ProZinc® Vial for Cats with Diabetes

ProZinc is a prescription insulin used to manage diabetes mellitus in cats. This guide covers key details for safe use and planning for US delivery from Canada. It also explains options like ProZinc without insurance when paying cash.

What ProZinc Is and How It Works

ProZinc® is an injectable insulin for veterinary use. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.. This medicine contains insulin combined with protamine and zinc to help extend its action.

Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells. In diabetes mellitus, the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well. This treatment helps reduce high blood glucose and can improve clinical signs like excessive thirst and urination.

This vial is intended for subcutaneous injection. Most cats need ongoing monitoring to find the safest, effective regimen. Glucose curves and fructosamine tests may be used by the veterinary team.

For product identification, caregivers often see it described as ProZinc insulin 10 mL vial in clinic notes or refill requests. The label and carton provide the definitive product details. Always confirm the exact item and concentration before administration.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for the management of diabetes mellitus in cats. Many clinics refer to it as ProZinc for cats vial because it is a veterinary product made for feline diabetes care. Some veterinarians also use it in dogs when appropriate, following veterinary judgement and local guidance.

It may not be appropriate for pets with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient. Extra caution is needed if a cat has poor appetite, vomiting, infection, or other acute illness. These conditions can change insulin needs and increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Caregivers should tell the veterinarian about pregnancy, nursing, or planned breeding. Also share any history of seizures or severe hypoglycemia. A clinician may recommend a different plan for high-risk pets.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by a veterinarian. Many cats receive injections about every 12 hours, but schedules can vary by response and monitoring results. Follow the prescription label and the clinic’s written instructions.

This insulin is injected under the skin, not into a vein. Caregivers usually rotate injection sites to reduce irritation and help consistent absorption. If the cat resists injections, ask the clinic to demonstrate gentle restraint and technique.

Before each dose, check the product name, expiration date, and appearance. Gently mix as directed on the label, since this product is a suspension. Avoid vigorous shaking unless the label specifically instructs it.

Use the correct syringes for the prescribed insulin type, and confirm needle length and markings with the veterinary team. This product uses U-40 syringes for accurate measurement. Do not reuse needles, since dull tips can cause discomfort and dosing errors.

If the prescription changes, do not combine old and new instructions. Keep the most recent label with the vial to prevent mix-ups. If anything looks unclear, contact the prescriber for confirmation.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a multi-dose vial for injection. A common listing is ProZinc 40 U/mL 10 mL, though availability can vary by market and supplier. Always rely on the package label for the exact presentation dispensed.

Clinicians may also describe it by class as protamine zinc insulin, which can have a longer duration than some short-acting insulins. In charts, it may appear as PZI (protamine zinc insulin), meaning insulin combined with protamine and zinc to slow absorption. Confirm the exact insulin type whenever a new prescription is issued.

Missed Dose and Timing

Insulin timing matters because doses overlap with feeding and daily routines. If a dose is missed, follow the clinic’s written plan or contact the veterinary office for guidance. Do not double the next dose unless the prescriber specifically instructs it.

If the cat does not eat, vomits, or seems unusually quiet before a scheduled dose, the safest next step is to contact the clinic. These situations can raise the risk of hypoglycemia. Keeping a simple log of meals, doses, and behavior can help the clinician adjust the plan.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store insulin exactly as the label directs, typically refrigerated and protected from freezing. Keep the vial in its carton to reduce light exposure. Do not use product that has been frozen, overheated, or stored outside guidance for an unknown period.

Check the vial before each use for changes in color, clumping, or particles that do not mix. If the suspension looks unusual after gentle mixing, do not administer it. Contact the pharmacy or veterinarian for next steps.

When traveling, keep the vial in an insulated container with a cold pack. Do not place the vial directly on ice, since freezing can damage insulin. During car trips, avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle, even for short stops.

Plan for safe handling at the destination. Pack syringes, a sharps container, and a copy of the prescription label. If air travel is involved, keep the medicine in carry-on luggage and follow airline rules for medical supplies.

Benefits

This insulin can help control clinical signs of diabetes, such as excessive thirst and urination. Better glucose control may support weight stabilization and improved energy. Response varies, so monitoring remains important.

The protamine and zinc components can help extend activity in many cats. That longer profile may reduce the need for very frequent dosing changes. Clinics often monitor trends rather than single readings.

For caregivers managing ongoing supplies, the product may be listed as Protamine zinc insulin for cats 10 mL on paperwork. Keeping consistent terminology can reduce refill errors. Save the box and patient label for reference.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar: can cause weakness, tremors, confusion
• Increased hunger: may occur as glucose improves
• Lethargy: can signal glucose swings
• Injection-site issues: mild redness or sensitivity
• Weight changes: may reflect control or diet shifts

The most serious risk with any insulin is hypoglycemia. Signs can include staggering, seizures, collapse, or unusual vocalization. If severe symptoms occur, seek emergency veterinary care and follow the clinic’s emergency plan.

Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible. Seek urgent veterinary help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or sudden collapse. Report any unexpected reaction to the prescriber and pharmacy.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many medicines can change insulin needs. Steroids, progestogens, and some diuretics may raise glucose and reduce insulin effectiveness. Other drugs can increase the chance of low blood sugar.

Tell the veterinarian about all prescription and over-the-counter products, plus supplements. Also share diet changes, since carbohydrate content can alter insulin response. Do not start or stop a major diet plan without veterinary guidance.

Illness, infection, dental disease, and stress can affect glucose control. Monitoring plans may change during these periods. Keep the clinic informed if the cat’s routine shifts.

What to Expect Over Time

Glucose control often improves gradually as dosing is individualized. The veterinary team may adjust the regimen based on home readings, clinic curves, and clinical signs. Consistency with feeding and dosing schedules supports safer interpretation of results.

Some cats show noticeable changes in thirst and urination as control improves. Appetite and weight can also shift as metabolism stabilizes. Behavioral changes can be subtle, so written tracking helps.

Diabetes management usually includes diet planning, weight goals, and periodic lab checks. If readings swing widely, the clinician may look for infections, pancreatitis, or other contributors. Bring the dosing log and glucose records to each follow-up visit.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider other insulins based on response, availability, and monitoring needs. One option is insulin glargine, sold as Lantus®, which some clinics use in cats. Another veterinary product is Vetsulin®, a porcine insulin zinc suspension used for diabetes in pets.

Some clinics also use NPH insulin in select cases, depending on patient factors. A prescriber should confirm whether a switch is appropriate and how monitoring will be handled. Do not substitute insulins without professional direction.

Pricing and Access

Many caregivers compare checkout totals to understand the ProZinc vial price and ongoing supply needs. Border Free Health may help reduce out-of-pocket burden through ProZinc Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada. For cash-pay planning, consider the full monthly set of supplies, not only the vial.

For coupon seekers, the Promotions page lists current offers when available. Savings vary by availability, eligibility rules, and order size. The pharmacy team can also help confirm what documentation is needed at checkout.

Orders require a valid prescription, and the details must match the prescriber’s directions. Review the Prescription Policy for the verification process and common requirements. Keep the veterinarian’s contact details current to prevent delays.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock levels can change due to manufacturer supply and distributor allocations. If this product is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an alternative insulin and an updated monitoring plan. The pharmacy cannot substitute a different insulin type without authorization.

Packaging may vary by supplier, but the active ingredient and labeling should match the prescribed item. If a vial looks different from prior fills, confirm the name and details before use. Keep the lot number for reference in case of questions.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Diabetes supplies can add up over time, so planning helps. Many caregivers order syringes, alcohol swabs, and testing items alongside insulin. The Insulin Supplies area can help organize the items often needed for feline diabetes care.

If the clinic approves, consider aligning refill timing with follow-up visits. This can reduce last-minute gaps and support safer dose adjustments. Some households also ask the veterinarian about multi-month prescribing when monitoring is stable.

For budgeting discussions, it can help to note the ProZinc 10 mL cost along with recurring items like syringes and test strips. Keep a reminder for reorder dates based on the clinic’s usage estimates and the labeled discard window. For convenience, some caregivers use ProZinc insulin refill online services after the prescription is on file.

Sharps safety is part of cost and household planning. Use an approved container and follow local rules for disposal. The Sharps Disposal guidance explains common options for used needles and lancets.

If broader education is needed, start with trusted overviews on Diabetes Care and the site’s Pet Medications resources. These pages can support consistent routines and safer handling. They do not replace clinic advice for an individual pet.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Target glucose range: what goals fit this cat
• Home testing: how often to check
• Food plan: timing with injections
• Hypoglycemia plan: what to do at home
• Vial lifespan: when to discard after opening
• Switching insulins: monitoring needed after changes

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer product information is available on the Dechra ProZinc Page. FDA reference entries may be found through the FDA Animal Drugs Database. Canadian listings can be checked in the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

To place an order, upload the prescription, confirm the veterinarian details, and select prompt, express shipping at checkout when available. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.