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SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution)

INDICATIONS

SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.

CLINICAL BENEFITS

SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) is a once-daily, liquid oral solution that can be administered directly into the cat’s mouth or applied onto a small amount of food.

 

  • Reduces persistent hyperglycemia, leading to effective glycemic control in as soon as 1 week2
  • Minimal risk of clinical hypoglycemic events1,2,3 
  • Precise dosing tailored to the cat’s weight 
  • Significantly reduces the need for blood glucose monitoring
  • Well accepted by most cats1
  • Easy storage—no refrigeration needed before or after opening2
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) should be administered using the dosing syringe provided in the package. The dosing syringe fits onto the bottle and has a body weight scale with increments per pound of body weight. The dose should be rounded down to the nearest pound. After administration, close the bottle tightly with the cap. If needed, the syringe can be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.

SAFETY

Contraindications: Do not use SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) in cats with diabetes mellitus who have previously been treated with insulin, who are receiving insulin, or in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The use of SENVELGO in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or the withdrawal of insulin and initiation of SENVELGO, is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and death.

 

Warnings:
User Safety Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children.

 

Wash hands after use. This product may cause mild eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes. If the product accidentally gets into the eyes, rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water; if wearing contact lenses, rinse the eyes first then remove contact lens(es) and continue to rinse for 5-10 minutes. If eye irritation continues or accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical advice and provide this product information to the physician. Exposure to product may induce local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals. Oral exposure to velagliflozin may cause transient effects such as increased renal glucose excretion, increased urine volume, and hypoglycemia.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: SENVELGO is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Before using this product, it is important to read the entire product insert, including the boxed warning. 


Cats treated with SENVELGO may be at an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which may result in death. Development of these conditions should be treated promptly, including insulin administration and discontinuation of SENVELGO. 


Do not use SENVELGO in cats with diabetes mellitus who have previously been treated with insulin, who are receiving insulin, or in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The use of SENVELGO in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or the withdrawal of insulin and initiation of SENVELGO, is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and death. 


Sudden onset of hyporexia/anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, or weight loss in cats receiving SENVELGO should prompt immediate discontinuation of SENVELGO and assessment for diabetic ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. SENVELGO should not be initiated in cats with ketonuria, ketonemia, pancreatitis, anorexia, dehydration, or lethargy at the time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as it may indicate the presence of other concurrent disease and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. 


Keep SENVELGO in a secure location out of reach of children, dogs, cats, and other animals to avoid accidental ingestion or overdose. For more safety information, please see full prescribing information.

A vet administers Senvelgo Oral Solution to an orange cat

The Once-Daily Solution for Feline Diabetes

SENVELGO oral solution is the easy-to-give, once-daily liquid oral solution that makes treating feline diabetes more convenient for the owners of newly diagnosed felines.2,3 Boehringer Ingelheim extended its legacy of diabetes research and experience to develop this product that makes treating feline diabetes significantly more manageable for owners.

Order Now

The Once-Daily Solution for Feline Diabetes

SENVELGO oral solution is the easy-to-give, once-daily liquid oral solution that makes treating feline diabetes more convenient for the owners of newly diagnosed felines.2,3 Boehringer Ingelheim extended its legacy of diabetes research and experience to develop this product that makes treating feline diabetes significantly more manageable for owners.

Order Now
A vet administers Senvelgo Oral Solution to an orange cat

Simplifying Feline Diabetes Management

 

An icon with a checkmark at its center

 

Effective Glycemic Control

 

SENVELGO oral solution has a minimal risk of clinical hypoglycemia and establishes effective glycemic control in as soon as 1 week of starting treatment.2,3

Icon of a liquid droplet

 

Liquid Oral Administration

 

The once-daily liquid oral solution requires less complex or intensive monitoring than cats receiving insulin. It can be administered directly into the cat’s mouth or applied onto a small amount of food.

.   

Icon of a snowflake within the "no" symbol

 

No Refrigeration Needed

 

SENVELGO oral solution doesn’t require refrigeration before or after opening and has a 6-month shelf life once opened.2

 

A man administers Senvelgo to his cat's food

Start Treating With SENVELGO Oral Solution

Treating your newly diagnosed feline diabetic patients with SENVELGO oral solution helps conveniently manage feline diabetes. It saves your clients from the costs, time, and stress of twice-daily insulin use. Better still, it saves your team time by significantly reducing the need for blood glucose monitoring and the complex back-and-forth of helping clients properly manage their cat’s diabetes with insulin. Download the treatment guide to learn about the new patient protocol for SENVELGO oral solution.

Download Now

Start Treating With SENVELGO Oral Solution

Treating your newly diagnosed feline diabetic patients with SENVELGO oral solution helps conveniently manage feline diabetes. It saves your clients from the costs, time, and stress of twice-daily insulin use. Better still, it saves your team time by significantly reducing the need for blood glucose monitoring and the complex back-and-forth of helping clients properly manage their cat’s diabetes with insulin. Download the treatment guide to learn about the new patient protocol for SENVELGO oral solution.

Download Now
A man administers Senvelgo to his cat's food
PR01140-Senvelgo_MOA_US_FINAL

Mode of Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SENVELGO oral solution and what is it approved for?

SENVELGO oral solution is an oral hypoglycemic drug containing the active ingredient velagliflozin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats.2-5 Velagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It reduces blood glucose by preventing the reabsorption of glucose via the SGLT2 cotransporter in the proximal tubule of the kidney. Normalization of blood glucose reduces glucose toxicity and peripheral insulin resistance in cats with residual endogenous insulin production.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Before using this product, it is important to read the entire product insert, including the boxed warning.

Cats treated with SENVELGO may be at an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which may result in death. Development of these conditions should be treated promptly, including insulin administration and discontinuation of SENVELGO.

Do not use SENVELGO in cats with diabetes mellitus who have previously been treated with insulin, who are receiving insulin, or in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The use of SENVELGO in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or the withdrawal of insulin and initiation of SENVELGO, is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and death.

Sudden onset of hyporexia/anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, or weight loss in cats receiving SENVELGO should prompt immediate discontinuation of SENVELGO and assessment for diabetic ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. SENVELGO should not be initiated in cats with ketonuria, ketonemia, pancreatitis, anorexia, dehydration, or lethargy at the time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as it may indicate the presence of other concurrent disease and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Keep SENVELGO in a secure location out of reach of children, dogs, cats, and other animals to avoid accidental ingestion or overdose. For more information, please see full prescribing information.

How is SENVELGO oral solution administered to diabetic cats?

The recommended dose of SENVELGO oral solution is 1 mg/kg body weight administered once daily. This dose has been optimized for feline diabetics, and most cats can stay on this dose for the long term. A dose reduction to 0.5 mg/kg may be considered if persistent side effects such as diarrhea occur.1 Increasing the dose will not increase efficacy, as cats that do not respond to SENVELGO oral solution are likely to be insulin-dependent.

Is SENVELGO oral solution easy to give and accepted by cats?

SENVELGO oral solution is administered via a pound-calibrated syringe, with the dose rounded down to the nearest pound of body weight, either directly into the cat’s mouth or onto their food.2,3 Cats and their owners generally prefer liquid medications to tablets.6,7

How do I store SENVELGO oral solution?

SENVELGO oral solution does not require any special storage conditions. A bottle of SENVELGO oral solution is good for up to 6 months after it is opened.1

What is the onset and duration of action of SENVELGO oral solution?

SENVELGO oral solution is rapidly absorbed with maximum plasma concentrations reached in under 3.7 hours in fasted and fed cats. Thus, SENVELGO oral solution induces glucosuria from the first dose onwards. This leads to glycemic control with a sustained decrease in blood glucose throughout the day within 1 week.2-5

What are the side effects of SENVELGO oral solution?

The most common adverse event is diarrhea or loose stool caused by minor inhibitory action of SENVELGO oral solution on sodium-glucose cotransporter-1 (SGLT1) inhibitor in the small intestine. This is usually transient and resolves without specific therapy. The most serious potential adverse event is the development of euglycemic diabetic ketosis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in cats that do not have sufficient endogenous insulin production.2,3,5

Are cats treated with SENVELGO oral solution at higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Urinary tract infection, including cystitis caused by infection, may occur as part of the underlying disease. Urinary tract infections are common in feline diabetic patients, but the frequency of UTI in cats treated with SENVELGO oral solution is similar to that in cats treated with insulin.5 Standard cystitis/UTI therapy should be initiated if there are clinical signs of cystitis.3,8

Is SENVELGO oral solution as effective as an insulin?

Yes. SENVELGO oral solution is at least as effective as insulin; in the European field trials where SENVELGO oral solution and insulin were used side-by-side, veterinarians classified the diabetes of 81% of cats in the SENVELGO oral solution group and 64% of the insulin group as controlled.2,3,5

Can SENVELGO oral solution be used in combination with insulin?

The safety and efficacy of a combined treatment with insulin or other blood glucose–lowering treatments and SENVELGO oral solution in cats has not been investigated. Due to the mode of action of insulin, there is an increased risk for hypoglycemia; therefore combined treatment is not recommended.3

How do I decide whether to prescribe SENVELGO oral solution or PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin)?

Most diabetic cats present with insulin resistance at the time of diagnosis and can be prescribed SENVELGO oral solution. The following conditions should be resolved prior to starting treatment with SENVELGO oral solution: dehydration, suspected or confirmed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), clinical pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, cachexia.2 3 A check for ketone bodies in the urine or blood is required prior to starting treatment with SENVELGO oral solution, as cats that are ketotic require insulin to prevent further ketone production and progression to DKA. Cats that are ketotic but otherwise well should be started on PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin). Cats with DKA require hospitalization and treatment with a standard DKA protocol.  

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

PROZINC is for use in dogs and cats only. Keep out of the reach of children. Owners should be advised to observe for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs may include weakness, depression, behavioral changes, muscle twitching, and anxiety. In severe cases of hypoglycemia, seizures and coma can occur. Hypoglycemia can be fatal if an affected animal does not receive prompt treatment. PROZINC should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Appropriate veterinary monitoring of blood glucose, adjustment of insulin dose and regimen as needed, and stabilization of diet and activity help minimize the risk of hypoglycemic episodes. The attending veterinarian should evaluate other adverse reactions on a case-by-case basis to determine if an adjustment in therapy is appropriate, or if alternative therapy should be considered. The safety and effectiveness of PROZINC in puppies, kittens, or breeding, pregnant, and lactating animals has not been evaluated. For more information, see full prescribing information.

Understanding DKA/eDKA

When treating patients with SENVELGO oral solution, it’s important to understand the clinical signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA).

Differences Between DKA and eDKA

Both DKA and eDKA have the same cause: an absolute or relative lack of ins...

(READ MORE)

Both DKA and eDKA have the same cause: an absolute or relative lack of insulin that’s insufficient to meet metabolic demands. DKA is a severe and dangerous metabolic imbalance that consists of hyperglycemia, ketonemia or ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis.9 eDKA is similar but presents with normal blood glucose levels (≤14 mmol/L / ≤250 mg/dL).10

How to Identify DKA and eDKA

When starting treatment, you may provide pet owners with at-home test strips in…

(READ MORE)

When starting treatment, you may provide pet owners with at-home test strips in addition to the required in-clinic rechecks and owner monitoring for clinical signs of ketosis. Testing should also be performed whenever the cat shows clinical signs of illness. And be aware that eDKA can be present even with seemingly normal blood glucose levels.

Patient Selection

DKA and eDKA are medical emergencies, so encourage your clients to contact…

(READ MORE)

DKA and eDKA are medical emergencies, so encourage your clients to contact your clinic immediately if they notice any clinical signs that their cat is unwell. Be aware eDKA can be present even with seemingly normal blood glucose levels. Watch this short video on how to manage and recognize eDKA.

More Information About DKA/eDKA

What are the risk factors for eDKA?

With SENVELGO oral solution, it has been shown that the risk of developing eDKA significantly decreases after the first 2 weeks of treatment, but eDKA may occur any time.2,3,5

 

There is a risk of eDKA in cats treated with SENVELGO oral solution if the cat has:

  • Had a prolonged period of untreated diabetes mellitus prior to the start of treatment

  • Concurrent inflammatory or endocrine disease

  • Clinical signs consistent with DKA

  • Ketonemia or ketonuria

How do I monitor for and diagnose eDKA?

Cats considered to be at risk of developing eDKA need close monitoring after initiation of treatment.

A urine or blood ketone check should be carried out every 1 to 3 days for the first 2 weeks of treatment, as well as whenever the cat is showing clinical signs of illness. Owners can check for urine ketones at home by dipping a ketone test strip into the cat’s urine, eg, in the cat litter, in addition to the required veterinary visits and owner’s monitoring for clinical signs.

 

As unwell diabetic cats with eDKA have a normal blood glucose, there is a risk of DKA being omitted from the differential list, especially if blood gas analysis (acid-base measurement) is not available. The diagnosis of eDKA should therefore be based on the presence of urine or blood ketones and clinical signs.2,3

How do I manage eDKA?

Stop treatment with SENVELGO oral solution. DKA and eDKA are medical emergencies, and it is important to hospitalize the patient and initiate treatment with a standard DKA protocol.

 

Treatment consists of:11

  • Intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) to resolve dehydration and acid-base balance

  • Short-acting (soluble, regular, neutral) insulin given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) to prevent further ketone production (required even if blood glucose is normal)

  • Glucose/dextrose supplementation in IVFT if blood glucose is ≤14 mmol/L / ≤250 mg/dL

  • Therapy with SENVELGO oral solution should not be initiated or resumed while blood or urine ketones are present3

What should I do in the event DKA/eDKA occurs?

In the event DKA/eDKA occurs, follow these treatment guidelines even though the protocol may seem counterintuitive, or call the Veterinary Technical Solutions Team. The VeTS team is available Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm ET at 1-888-637-4251.

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Clinic Resources

Downloadable Resources

  • Pet Owner Brochure


  • SENVELGO Oral Solution Detailer


  • Launch Offer Detailer


  • Treatment Management Guide


  • Feline Diabetes Patient Support Program


Videos

  • Patient Selection


  • How to Administer


  • Understanding Senvelgo Oral Solution


  • Euglycemic DKA


  • Indications for Insulin


  • Monitoring on SENVELGO Oral Solution


  • Important Things to Know
Supporting Websites

  • Healthy Habits for New Pets Website


  • PROMOBOXX® Free Social Assets


  • Continuing Education


  • BI-CONNECT™

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Diabetes Portfolio
‏

Boehringer Ingelheim offers a therapeutic diabetes portfolio delivering diabetes solutions, including once-daily diabetes treatment options for most canines and felines.

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Packages of Prozinc
Packages of Prozinc

PROZINC® (protamine zinc recombinant human insulin)

PROZINC insulin is the simple and reliable choice for insulin for canines and felines. It provides safe, effective diabetes control and makes once-daily dosing a reality for most canines.

Learn More

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: 

PROZINC insulin should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs may include weakness, depression, behavioral changes, muscle twitching, and anxiety. For more information, click here for full prescribing information or visit PROZINC.us. 

References

*Blood ketones can also be used for monitoring if that is preferred.

 

  1. Data on file at Boehringer Ingelheim.

  2. SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) [Freedom of Information Summary; NADA 141-568]. St. Joseph, MO: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; 2023.

  3. SENVELGO® (velagliflozin oral solution) prescribing information.

  4. Niessen SJM, Voth R, Kroh C, Hennings L. Once daily oral therapy for feline diabetes mellitus: SGLT2-inhibitor

    velagliflozin as stand-alone therapy compared to insulin injection therapy in diabetic cats; ABSTRACT ECVIM 2022,

    J Vet Intern Med. 2022.

  5. US pivotal study ABSTRACT: Behrend EN, Ward CR, Chukwu V, et al. Velagliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor, as Once-

    Daily, Oral Solution, Stand-Alone Therapy for Feline Diabetes Mellitus, ABSTRACT ACVIM 2023.

  6. Zimmering T. Ease of use of SEMINTRA® and its effects on quality of life—update on cat owner feedback (“EASY

    Programme”) [ABSTRACT]. In: Proceedings from the 21st Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary

    Associations (FECAVA); October 15–17, 2015; Barcelona, Spain. Poster

  7. Taylor S, Caney S, Bessant C, Gunn-Moore D. Online survey of owners’ experiences of medicating their cats at

    home. J Feline Med Surg. 2022;24:1283-1293.

  8. Weese JS, Blondeau J, Boothe D, et al. International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID)

    guidelines for the diagnosis and management of bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats. Vet J. 2019

    May;247:8-25.

  9. European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology. The ALIVE Project. Accessed February 24, 2023. https://

    www.esve.org/alive/search.aspx

  10. Sieber-Ruckstuhl NS, Kley S, Tschuor F, Zini E, et al. Remission of diabetes mellitus in cats with diabetic

    ketoacidosis. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22:1326-1332.

  11. Abrams-Ogg A, Mathews K. Diabetic Ketoacidosis. In: Mathew K, ed. Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Manual.

    Guelph, Ontario: LifeLearn; 2012:263-269.

Trademarks

SENVELGO® and the SENVELGO Logo® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. PROZINC® is a registered trademark and BI-CONNECT™ is a trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner. ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.

US-PET-0565-2023