Humulin n: function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses

What is Humulin N for?

Humulin N is a drug used to control blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. This drug is an artificial insulin that plays a role in replacing natural human insulin that is not produced by the body (or does not meet daily insulin needs). This drug is used to help control blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus, both adults and children.

Humulin N contains NPH insulin as its active ingredient. Its use in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program in diabetic patients can prevent them from kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, limb loss and sexual function problems. Proper blood sugar control can also help lower your risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

The NPH insulin in Humulin N is an intermediate acting insulin which starts working within 2 - 4 hours of injection. This insulin will reach its peak working period at 4-12 hours and continue to work for up to 12-18 hours after the injection is done.

NPH insulin (or is often called isophane insulin) is often used in combination with insulin with a shorter working period (short acting insulin). This medication can also be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, such as metformin.

What are the rules for using Humulin N?

Use this insulin as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions listed on the packaging label. Do not use this medication in doses greater or less than recommended.

Humulin N is insulin which is administered by injection in the subcutaneous tissue. The injection can be done in the area of ​​the abdomen, thighs, upper arms which have fat tissue so that they are softer. Do not inject this drug directly into a vein or muscle to prevent the risk of hypoglycemia. Do not use an insulin pump for this insulin administration.

Clean the area to be injected each time you make an injection with an alcoholic tissue. Do the injection when the area is dry. Change your injection point with each injection. Do not inject at the same place twice in succession to prevent side effects at the point of injection, such as lipodystrophy. Do not inject Humulin N cold as it will be painful.

If you are taking this insulin for blood sugar control, only use the injection pen that comes with Humulin N. Always insert a new needle before making an injection. Do not transfer insulin from the injection pen to the insulin shot.

Humulin N is available as a suspension. Before using it, slowly rotate or roll the vial on your palm about 10 times. Do not shake it too hard to mix the Humulin N in, as this will damage it and create a lot of bubbles, making dosing incorrectly.

Check for Humulin N. suspension. Do not use this medication if solid particles are seen or discolored. This insulin should look cloudy or milky in color because it is a suspension. If it looks clear, you should not use it. Do not use this medication if there are solid particles or any frozen parts sticking to the sides of the bottle.

Use of Humulin N can be mixed with certain insulin, such as regular insulin. If you are using an insulin syringe to give this insulin mixture, always switch regular insulin first followed by insulin which has a longer service life. Do not mix Humulin N with other insulin if not instructed.

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.

NPH insulin may be sold under a brand other than Humulin N. Do not change the brand of your medication unless your doctor recommends it.

The dosage given usually takes into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment. Measure carefully the dosage you should take, because changing the dose even if it's just a little 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.

The rules of storing Humulin N

Read the storage instructions that came with your medicine package. Humulin N contains insulin isophane / NPH as its active ingredient. Different brands may require different treatment in storage.

Store Humulin N in a container protected from heat and direct light. Don't keep it in 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 the unopened Humulin N

• You can store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius. But don't keep it on freezer. Use it before it expires
• Store at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius and use for 31 days

Storing the opened Humulin N

• Store the vial of Humulin N 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

Dose

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

What is the Humulin N dosage for adults?

Patients with type 1 diabetes

• The maintenance dose is usually in the range 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day in divided doses.
• People who are not obese may need 0.4 - 0.6 units / kg / day.
• Those with obesity may need 0.8 - 1.2 units / kg / day.

Patients with type 2 diabetes

Initial dose: 0.2 unit / kg / day

What is the dosage of Humulin N for children?

Children with type 1 diabetes

Children younger than 12 years: dose has not been established. Consult your doctor.

Children over 12 years: the recommended dose is 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day

Maintenance dose in adolescents: maximum 1.2 units / kg / day during the growth spurt

In what dosages and preparations is Humulin N available?

Injection, Subcutaneous: 100 units / mL (3 mL); 100 units / mL (10 mL)

Side effects

What side effects might occur from using Humulin N?

Humulin N use 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.

Reactions at the injection point are also 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 N are:

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

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 pay attention to before using Humulin N?

• Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to isophane insulin / NPH insulin (the main active ingredient in Humulin N), other types of insulin, or any allergies to any other medicines. This medicine may contain other ingredients that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction
• Provide a complete history of your entire medical history, both your past and current illnesses, especially problems with the adrenal / pituitary glands, kidney disease, liver disease, and problems with the thyroid gland.
• You may experience visual disturbances, weakness, and drowsiness due to drastic changes in blood sugar levels. Do not do activities that require high alertness, such as driving or operating large machinery, after using this insulin before you are absolutely sure you can perform these 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 N.
• 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 N safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Animal studies have shown no detrimental effect of the drug on the fetus. However, there has not been adequate research on the risks of using Humulin N 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, United States.

This drug is also known to pass out of the body through breast milk in animal experiments. However, no studies on the dangers of Humulin N secreted 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 you are using Humulin N.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Humulin N?

Tell your doctor about all the products you use, including prescription / nonprescription 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 N are repaglinide and rosiglitazone.

There are other drugs that may interact with Humulin N. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking to prevent drug interactions.

What health conditions might interact with Humulin N?

• Kidney / liver disease
• Hypokalemia
• Hypoglycemia

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or Humulin N overdose?

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call emergency medical help immediately (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of an overdose can also include hypoglycemia, which is characterized by sweating, trembling, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.

What if I forget my Humulin N 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.