Velagliflozin

What is velagliflozin?

Velagliflozin (brand name Senvelgo®) is an oral glycemic control medication used in cats with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower the blood sugar level in cats that have not been previously treated with insulin and are otherwise healthy. Velagliflozin is only approved for use in cats.

How do I give my pet velagliflozin?

Velagliflozin comes in liquid suspension form. 

• Liquid suspension form is given orally (by mouth). 
• Give this medication at the same time every day.
• Give this medication to your pet with or without food.
• Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop giving this medication suddenly.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. If the cat vomits within 30 minutes of taking the medication, you may repeat the dose.

Are there any potential side effects from velagliflozin?

Velagliflozin may cause the following side effects:

• weight loss
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• increased thirst and urination
• increased salivation and/or gagging
• dehydration

If stomach upset occurs, try giving the medication with food. If these signs continue, contact your veterinarian.

The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face

Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

It is important to note that use of velaglifozin may increase your cat’s risk for a potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs and lab results including high sugar levels (hyperglycemia); however, cats on velaglifozin often have normal sugar levels, so the diagnosis could be missed. If your cat needs emergency assessment by someone other than their primary veterinarian, make sure they know that your cat has received this medication. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 2–3 days, although effects can be longer in pets with kidney and liver disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

This medication SHOULD BE AVOIDED in cats that: 

• were previously (or are currently) treated with insulin
• have insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• have a recent history of pancreatitis or liver disease
• are allergic to velagliflozin

This medication should be USED WITH CAUTION with use in cats with kidney disease and/or high serum creatinine levels.

This medication may cause an increased risk for potentially fatal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or euglycemic DKA (DKA with normal sugar levels).

Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with velagliflozin, including but not limited to: 

• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• antihypertensive agents
• beta-blockers
• corticosteroids
• diuretics
• estrogens and progestogens
• glipizide

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Before starting velagliflozin, your veterinarian will monitor baseline blood work and urinalysis for organ function and urinary tract infections.
• Frequent monitoring in the first few weeks after starting the medication is needed.
• Your veterinarian will give you specific monitoring parameters including checking urine or blood ketones, glucose curves, fructosamine, weight and physical examination. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely to ensure the best care of your cat and help reduce the risk of your cat developing DKA.
• Routine monitoring during treatment will be determined by your veterinarian. More frequent monitoring may be recommended.

How do I store velagliflozin?

• Store liquids in a tightly sealed container at room temperature. 
• Discard opened medication after six months.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.