Question
Our insulin is recalled or out of stock. What now?
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
Call your vet or pharmacy as soon as you hear there's a problem with your dog's insulin. You can't just swap in a different insulin off the shelf. If there might be a recall, keep the box and batch number so they can check it. Tell them how much you have left and when the next injection is due.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
Tell the vet how much insulin you have left and when the next injection is due. Ask them to check any recall message with the maker or the official regulator. Keep a suspect box aside until they tell you what to do.
What to write down
- Product name, batch and expiry
- Where and when it was dispensed
- What the recall notice or supplier actually said
What to ask next
Ask how you'll get your next supply. If the insulin changes, get the right syringes or pen for it and new instructions in writing. If you might miss an injection and the clinic is closed, call their out-of-hours number.
Sources
- Can a dog use human or pharmacy insulin?Why shop-bought insulin can't replace his own
- We are switching insulin types. What should we expect?What to expect when switching insulin
- How do I confirm a safe source for prescribed supplies?Finding a safe source for supplies
- Which insulins are used for dogs, and how do they differ?Which insulins are used for dogs
- Which syringes and needle size should I buy?Getting syringes that match new insulin
- The power went off. Is the insulin in the fridge still OK?When stored insulin may need replacing
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
We are switching insulin types. What should we expect?
Get the new plan in writing before the first injection of the new insulin.
Q&A
My meter shows a number. What should I do?
Write down the number, the time and how he seems. Your vet is the one to say if it's good or bad.
Q&A
How should insulin be kept at home?
Follow what it says on the box. Keep it in the fridge, never frozen, and never in a hot car.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.