Quick Links

Introduction About HUMINSULIN

HUMINSULIN contains Isophane Insulin which belongs to the group of medicines called Antidiabetic agents. It improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (both type I and type II). It helps your body to make utilize of the circulating blood glucose by transporting the circulating glucose from the blood into the muscles and fat tissues.

Talk to your doctor before starting therapy with HUMINSULIN if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have a history of stroke, any infection in the recent days, perform intense exercise or planning to go abroad (as the mealtime and injection timings may vary) as a precaution.

Do not use this medicine if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Along with the management, carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the mealtime and exercise (such as how often and how much to do).

The most common side effects of receiving HUMINSULIN are low blood sugar levels, pain, redness, itching, swelling or thickening at the injection site, lump formation under the skin and swelling of body parts. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect troubles you.

Uses Of HUMINSULIN

Improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (both type I and type II)

How HUMINSULIN Works

HUMINSULIN helps your body to make utilise of the circulating blood glucose. It helps in the transport of glucose from the blood into the muscles and fat tissues. It also stops the production of glucose by the liver. As a result, it controls blood sugar levels and improve sugar control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

How to use HUMINSULIN

Always inject this medicine into your thighs, buttocks, upper arm, or abdomen (i.e., subcutaneously). Do not administer this medicine into the vein or muscle directly. It should be administered at least 30 minutes before meals. Eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates within 30 minutes of the injection to avoid low blood sugar.

Before administration, roll the vial/cartridge between your hands until the liquid becomes uniformly white and cloudy. While injecting, keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds to make sure that the entire dose is injected.

Prior to the administration, visualize the cartridge/vial for any visible particulate matter and discoloration. Discard the needle and syringe after use and do not share your needles with others to avoid the risk of transmission of infections.

Avoid repeatedly injecting the medicine at the same site to manage skin damage. Instead, rotate the injection site. Make sure to consult your doctor before changing the injection site as a precaution.

HUMINSULIN should not be mixed with any other insulins before use. Do not stop therapy with HUMINSULIN without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide correct dose and frequency of administration depending upon your age, body weight and health condition.

Side Effects Of HUMINSULIN

Common

Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, itching or swelling)
Lipodystrophy (shrinkage of fat tissues beneath the skin)
Lumps under the skin
Edema (swelling of face, hands and legs)
Low blood sugar levels (signs include tiredness, hunger, nausea, headache, nervousness, cold sweats, fast heartbeat)

Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of body parts, sudden weight gain)
serious allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)

How To Manage Side Effects

Hypoglycemia

Managing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, involves prompt action to raise blood glucose levels and manage complications. When experiencing hypoglycemia, individuals should quickly consume a source of rapidly-absorbed carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda. Waiting for about 15 minutes and rechecking blood sugar levels is crucial to ensure they rise to a safe range. If hypoglycemia persists, additional carbohydrate intake may be necessary. Once blood sugar levels stabilize, a small snack containing both carbohydrates and protein can help sustain them. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare professional are essential for developing a personalized plan to manage hypoglycemia effectively. In severe cases, emergency assistance may be required.

Injection Site Reactions

Managing injection site reactions is essential for individuals who regularly administer injections. To alleviate discomfort and minimize potential issues, it is crucial to follow proper injection techniques. Rotate injection sites to manage overuse of a single area, allowing tissues to heal. Use a clean, sterile needle and syringe for each injection. Apply an ice pack to the injection site before and after administration to reduce pain and swelling. If redness, swelling, or irritation persists, consult a healthcare professional for guidance. It is essential to report any severe or persistent reactions to ensure appropriate adjustments to the injection routine and to manage potential complications.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before undergoing therapy with HUMINSULIN if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before undergoing therapy with HUMINSULIN if you are breastfeeding.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by HUMINSULIN.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with HUMINSULIN as it may make this medicine less effective.

Kidney

Use with Caution

HUMINSULIN should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

Liver

Use with Caution

HUMINSULIN should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Talk to your doctor before receiving HUMINSULIN if you are allergic to Isophane Insulin or to any other insulin types.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

HUMINSULIN should be used with caution in patients with heart problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

Use In Pediatrics

Monitoring required

HUMINSULIN should be used in children and in adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

HUMINSULIN should be used with caution among the elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

Others

HUMINSULIN is not recommended for use if you:

have or at risk of developing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)

Talk to your doctor before receiving HUMINSULIN if you:

have diabetes that is well controlled by the current insulin therapy
recently became ill or had any infections
perform intense exercise or physical activity
are planning to go abroad (as mealtime and injection timings may get changed)
have a history of stroke

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before HUMINSULIN is administered, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

Other antidiabetic agents (Ex. glimepiride, glyburide, gliclazide, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone)
Anti-asthmatic agents (Ex. salbutamol or terbutaline)
corticosteroids (used to manage pain and inflammation) Ex. hydrocortisone, prednisolone
thyroid hormones (such as thyroxine, levothyroxine)
thiazide diuretics (Ex. hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide)
pain killers (such as aspirin)
Antihypertensive agents (such as atenolol, propranolol, captopril, enalapril, ramipril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan, olmesartan, telmisartan)
growth hormone (used to increase growth)
octreotide (used to manage diarrhea)
lanreotide (a medicine used to manage abnormal body growth)
danazol (a medicine for uterine problems)
antidepressants (such as moclobemide, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more HUMINSULIN, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Isophane Insulin
Pharmacological Category	:	Insulin Preparations
Therapeutic Indication	:	Diabetes mellitus
Dosage Forms	:	Injection, Cartridge, Disposable pen

More Information

Keep HUMINSULIN out of the sight and reach of children
Before use: Store HUMINSULIN in the refrigerator (between 2-8°C)
In Use: Store at room temperature after opening for up to 28 days

FAQs About HUMINSULIN

Q: What is HUMINSULIN used for?

A: HUMINSULIN improves glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (both type I and type II). It helps your body to make utilize of the circulating blood glucose by transporting the circulating glucose from the blood into the muscles and fat tissues.

Q: How HUMINSULIN should be administered?

A: HUMINSULIN should be administered beneath the skin. Do not inject this medicine direcrly into your vein or muscle directly.

Q: How long should I take HUMINSULIN?

A: You need to take HUMINSULIN as long as your doctor prescribes you the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition

Q: What to do if I forgot to take a dose of HUMINSULIN?

A: If you forgot to take a dose of HUMINSULIN, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose of HUMINSULIN, skip the missed dose and take the next one regularly. Do not take a double dose of HUMINSULIN to compensate the missed ones.

Q: What are the most common side effects of taking HUMINSULIN?

A: The most common side effects of receiving HUMINSULIN are low blood sugar levels, pain, redness, itching, swelling or thickening at the injection site, lump formation under the skin and swelling of body parts. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect troubles you.

Q: Can I stop therapy with HUMINSULIN without consulting your doctor?

A: No. You should not stop therapy with HUMINSULIN without consulting your doctor because it may lead to reversal of symptoms. If you feel better after using HUMINSULIN, consult your doctor for advice.

Q: Will taking a higher dose of HUMINSULIN be more effective?

A: No, taking a higher dose of HUMINSULIN will not be effective rather it can lead to toxicity. Always take the dose prescribed by your doctor. If the prescribed dose is not effective for you, consult your doctor for advice. Your doctor might increase the dose or suggest an alternative therapy.

Q: Can I take medication for high blood pressure along with HUMINSULIN?

A: It is not advisable to take medicines to control blood pressure while taking HUMINSULIN without consulting your doctor. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking any antihypertensive medications along with HUMINSULIN as they have known interactions with HUMINSULIN.

Q: Can HUMINSULIN be used in pregnant women?

A: Consult your doctor before undergoing therapy with HUMINSULIN if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Q: How much HUMINSULIN should I take?

A: HUMINSULIN should be used only under medical supervision. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body condition and severity of the disease condition.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Insulin, Oral hypoglycaemic drugs and glucagon. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th Edition. 2013. Page – 264.

2. Fatima Saleem; Ashish Sharma. NPH Insulin. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC PubMed Central. June 2022. [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549860/

3. Eli Lilly and Company Limited. HUMULIN® I (Isophane) KwikPen® 100 IU/ml suspension for injection. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in January 2021] [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8194.pdf

4. Insuman Rapid 40IU/100IU. European Medical Agency. [Revised in January 2021] [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/insuman-epar-product-information_en.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

HbA1C, Also known as Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Blood Glucose Fasting (FBS)
Insulin-Fasting
Netmeds Diabetic Checkup
Advance Diabetes Monitoring (Senior Female)
Jaanch Diabetic Profile Basic

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Jaya Prabakaran - MBBS, MD (Diabetology and Family Medicine)

Last updated on 25 Jan 2024 | 05:45 PM(IST)