What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that acts by lowering the levels of sugar (sugar) that are present in the blood. Insulin isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin that is activated within 2 to 4 hours following the injection, peaks within 4 to 12 hours, and continues to work for between 12 and 18 hours.
Insulin isophane is a drug used to enhance blood sugar levels in adults and children suffering from diabetes mellitus.
Insulin isophane can also be used for other purposes that are not covered in this guide.
Side effects of Insulin isophane
Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms of an insulin allergy: redness or swelling at the site of an injection; itchy skin; a rash all over your body; breathing problems and chest tightness; feeling like you're about to pass out; or swelling in the throat or tongue.
Insulin isophane can cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Fluid retention: weight increase, swelling in your feet or hands or feet, feeling tired
- Low potassium: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering of the chest, an increase in thirst or urination You may also experience numbness, tenderness in the muscles, or a sluggish feeling.
Common side effects of insulin can include:
- Low blood sugar;
- Weight gain; swelling of your feet or hands;
- Itching, a mild skin rash,
- The hollowing or thickening of the skin area where the medicine was injected
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You shouldn't take insulin isophane if you have an episode of low blood sugar levels.
Do not use an injection pen or the syringe even when the needle is changed.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use insulin isophane if you are allergic to it or if you're experiencing an episode of hyperglycemia (low glucose levels).
Don't give insulin isophane to a child without a doctor's guidance.
Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Low levels of potassium present in the blood (hypokalemia).
Inform your physician if you are also taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes used in combination with glimepiride and metformin). Certain oral insulin medications taken while taking insulin can increase the risk of having serious heart issues.
Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the use of insulin if you are expecting or get pregnant. Controlling diabetes is essential during pregnancy, and being diagnosed with excessive blood sugar could cause issues for both the mother and the baby.
How to Take Insulin isophane?
Follow all instructions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guides or instruction sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.
Insulin isophane can be injected under the skin. A medical professional can instruct you on how to correctly administer the medication yourself.
Insulin isophane should not be administered with an insulin pump or combined with any other insulin. Avoid injecting into muscles or veins.
Don't inject insulin isophane into skin that's injured or bruised, tender, pitted, thickened, with a scar or a hard lump.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions.Insulin isophane will appear like a cloud after mixing. Do not mix the mixture if it appears to be clear or contains particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about the latest medication.
Your healthcare provider will tell you the body part where you can inject the insulin. Make sure to inject in a different location every time you give an injection. Make sure you don't inject in the same spot twice in the same row.If you are using injectors, you should use only the pen with insulin isophane. Use a fresh needle before every use. Don't transfer the insulin pen to the needle.Do not share an injection pen with the syringe of another, even in the event that the needle is altered. Sharing these devices can cause infections or diseases to spread between people.
It is possible that you have insufficient glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and experience extreme hunger, dizziness, or irritability. It can also make you feel confused and shaky. To help treat hypoglycemia fast, take a snack or drink a rapid-acting sugar source (fruit juice crackers, hard candy raisins, sugar-free soda).The doctor might prescribe a glucagon injection kit if you suffer from severe hypoglycemia. It is important that your family or friends are aware of the procedure for giving you this injection in the event of an emergency.
Be aware of indications that indicate the presence of high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia), like increased thirst or increased urination.The levels of blood sugar are affected when there is illness, stress, surgery, alcohol consumption, exercise, or even skipping meals. Consult your physician prior to altering your dosage of medication schedule.
Insulin isophane can be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that could comprise exercise, diet, controlling weight, blood sugar tests, and other medical treatments. Follow your doctor's advice precisely.Store the medicine in the original container, protected from light and heat. Don't inject insulin from a vial into a needle until you're ready for an injection. Don't freeze insulin or keep it in the vicinity of the cooling element of the refrigerator. Discard any insulin that is stored in the freezer.
Unopened storage (not when in use) insulin isophane
- Keep in the refrigerator and use up to the time of expiration
- Store at room temperature and use within the timeframe listed in the instructions for use that come with your medication.
Storing open (in usage) insulin isophane
- Place in a refrigerator or keep at room temperature according to the instructions within the Directions for Use included in your medication. Don't refrigerate the injector that you are using.
- Insulin isophane in use can be stable for some days. Get rid of any medicine not used during that time. Follow all storage guidelines that are included in your prescription.
Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then put them in the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of pet's reach and away from children.
In the event of an emergency, you should wear or carry a medical ID to inform others that you are diabetic.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Take the medication as quickly as you can; however, do not miss your missed dose if you are close to the time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Make sure you refill your prescription before you run out of medication completely.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention immediately, contact a doctor for medical attention immediately, or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of insulin can lead to fatal hypoglycemia. Symptoms include sleepiness or blurred vision, confusion as well as tingling or numbness of your mouth, difficulty speaking, jerky or awkward movements, seizures (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.
What Should be Avoided?
Insulin can lead to low blood sugar levels. Avoid operating machinery or driving until you understand the effects of insulin isophane on you.
Be sure to avoid medication errors by making sure you read the label on your medicine prior to administering the insulin. Certain insulin brands isophane and syringes can be interchanged; others aren't. Your doctor and/or pharmacist will know the brands that can be substituted for each other.
Beware of drinking alcohol. It can lead to low blood sugar levels and hinder your treatment for diabetes.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Insulin isophane could not function in the same way if you took other medications at the same time. This can include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medications can cause a reduction in the symptoms of hypoglycemia. This can make it difficult to determine if your blood sugar levels are low. The interactions of all drugs are not described in this article. Discuss with your doctor any medication you are taking.
