Humulin N U-100 Kwikpen Inj 3ml

Insulin NPH (Isophane) is an intermediate-acting insulin. It lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin also inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Note: In rare cases, allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
Signs of low potassium levels, including:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ An irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the arms or legs
Thick skin, pits, or lumps at the injection site
Low blood sugar, which may cause:
+ Dizziness or fainting
+ Blurred vision
+ Mood changes
+ Slurred speech
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy or weak
+ Shaking
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
+ Seizures

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. If you have low blood sugar, follow the instructions you have been given, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Irritation at the injection site
Weight gain

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
If you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as this may affect your treatment.

Additionally, this medication may interact with other health conditions or medications. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are currently taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your existing health problems

Do not start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so in conjunction with this medication.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

This drug can cause low blood sugar, which may lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and even death if not properly managed. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your doctor. Additionally, this medication can cause low blood potassium levels, which, if left untreated, can result in abnormal heart rhythms, severe breathing difficulties, and potentially death. If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.

Until you understand how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require your full attention. Certain diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, can increase the risk of heart failure, especially when used in conjunction with insulin. If you are taking one of these medications, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks.

Ensure you are using the correct insulin product, as they come in various containers, including vials, cartridges, and pens. If you are unsure about measuring or preparing your dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

During periods of stress, such as illness, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be more challenging to control your blood sugar levels. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact your blood sugar levels.

Wear a medical alert identification to ensure prompt care in case of an emergency. Avoid driving if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and undergo regular blood tests as scheduled.

Before consuming alcohol or using products containing alcohol, consult your doctor to discuss potential risks. Never share your insulin product, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with others, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit infections.

If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.

• Non-selective beta-blockers (can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and prolong hypoglycemic episodes)
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure when used with insulin)
• Alcohol (can potentiate hypoglycemic effect)

• Corticosteroids (can increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
• Diuretics (thiazide and loop diuretics can increase blood glucose)
• Sympathomimetics (e.g., decongestants, can increase blood glucose)
• Atypical antipsychotics (can cause hyperglycemia)
• Protease inhibitors (can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia)
• Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides (increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered)
• GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors (increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered, especially with sulfonylureas or insulin)
• Salicylates (e.g., high-dose aspirin, can enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
• ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (can enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
• Octreotide, Lanreotide (can increase or decrease insulin requirements)

• Certain herbal supplements (e.g., fenugreek, ginseng, bitter melon may lower blood glucose)

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, tremor, palpitations, hunger, confusion, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, headache, slurred speech, anxiety, weakness, seizures, unconsciousness)
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss)
• Signs of injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, itching, lipodystrophy)

Insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy (pre-existing or gestational diabetes) due to its efficacy and safety profile. NPH insulin is commonly used as a basal insulin during pregnancy.

Insulin is considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Insulin is a large protein molecule and is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. It is not expected to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant.

Insulin NPH is commonly used in children and adolescents with Type 1 and some Type 2 diabetes. Dosing is highly individualized based on age, weight, pubertal status, and glycemic targets. Close monitoring for hypoglycemia is crucial.

Older adults may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia due to impaired renal function, reduced counter-regulatory responses, and polypharmacy. Lower starting doses and careful titration are recommended. Glycemic targets may be less stringent to avoid hypoglycemia.

• NPH insulin is a cloudy suspension and must be gently rolled or inverted several times before each injection to ensure uniform suspension.
• NPH can be mixed with regular (short-acting) insulin in the same syringe, but it should be drawn up after the regular insulin (clear before cloudy).
• Injection sites should be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy (fat accumulation or atrophy) which can affect insulin absorption.
• Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it promptly.
• Timing of NPH injection relative to meals and bedtime is crucial for optimal glycemic control and to minimize nocturnal hypoglycemia.
• Humulin N KwikPen is a prefilled pen device; patients must be trained on its proper use, including attaching a new needle for each injection and performing an air shot.

• Other intermediate-acting insulins (e.g., Novolin N)
• Long-acting insulins (e.g., insulin glargine, insulin detemir, insulin degludec) for basal insulin needs
• Short-acting insulins (e.g., regular insulin) for mealtime coverage
• Rapid-acting insulins (e.g., insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine) for mealtime coverage
• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists) for Type 2 Diabetes.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.