing pharmacy may contact the prescriber for confirmation. Keep your dog’s most recent lab report available in case questions arise.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Dogs diagnosed with primary hypoadrenocorticism are typical candidates for mineralocorticoid replacement. Dogs with significant heart or kidney disease may still be treated, but they often need tighter monitoring. Your clinic may also review diet, blood pressure, and body weight over time.

To reduce missed appointments, set reminders for injection windows and lab days. Ask the clinic whether a multi-month refill is appropriate for your dog’s stable plan. If you pay without insurance, keeping a consistent interval can help reduce avoidable extra rechecks.

Consider coordinating refills with other routine care items to simplify ordering. Keep prescription details current, especially if your dog’s weight changes. Confirm how the clinic wants to handle stress-dose glucocorticoid plans during illness or travel.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Monitoring plan: which days labs are checked.
• Glucocorticoid support: routine and stress needs.
• Target interval: typical range for your dog.
• Over replacement signs: what to watch at home.
• Under replacement signs: when to seek care.
• Comorbidities: heart, kidney, or blood pressure concerns.

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details, review the manufacturer information: Dechra Zycortal product information and safety details.

For regulatory context, see the FDA animal drug database entry: FDA Animal Drugs database for approved products.

For veterinary medicine labeling resources, consult: AVMA guidance on veterinary drug safety basics.

To buy zycortal, upload a valid veterinary prescription and confirm your dog’s monitoring schedule at checkout, then select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping, with temperature-controlled handling when required.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.