Do not use insulin isophane and insulin regular if you are allergic to insulin or if you have intolerance to a certain insulin isophane and insulin regular product.
Before using insulin, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
Before using insulin isophane and insulin regular, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Most insulins can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. They are not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy and breast-feeding and insulin is often chosen as the treatment. Some types of insulin may be better than others for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about the use of insulin during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Use insulin isophane and insulin regular exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
If the insulin has been stored in the refrigerator, it can be warmed to room temperature before use.
Roll the container of insulin between your palms 10 times. Then, if you are using a pen or prefilled syringe, turn it upside down so that the glass ball moves from one end to the other. Do this at least 10 times. Repeat this procedure until the suspension appears uniformly white and cloudy. Do not shake the insulin vigorously. Inject immediately. Repeat this procedure before each subsequent injection.
Do not use the insulin if it is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from previous vials, cartridges, or prefilled syringes of insulin isophane and insulin regular.
Use only the approved delivery device(s) for cartridges or prefilled syringes of insulin.
If you are mixing different types of insulins in the same syringe, follow your doctor’s directions and always draw up the different insulins in the same order (usually the clear insulin first). Do not mix different insulins in the same syringe unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.
Rotate injection sites exactly as directed by your doctor. Usually, you should not inject within 1 inch of the same site within 1 month.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.
Do not change the insulin strength (e.g., U-100) or insulin type (e.g., 50/50 isophane-regular mixture, 70/30 isophane-regular mixture, etc.) unless your doctor recommends a change for you.
Do not change the brand of insulin isophane and insulin regular or syringe that you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin isophane and insulin regular and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not.
Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control your blood sugar levels.
Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses may change your insulin requirements.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.
Wear some type of medical identification bracelet, necklace, or other alert tag to inform others that you have diabetes and that you require insulin in the case of an emergency.
Proper foot care, eye care, dental care, and overall proper health care are important for people with diabetes. Visit your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and other heath care practitioners as recommended by your doctor.
Store
Once punctured, the vial of insulin in use, whether stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, must be used within 28 days. Throw away any unused insulin 28 days after the vial is first punctured.
Follow your doctor’s directions if you miss a dose of insulin. To prevent missed doses, be sure to always have enough insulin on hand, especially if you are going on vacation.
Rarely, people have allergic reactions to insulin. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
The side effects of insulin therapy result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Low blood sugar may occur when too much insulin is used; when meals are missed or delayed; if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations.
Keep sugary candy, fruit juice, or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Increased blood sugar may occur if not enough insulin is used, if you eat significantly more food than usual, if you exercise less than usual, if you take other medications, if you have a fever or other illness, and in other situations.
Monitor your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if your blood sugar levels are too high.
Side effects may also occur at the site of injection. If the area becomes thickened, hard, or pitted, talk to your doctor before injecting at that site again.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include shaking; nausea; headache; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; fast heartbeat; sweating; pale, cool skin; anxiety; and difficulty concentrating. Carry a piece of candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control your blood sugar levels.
Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses may change your insulin requirements.
Do not change the brand of insulin isophane and insulin regular or syringe that you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin isophane and insulin regular and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.
Do not use alcohol without first talking to your doctor. It lowers blood sugar, and you may experience dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Many drugs can interact with insulin or affect blood sugar levels. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist during treatment with insulin.
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an insulin overdose reflect very low blood sugar levels and include headache, irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate or pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, increased hunger, and anxiety.