Humulin 70/30: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is Humulin 70/30 for?

Humulin 70/30 is a combination of NPH insulin (insulin isophane) and regular insulin for people with diabetes. Its use together with proper diet and exercise can help diabetes patients avoid kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and problems with sexual function. Good diabetes control can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Humulin 70/30 is an artificial insulin which functions the same as natural human insulin. This drug replaces the role of insulin that is absent in the body of people with diabetes. Humulin 70/30 contains a mixture of 70% intermediate acting insulin (NPH insulin, also known as isophane insulin) and 30% short acting insulin (regular insulin).

Regular insulin in Humulin 70/30 is able to work faster after injection but last longer due to the presence of NPH insulin. The regular insulin in Humulin 70/30 starts working 10 - 20 minutes after injection, peaks at 2 hours, and stays on for up to 24 hours.

The way Humulin 70/30 works is to help glucose in the blood enter the body's cells so that it can be broken down and used as energy. This drug can be used as a single treatment or can be combined with other oral diabetes drugs, for example metformin.

What are the rules for using Humulin 70/30?

Use Humulin 70/30 as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions listed on the packaging label. Ask your doctor if there are procedures or other things that are not clear.

Before using this medication, first roll the small bottle of Humulin 70/30 insulin in your hand gently. You can turn it slowly up and down, about 10 times, so that the Humulin 70/30 mixes perfectly. Don't shake it.

Check the bottle for insulin. Make sure there are no foreign particles or no discoloration. The combination of regular insulin and NPH insulin found in Humulin 70/30 should look a little cloudy or milky after mixing it. If you find white lumps or there are frozen ones, do not use this insulin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for new insulin.

Before giving the injection, clean the area to be injected with an alcoholic tissue. You should change your injection point each time you get a shot. Do not inject at the same place twice in succession to prevent side effects at the point of injection, such as lipodystrophy.

This medicine is usually injected once or twice a day. You can inject it in the area of ​​the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arm which has fatty tissue so it is softer. Do not inject this drug directly into a vein or muscle to prevent the risk of hypoglycemia.

After the injection, you should eat within 30-45 minutes.

If you are using an injection pen, only use the built-in injection pen from Humulin 70/30. Do not use any other built-in insulin injection pen. Always use a new needle every time you inject.

Do not rub the injection point after giving the injection. If you store this insulin in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature before injecting it to equalize the insulin temperature with room temperature. Injecting this insulin in cold conditions will be very painful.

Do not mix this drug with other types of insulin.

Humulin 70/30 is a trademark of the combination of regular insulin and NPH insulin. The combination of these two insulin are also available in other brands. Do not change the brand of insulin that you are using unless recommended by your doctor.

Do not share syringes with other people, even if you have changed needles. Sharing syringes can increase the risk of disease transmission from one person to another.

The dosage given takes into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment. Measure carefully the dosage you should consume, because even a little difference in dosage can have a big impact on blood sugar levels in the body. Do not change your dose or stop medication without consulting your doctor.

Use this remedy regularly to get the expected results. To make it easier for you to remember, do the injection at the same time every day. Contact your doctor immediately if the condition does not improve or even gets worse. You may need to adjust your dose or change your medication.

What are the storage rules for Humulin 70/30?

Different brands of NPH insulin and regular insulin may require different treatments for their storage. Read the storage instructions listed on the packaging label.

Store this medication in a place protected from heat and direct light. Do not store it in a damp place, such as the bathroom. You can store this medication in the refrigerator but do not freeze it. Throw out the insulin that has frozen even though it has returned to liquidation. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Stores an unopened Humulin 70/30

• Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius. Don't keep it on freezer or close to the cooling element . You can save and use it before expiration
• You can also store it at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius. Use insulin stored in a small bottle (vial) and use it within 31 days or 10 days if you are using an insulin injection pen

Stores an already opened Humulin 70/30

• Store the vial of Humulin 70/30 in the refrigerator or room temperature and use it within 31 days
• Store the injection pen at room temperature (do not refrigerate it) and use it within 14 days. Do not store the injection pen with the needle still attached

Do not flush medications down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has reached its expiration date or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Humulin 70/30 dosage for adults?

Diabetes mellitus type 1

Medium or low ketone levels: 0.5 units / kg / day

High ketone content: 0.7 units / kg / day

Usually, 50 - 75% of the total daily dose is given in the form intermediate or long acting insulin

Diabetes mellitus type 2

Initial dose: 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day in divided doses

What is the dosage of Humulin 70/30 for children?

Diabetes mellitus type 1

Medium or low ketone levels: 0.5 units / kg / day

High ketone content: 0.7 units / kg / day

The dosage can be increased during puberty.

In what dosages and preparations is Humulin 70/30 available?

Injection, Subcutaneous: 10 mL vial, 3 mL vial, 3 mL injection pen

Side effects

What side effects might occur due to using Humulin 70/30?

Reactions at the injection point are possible (such as pain, redness, irritation). If this condition does not go away or gets worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Fluid buildup, characterized by weight gain, swelling in the legs or hands, shortness of breath
• Low potassium levels, characterized by cramps in the legs, constipation, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, thirst and persistent urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness and feeling weak.

Some of the common side effects that arise from using Humulin 70/30 are:

• Hypoglycemia
• Itchy, mild rash on the skin
• Thickening or indentation at the point of injection

The use of Humulin 70/30 is known to rarely cause allergies. However, if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, reddish rash, swelling of the face / eyes / lips / tongue / throat area, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.

Remember that your doctor prescribes certain medications because they judge their benefits to outweigh the risk of possible side effects. Almost all drugs have side effects, but in most cases, they rarely require serious attention.

The list above is not a complete list of the side effects that occur. There may be other side effects not mentioned above. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you fear will occur.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I know before using Humulin 70/30?

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to isophane insulin (NPH insulin) or regular insulin, other types of insulin, or are allergic to any other medicines. This medicine may contain other ingredients that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction
• Inform your complete medical history, both past and current illnesses, especially problems with the adrenal / pituitary glands, kidney disease, liver disease, and problems with the thyroid gland.
• Do not use this medicine if you have hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood)
• Tell your doctor if you are also taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes found in drugs combined with glimepiride or metformin). Taking certain diabetes medications can increase your risk of serious heart disease
• You may experience visual disturbances, weakness, and drowsiness due to drastic changes in blood sugar levels. Do not engage in activities that require high alertness, such as driving or operating large machinery, after using Humulin 70/30 before you are absolutely sure you can perform those activities safely.
• If you are going to have a surgical procedure, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about any medications you are taking, including Humulin 70/30.
• If you will be traveling to a place with a different time zone, consult your doctor regarding the injection schedule. Carry insulin reserves with you when traveling
• Parents and children may be more prone to side effects such as hypoglycemia when taking this drug
• Tell your doctor if you are planning or are pregnant. Consult your doctor regarding the use of this drug while pregnant and breastfeeding. Your doctor may provide other diabetes treatment alternatives during pregnancy

Is Humulin 70/30 safe to use for pregnant and lactating women?

Animal studies have shown no risk to the fetus. However, there has not been adequate research on the risks of using Humulin 70/30 in pregnant or breastfeeding women. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B (no risk in some studies) according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States.

Humulin 70/30 is known to pass out of the body through breast milk in experiments conducted on animals. No studies on the dangers of this drug passed through breast milk have been carried out in breastfeeding mothers, although animal trials have not shown any harm to the newborn. Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding if using this medicine.

Interaction

What medicines interact with Humulin 70/30?

Tell your doctor about all the products you use, including prescription / non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbal products. Certain drugs can interact if they are taken at the same time.

Drug interactions can cause the drug to not work optimally or increase the risk of side effects. However, your doctor may prescribe the two drugs at the same time if needed.

Products known to have possible drug interactions with Humulin 70/30 are repaglinide and rosiglitazone.

Other drugs that may cause interactions include:

• Albuterol
• Amlodipine
• Aspirin
• Atorvastatin
• Carvedilol
• Furosemide
• Gabapentin
• Humalog (insulin lispro)
• Humulin R (regular insulin)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Lasix (furosemide)
• Levothyroxine
• Lisinopril
• Losartan
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Metformin
• Metoprolol
• Novolog (insulin aspart)
• Omeprazole
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Simvastatin
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

There are other drugs that may interact with Humulin 70/30. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take to prevent drug interactions.

What health conditions might interact with Humulin 70/30?

• Kidney / liver disease
• Hypokalemia
• Hypoglycemia

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

If you are in an emergency situation or find someone in an overdose and have serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call emergency medical help immediately (119) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Overdose symptoms can include hypoglycemia characterized by sweating, body shaking, weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness, or a racing heart.

What if I forget my Humulin 70/30 injection schedule?

It is very important to stick to a proper insulin injection schedule. Ask your doctor about steps you should take if you miss scheduled injections.

Since this insulin is used at the same time as food, be sure to eat it no later than 45 minutes after giving the injection. Do not double up on a dose to make up for a missed dose.