Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
Salt Composition
Insulin Isophane (100IU/ml)
Key Information
Short Description
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is an intermediate-acting type of insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the chances of developing serious complications of diabetes.
Dosage Form
Suspension for Injection
Introduction
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is often prescribed along with short-acting insulin or other oral diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. Don’t stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results, and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
Directions for Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.
Safety Information
Side Effects
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) Reactions at the injection site like redness or swelling Lipodystrophy (skin thickening or pits at the injection site) Edema (swelling over the whole body due to fluid retention) Weight gain
Alcohol Warning
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen.
Breastfeeding Warning
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Pregnancy Warning
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Interacting Medicines
Benazepril Captopril Enalapril Fosinopril
How it works
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts working in 1-2 hours after injection. It works similar to the insulin that is produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver. This helps to lower the blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus.
Quick Tips
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Hence regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is required while taking this medicine. Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites. Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site. Opened vials/cartridge are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
Related Medicines
Frequently asked questions
How does biphasic isophane insulin work?
Insulin isophane is a recombinant human insulin analogue (genetically modified insulin grown in a laboratory and similar to human insulin). It's an intermediate acting insulin preparation. Insulin isophane works by replacing the normal production of insulin and helps transfer sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it's used for energy generation. It also stops the liver from producing excess sugar. Intermediate-acting insulin preparations start working within 1-2 hours after injection, reaching a peak activity that lasts up to 7 hours. The action then gradually subsides; overall duration of action spans 18-24 hours.
What is Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen? How is it made?
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is a man-made version of human insulin, produced by the biotechnology process called recombinant DNA technology. It's sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution containing insulin aspart along with other components like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, and sodium chloride.
Can Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen cause hypoglycemia? How can I prevent it?
Yes. The most common side effect of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is hypoglycemia. It's more likely to happen if you miss meals, drink alcohol, overexert yourself or take other antidiabetic medications simultaneously. Avoid skipping meals and be consistent with your meal timings and portion sizes. When exercising excessively, consider carrying snacks for quick energy boosts. Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential. Always carry glucose tablets, honey, or fruit juice with you. Take all prescribed medications as directed by your doctor and consult them immediately if you experience any significant fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
What are the other side effects of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen? How to prevent them?
Other common side effects include injection site reactions like redness, itching, pain, and swelling. These usually resolve on their own. However, rarely, it can cause lipodystrophy (abnormal fat tissue changes due to repeated insulin injections in the same area). This can lead to lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) or lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), potentially affecting insulin absorption. To minimize the risk, rotate your injection sites within the same region at least every week or two, and use a different area for each injection. Never inject into muscles or veins.
How should Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen be used?
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is injected subcutaneously. Your doctor will show you the ideal injection site on your skin. Try to avoid injecting in the same spot every time. Rotate between common areas like abdomen, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms. Never inject into muscles or veins. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, ensuring movement within that region during each injection, for at least one or two weeks before switching to another.
Is Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?
Yes, in some specific cases like diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hyperglycemia, Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen may be administered intravenously. However, this is done only under doctor-supervised care in a hospital setting.
Is Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen safe to use in pregnancy?
Yes, Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen can be used during pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. It's essential to inform your physician if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding before using it. Your doctor may adjust the dose and suggest regular blood sugar monitoring.
When does the dosage of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen need to be changed?
Adjust your dosage with your doctor if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet (such as missed meals) or when taking alcohol. Your doctor may recommend dose modification based on changes in your lifestyle or other factors. You should also be attentive to any noticeable side effects during the initial use of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen and consult with your doctor for further guidance if needed.
