Mysulin-R 40

Indications

Insulin (Human) R is a regular, short-acting insulin. It is used to control high blood sugar in people with type 1 diabetes and in people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin. In hospital it is also used to treat emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis and very high blood sugar, and sometimes high blood potassium.

How It Works

Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the body's cells to be used for energy. Regular insulin starts working about 30 minutes after an injection under the skin, works most strongly after 2 to 4 hours and lasts about 6 to 8 hours, so it covers the rise in sugar after meals.

Dosage and Administration

The dose is as prescribed and is different for each person; it depends on blood sugar readings, meals, activity and other insulins used. It is usually injected under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm about 30 minutes before a meal, changing the injection spot each time. Into a vein it is given only by a doctor or nurse in hospital. Do not change your dose without medical advice, and check your blood sugar as advised. Never share pens or needles.

Interactions

Many medicines change blood sugar. Other diabetes medicines, alcohol, some antibiotics and some antidepressants can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Steroids (such as Prednisolone), some diuretics, thyroid hormone and some antipsychotics can raise blood sugar. Beta blockers (such as Propranolol) can hide the warning signs of low sugar. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.

Contraindications

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) at the time of the dose.
• Allergy to human insulin or any ingredient of the product.

Side Effects

The most common problem is low blood sugar: sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache, confusion or unusual behaviour. Treat it at once with sugar, glucose or a sweet drink, then a snack. Others include redness, itching or lumps at the injection site (avoid by rotating sites) and mild weight gain.

Get urgent medical help if low blood sugar causes fainting, fits or confusion that does not improve quickly after taking sugar, or if very high sugar comes with vomiting, deep fast breathing, fruity-smelling breath or drowsiness. Also seek help for signs of serious allergy such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Human insulin is the usual treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe for the baby. Insulin needs change during and after pregnancy, so close monitoring and dose adjustment by the doctor are needed. It is safe while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not skip meals after an injection. Carry a source of sugar at all times. Illness, exercise, alcohol and travel can change your needs. Check the strength (for example 100 IU/ml or 40 IU/ml) matches your syringe or pen. Low blood sugar can affect driving: check your sugar before you drive. Never use insulin that looks cloudy or has particles, as regular insulin should be clear.

Overdose

Too much insulin causes low blood sugar, which can lead to fits, unconsciousness and brain damage if untreated. If the person is awake, give sugar or a sweet drink at once. If they are drowsy or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth; seek emergency medical help (a glucagon injection or glucose into a vein may be needed).

Therapeutic Class

Short-acting human insulin (antidiabetic hormone).

Storage

Store unopened vials, cartridges and pens in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze, and do not use insulin that has been frozen. Once in use, it can be kept at room temperature below 30°C, away from heat and light, for the period stated on the product leaflet (usually about 4 weeks). Keep out of the reach of children.