Which insulin product should be shaken thoroughly prior to use?

Vetsulin is a unique insulin product formulated specifically for use in veterinary medicine, particularly for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. It is a suspension of porcine insulin that requires thorough shaking before use to ensure proper mixing of the active ingredient. This process helps to evenly distribute the insulin crystals within the solution, ensuring that each dose delivers the intended concentration of insulin to the patient.

In contrast, NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin, while it can also be a suspension, is typically drawn with gentle inversion rather than vigorous shaking to avoid frothing. Regular insulin is a clear solution and does not require shaking, while Detemir is a long-acting insulin that also is formulated as a clear solution and does not require agitation before use. Therefore, Vetsulin’s formulation is critical for its efficacy, making it necessary to shake it well before administering.