Actrapid Insulin (Novo-Nordisk)
Actrapid Insulin Information
Actrapid Insulin is soluble insulin or neutral insulin. It is a neutral solution of biosynthetic human monocomponent insulin. It acts as natural insulin by binding to insulin the natural receptor on cells in the body. It is injected to the skin and works within 30 to 60 minutes after injection. The effect of this drug can last up to eight hours.
Actrapid Insulin Indications
Actrapid Insulin is used as insulin replacement for people who are suffering from diabetes.
Actrapid Insulin Warnings
Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly by your doctor while taking this medicine. You may need dosage adjustments depending on your condition. Discuss these with your doctor or diabetes nurse to optimize the control of your blood sugar levels.
Do not try to use another type of insulin without your doctor’s advice. Your warning symptoms of low blood sugar may be slightly different.
Try not to drink alcohol while taking this drug or other types of insulin. If you have to, drink it in moderation and it should be accompanied with food. Alcohol can delay the warnings of low blood sugar levels and not allow you to take insulin at the right time.
Actrapid Insulin should not be used to treat hyperglycemia in non-diabetic people.
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to the components of Actrapid Insulin. If you experience any kind of allergic reaction to this medicine, stop using and inform your doctor immediately.
Insulin dose may need to be decreased when breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you nursing any infant.
Actrapid Insulin may cause pitting of skin or lipodystrophy when injection is used too frequently at the same site.
Actrapid Insulin Intake Guidelines
This drug is injected to the body. The body may take in Actrapid Insulin subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.
Actrapid Insulin Dosage
Actrapid Insulin dosage should be obtained from your doctor. Dosage may vary from person-to-person depending to glucose needs, age and many more factors.
Actrapid Insulin Overdose
If you suspect that you have taken in more than the amount of Actrapid Insulin prescribed by your doctor, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your doctor if you suspect overdose.
Actrapid Insulin Missed Dose
Take the missed dose immediately as soon as remembered. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and take the subsequent dose according to schedule. Do not take a double dose of Actrapid Insulin.
Actrapid Insulin Side Effects
Actrapid Insulin has known side effects, which may include:
Allergic reaction to active ingredient
Low blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia
Skin thickening or pitting when injection is given too frequently at the same site
Redness, thickening or swelling at the injection site
Other side effects may also occur. Side effects may vary from person-to-person. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms or if you experience anything unusual in your body after taking this drug.
Actrapid Insulin Drug Reactions
Patients may need a decrease in insulin dose if taking any of the following medicines:
Anti-diabetic taken in through the mouth
Octreotide
Disopyramide
Anabolic steroids which may include testosterone, nandrolone and stanozolol
ACE inhibitors
MAOI antidepressants
Large doses of salicylates
Alcohol
These drugs may decrease blood sugar levels.
Beta-blockers may mask some of the signs of low blood sugar levels, such as increased heart rate and tremor.
Patients may need an increased dose of insulin if taking any of the following medicines:
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone
Diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics
Somatropin or human growth hormones
These drugs may increase blood sugar levels.
Estrogen and progesterone may affect blood sugar levels. They are found in most oral contraceptives and women taking them may need a dose adjustment of insulin.
Smoking may decrease the amount of insulin absorbed by the body. Discuss your smoking habits with your doctor when taking Actrapid Insulin.
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