Novolin Insulin 70/30 Human

Insulin lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. It inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis. Insulin Regular provides rapid onset of action, while Insulin NPH provides an intermediate duration of action.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when 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
Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
Signs of low potassium levels, including:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ An irregular heartbeat
Thick skin, pits, or lumps at the injection site
Swelling in the arms or legs
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 your doctor's instructions, 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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:

Weight gain
Irritation at the injection site

These are not all the possible side effects that may occur. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact 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 plan.

This medication may interact with other medications or health conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

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

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to ensure your safety. It is your responsibility to verify that it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions.

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

This drug may cause low blood sugar, which can lead to severe complications such as 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, may 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, may increase the risk of heart failure or worsen existing heart failure, especially when used in combination 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 have any questions about measuring or preparing your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your ability to control blood sugar levels may be affected during stressful events such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact blood sugar control. Wear a medical alert identification to ensure prompt care in case of an emergency. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and undergo blood tests as scheduled to ensure your treatment plan is working effectively.

Avoid driving if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it can increase your risk of being involved in an accident. Before consuming alcohol or using products containing alcohol, consult your doctor to discuss potential risks. Adhere to the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor to maintain optimal blood sugar control.

Do not share your insulin product or any associated devices, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with others, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing can lead to the transmission of infections, including those you may not be aware of having. If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.

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

• Corticosteroids (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
• Thiazide diuretics (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
• Sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol) (may increase blood glucose)
• Growth hormone (may increase blood glucose)
• Danazol (may increase blood glucose)
• Oral antidiabetic agents (additive hypoglycemic effect)
• Salicylates (e.g., aspirin) (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect at high doses)
• ACE inhibitors (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
• Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide) (may decrease or increase insulin requirements)
• Mao inhibitors (MAOIs) (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)

• Hypoglycemia: sweating, shakiness, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weakness, slurred speech, seizures, unconsciousness.
• Hyperglycemia: increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (especially in DKA).

Insulin is the preferred treatment for managing diabetes in pregnant women, as it does not cross the placenta in significant amounts. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential, and insulin requirements may change throughout pregnancy.

Insulin is compatible with breastfeeding. It is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts and poses no risk to the breastfed infant.

Dosing is highly individualized and requires careful titration based on age, weight, pubertal status, and glycemic control. Children and adolescents may have varying insulin sensitivities and are at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

Increased risk of hypoglycemia due to potential for impaired renal/hepatic function, reduced counter-regulatory responses, and polypharmacy. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully. Close monitoring of blood glucose is crucial.

• Always check the insulin label carefully before each injection to ensure you are using the correct type of insulin.
• Never share insulin pens, needles, or syringes with other people, even if the needle is changed. This can transmit infections.
• Store unopened vials/pens in the refrigerator (36°F-46°F [2°C-8°C]). Once opened, store at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) and discard after 28 days.
• Inject insulin subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks. Rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent lipodystrophy.
• Ensure proper injection technique to maximize absorption and minimize discomfort.
• Patients should be educated on how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

• Basal-bolus insulin regimens (e.g., long-acting insulin + rapid-acting insulin)
• Other insulin types (e.g., rapid-acting, long-acting, ultra-long-acting)
• Oral antidiabetic medications (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, 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 details. If you have any questions or concerns about this 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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.