VetPen^®
For Dogs

ABOUT VETPEN

The First Insulin Pen Exclusively for Pets

Designed specifically for use with Vetsulin^®, VetPen^® makes giving insulin injections to pets more convenient and accurate.

• Dosing is as easy as turning a dial
• Ergonomically designed for easy handling
• Multi-dose insulin cartridges
• Portable and easy to take on the go
• Minimizes pet discomfort
• Helpful for pet parents with poor eyesight or unsteady hands

Learn more about Vetsulin.

*Vetsulin is sold as Caninsulin^® outside the United States.

“Yes, VetPen does all that! My pet parent likes it best because it’s easy for traveling.”

-SPIKE

HOW TO USE

How to Use VetPen®

Important dosage information

Doses of insulin are measured in units: 40 IU/mL insulin contains 40 International Units (IU) per milliliter (mL) (1 mL = 1 cc). VetPen is available in two sizes: 8 IU and 16 IU.

Your veterinarian will prescribe VetPen for your dog.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions to properly give Vetsulin to your dog. Your veterinarian will:

• Determine the dosing and VetPen size for your dog
• Advise proper storage and handling
• Show how to prepare and prime VetPen
• Provide instructions on how to give the injection

When you feel comfortable you can do this correctly, your veterinarian and veterinary nurse will provide you with everything you need to care for your dog at home.

Inserting Cartridge in VetPen

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove cap and unscrew body from cartridge holder.
3. Ensure plunger is retracted. If it is not, rewind plunger to retract.
4. Attach the VetPen needle to VetPen and remove outer protective cap.
5. Screw the VetPen needle straight onto the cartridge holder and peel the protective film from a new VetPen needle.
6. Remove the outer protective needle cap from the VetPen needle and replace the pen cap onto the insulin pen. Repeat above steps if air bubbles are present.
7. Gently shake the pen up and down at least 10 times.

Priming the VetPen

It is important to remove the air from the cartridge (prime) before use to avoid injection of air and ensure proper dosing.

1. Dial one unit on the dose selector and remove the needle cap.
2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the pen gently with your fingers to push any air bubbles to the top.
3. Repeat until a strong, steady stream or jet of insulin appears at the needle tip. Expect to expel at least 8 units of air.
4. Check that the cartridge is free of air bubbles by viewing the cartridge through the VetPen window and inverting or tilting the pen.
5. Ensure the arrow on the VetPen points to the start line on the dose selector, then dial the number of units prescribed.

Your VetPen is now ready.

Giving the injection

• Injection should be given under the skin, 3/4 to 2 inches from the middle of your dog’s back, varying from behind the shoulder blades to the middle of the back region and alternating sides.
• Insert the needle, then push the release button toward the pen needle and hold it in place until the start line on the dose selector returns to the arrow on the pen body.
• After the dose selector has returned to the start line, wait a minimum of 5 seconds.
• If insulin leaks out of the pen after injection, check for small air bubbles. Do not attempt to re-dose.

Injection Tips:

• If only a partial dose is given, do not attempt to re-dose. Wait and give your dog its usual dose at the next injection time.
• If you over-dial, never wind back the dose selector. Dispose of the insulin and draw up the correct dose.

Watch how to use VetPen for your dog

Downloadable VetPen instructions

All the details you need about preparing and giving a dose to your dog.

Find more information and FAQs for VetPen. 

SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Information

Dogs known to have an allergy to pork or pork products should not be treated with VETSULIN®. VETSULIN® is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Animals with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy before use. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is essential. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Progestogen and glucocorticoid use should be avoided. The safety and effectiveness of VETSULIN® in puppies, breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

See package insert for full information regarding contraindications, warnings, and precautions.

User Safety Warning

For use in animals only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause clinical hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to the product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.