Huminsulin-n(nph)cartridge

HUMINSULIN-N(NPH)CARTRIDGE: Product Description

HUMINSULIN-N(NPH)CARTRIDGE is an intermediate-acting insulin preparation used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Name

• Common Name: Isophane Insulin Human (NPH)
• Brand Names: HUMINSULIN-N (NPH) Cartridge, Humulin N

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Insulin Human (rDNA origin) isophane suspension, 100 units/mL (U-100). Each mL contains 100 IU of human insulin produced in E. coli by recombinant DNA technology. One cartridge contains 3 mL, equivalent to 300 IU of isophane insulin.
• Inactive Ingredients: m-cresol, glycerol (glycerin), phenol, protamine sulfate, dibasic sodium phosphate 7H₂O, zinc oxide, and water for injections. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH.

Uses

HUMINSULIN-N(NPH)CARTRIDGE is prescribed for:

• The treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in both adults and children.
• Improving glycemic control by regulating glucose metabolism and preventing hyperglycemia.
• Enhancing glucose uptake by muscle and fat cells and suppressing glucose production by the liver.

Dosage and Administration

• Administration: This medicine is administered by subcutaneous injection into the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Injection sites should be rotated within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. It should not be administered intravenously.
• Dosage: Dosage is individualized and determined by a physician based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. It is typically injected once or twice daily. Dose adjustments may be necessary due to changes in physical activity, meal patterns, renal or hepatic function, or during acute illness.
• Mixing: When mixing NPH insulin, it should be rotated several times to appear uniformly cloudy or milky. If mixed with shorter-acting insulins like Humulin R or Humalog, the shorter-acting insulin should be drawn into the syringe first, and injection should occur immediately after mixing. Cartridges are not designed to be refilled or to mix other insulins within them.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause symptoms like drowsiness, impaired judgment, difficulty concentrating, cold sweat, nervousness, shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, numbness or tingling (tongue, lips, fingers).
• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, bleeding, bruising, skin pits, or thickened skin).
• Weight gain.
• Edema (swelling).

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe hypoglycemia, potentially leading to disorientation, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
• Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) including skin rash, itchiness, flushing, swelling of the eyelids, lips, hands, feet, mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make breathing difficult.
• Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels), which if untreated, can lead to dangerous heart rhythms or trouble breathing.
• Diabetic retinopathy (changes in vision).

Precautions

• Hypoglycemia: Be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Always carry a quick source of sugar.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Do not perform activities requiring high mental alertness immediately after administration due to the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption is not recommended as it increases the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoking can aggravate insulin resistance, potentially affecting insulin effectiveness.
• Sharing: Never share pens or syringes with another person to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease; dose adjustments may be needed. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as insulin requirements may change.
• Drug Interactions: Medications such as beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine, certain antibiotics (e.g., Nalidixic acid, Ciprofloxacin, Enoxacin), atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and others may affect blood glucose levels and require insulin dosage adjustments.

Storage

• Unopened Cartridges: Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Unopened and refrigerated, they maintain potency until the expiration date.
• Opened/In-use Cartridges: Should not be refrigerated but kept at room temperature (below 30°C or 86°F) away from direct heat and light. Discard the cartridge 2 weeks (14 days) after the first use, even if it still contains medicine.
• Do not use if the insulin has been frozen, if it appears clear instead of cloudy/milky, or if there are clumps or solid white particles sticking to the cartridge walls.
• Insulin loses effectiveness when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd., is an intermediate-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It is identical to human insulin and helps the body use or store glucose for energy.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge:

What is Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge used for?

Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge is used to improve glycemic control in both adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It helps the body utilize circulating blood glucose by facilitating its transport from the blood into muscle and fat tissues.

How does Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge work?

Huminsulin-N (NPH) is an intermediate-acting insulin. It works by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and fat and by inhibiting glucose production in the liver. It also promotes glycogen and protein synthesis in skeletal muscles and aids in triglyceride synthesis in adipose tissue. This helps in controlling blood glucose levels. The onset of action is typically 1 to 3 hours, with a peak effect between 4 to 8 hours, and a total duration of 14 to 24 hours.

What is the usual dosage?

The dosage of Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge is highly individualized and determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. It is usually injected once or twice daily under the skin. For type 1 diabetes, the recommended daily insulin dosage is typically 0.4 to 1 unit per kilogram of body weight per day, with Huminsulin-N making up about half of this. For type 2 diabetes, a common starting dosage for basal insulin like Huminsulin-N is 0.1 to 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight per day. Pediatric dosages are also individualized by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effect of Huminsulin-N is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Other possible side effects include injection site reactions such as pain, redness, itching, swelling, or skin thickening or pits (lipodystrophy) if injected too often at the same site. Allergic reactions, weight gain, and edema (swelling due to fluid retention) can also occur. Rarely, serious allergic reactions, hypokalemia (low blood potassium), and heart failure (especially when used with certain other diabetes medications like thiazolidinediones) may occur.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridge is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor, but dose adjustments and regular blood sugar monitoring may be necessary. It is also considered safe for use during breastfeeding, as human studies suggest it does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is not harmful to the baby. Good glucose control is important throughout pregnancy and lactation.

Can it be taken with other medications?

Yes, Huminsulin-N can interact with various medications. Some drugs can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (e.g., alcohol, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, some oral antidiabetic drugs), while others can decrease its blood glucose-lowering effect (e.g., corticosteroids, niacin, oral contraceptives, diuretics, thyroid hormones). It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions and to ensure appropriate dose adjustments.

What precautions should be taken?

Always check the insulin label before each injection to avoid medication errors. Do not share your pen or syringes with others, even if the needle is changed, as this can transmit blood-borne pathogens. Do not use Huminsulin-N if you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or if you have an allergy to insulin or any of its ingredients. Alcohol consumption is not recommended as it increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems. Rotate injection sites to prevent skin changes.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Huminsulin-N, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If it has been less than 2 hours since your dose was due, you might be advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for the next dose or more than 2 hours overdue, your doctor may recommend skipping the missed dose and taking the next one at the usual time. It's important to monitor blood sugar levels more frequently after a missed dose.

How should it be stored?

Unopened Huminsulin-N (NPH) Cartridges should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), but should not be frozen. Once opened or in-use, cartridges can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C or 86°F) for up to 14 days, away from direct heat and light, and should not be refrigerated during this period. Do not use the insulin after the expiration date or if it has been frozen.