INTRODUCTION

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE contains Human 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 treatment, carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the mealtime and exercise (such as how often and how much to do).

Carefully follow the instructions given by the doctor in case of self-administration. Do not mix or change your insulin unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The most common side effects of receiving ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE

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

HOW ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE WORKS

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Use ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE exactly as advised by your doctor.

For Injections: Injections (supplied as vials or ampoules) must be administered only a doctor or a nurse into the vein (intravenously) or beneath the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will decide correct dose, frequency of administration and the injection site depending upon your age, body weight and health condition.

For Pre-filled syringe or insulin pens:

Inject this medicine exactly as instructed by your doctor. It should be injected beneath the skin (subcutaneously). Carefully follow the instructions provided by your doctor if you are administering it by yourself.

• Prior to the administration, rotate the device well for 10 times between your palms and invert 10 times, until the liquid forms a uniform mixture
• Do not shake the medicine vigorously, as it may form a froth
• Insert a fresh needle before injection. Make sure that the medicine does not contain any lumps or air bubbles in it
• After injecting the medicine, remove the needle from the pen and dispose it immediately
• Do not share your needle or disposable pens or pre-filled syringe with anyone to avoid the risk of spreading infections
• Dispose the pen or pre-filled syringe, once it is empty
• Avoid repeatedly injecting the medicine at the same site to prevent skin damage. Instead, the injection site should be rotated. Make sure to consult your doctor before changing the injection site as a precaution.

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should not be mixed with any other insulins before use. Do not stop therapy with ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Hypoglycemia

Managing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, involves prompt action to raise blood glucose levels and prevent 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 prevent 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 prevent potential complications.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

Consult your doctor

Consult your doctor before undergoing therapy with ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE if you are breastfeeding.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE.

ALCOHOL

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE as it may make this medicine less effective.

KIDNEY

Use with Caution

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

LIVER

Use with Caution

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

ALLERGY

Contraindicated

Talk to your doctor before receiving ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE if you are allergic to Human insulin or to any other insulin types.

HEART DISEASE

Use with Caution

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should be used with caution in patients with heart problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.

USE IN PEDIATRICS

Monitoring required

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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

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

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 treat 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 treat diarrhea)
• lanreotide (a medicine used to treat 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE out of the sight and reach of children
• Before use: Store ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE in the refrigerator (between 2-8?)
• In Use: Store at room temperature after opening for up to 28 days

FAQs ABOUT ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE

Q: What is ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE used for?

A: ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should be administered?

A: ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should be administered beneath the skin or into the vein. Do not inject it in your vein in case if you are administering this medicine on your own.

Q: How long should I take ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE?

A: You need to take ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE?

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

Q: What are the most common side effects of taking ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE?

A: The most common side effects of receiving ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE without consulting your doctor?

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

Q: Will taking a higher dose of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE be more effective?

A: No, taking a higher dose of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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 ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE?

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

Q: Can ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE be used in pregnant women?

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

Q: How much ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE should I take?

A: ACTRAPID HM PENFILL CARTRIDGE 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. Cesar Munguia; Ricardo Correa. Regular Insulin. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. July 2022. [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553094/

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

4. Eli Lilly and Company. HUMULIN R- insulin human injection, solution. Dailymed.com. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b519bd83-038c-4ec5-a231-a51ec5cc291f

5. Biocon Ltd. Insugen-R 100 IU. [Revised in May 2012] [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.biocon.com/docs/prescribing_information/diabetology/insugenr100iu_pi.pdf

6. Biocon Ltd. Insugen-R 40 IU. [Revised in December 2019] [Accessed on 23rd January 2024] https://www.biocon.com/docs/domestic-market-pi/metabolics/INSUGEN%20R%2040%20IU%20%20PI.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
Last updated on 31 Jan 2024 | 03:15 PM(IST)