Longact 40IU/ml Injection
Manufacturer
USV Ltd
Salt Composition
Insulin Isophane (40IU)
Key Information
Short Description
Longact 40IU/ml Injection 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
Injection
Introduction
Longact 40IU/ml Injection 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 Longact 40IU/ml Injection.
Breastfeeding Warning
Longact 40IU/ml Injection 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
Longact 40IU/ml Injection 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
Longact 40IU/ml Injection 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
Huminsulin N 40IU/ml Injection
Insucare N 40IU/ml Injection
Biosulin N 40IU Injection
Insugen-N 40IU/ml Injection
Humanext N 40IU/ml Injection
Iletin NPH 40IU/ml Injection
Recosulin N 40IU/ml Injection
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 acts by replacing the normal production of insulin and helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues for energy use. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar. Intermediate acting insulin preparations start working within one to two hours after injection, reach peak activity lasting up to 7 hours, followed by gradual decline; overall duration ranges from 18 to 24 hours.
What is Longact 40IU/ml Injection? How is it made?
Longact 40IU/ml Injection is a man-made version of human insulin produced using biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. It's sold as a sterile, clear, and colorless solution containing insulin aspart along with other components like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride, etc.
Can Longact 40IU/ml Injection cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?
Yes, Longact 40IU/ml Injection can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This is more likely if you miss meals or drinks alcohol, exercise heavily, or take other diabetes medications with it. Therefore, make sure to eat consistently and at regular intervals. Have snacks as per your needs if you overdo it with exercise. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential. Carry glucose tablets, honey, or fruit juice to help manage hypoglycemia in case needed.
What are the other side effects of Longact 40IU/ml Injection? How to prevent them?
Other side effects can include injection site reactions like redness, itching, pain and swelling. These are temporary and typically resolve on their own. Rarely, it may cause lipodystrophy, which means abnormal changes in fat tissue due to repeated insulin injections in the same spot. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), impacting insulin absorption. Rotate your injection sites every week or two to reduce lipodystrophy risk.
How should Longact 40IU/ml Injection be used?
Longact 40IU/ml Injection is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Your doctor will show you where to inject. Try not to repeat the same injection site every time; rotate between abdominal, buttocks, upper leg, or upper arm areas. Never inject into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two for one to two weeks and then move to another part of your body.
Is Longact 40IU/ml Injection given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?
Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hyperglycemia, Longact 40IU/ml Injection may be given as an intravenous injection. However, this is only done by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels, within a hospital setting.
Is Longact 40IU/ml Injection safe to use in pregnancy?
Yes, Longact 40IU/ml Injection is generally safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor. But inform your doctor before using it if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They may require dose adjustments, and regular blood sugar monitoring is important. Always follow your doctor's instructions for the best results.
When does the dosage of Longact 40IU/ml Injection need to be changed?
Your doctor may suggest changing your dose if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet (like missed meals), or taking alcohol. They also might adjust it based on exercise change or other medications you're taking. It is always good practice to be vigilant about any sudden changes you observe after starting Longact 40IU/ml Injection.
