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Humulin
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Humulin has hypoglycemic activity. The insulin agent is a DNA-recombinant substance, a suspension for injections of a 2-stage nature, which has a therapeutic effect of medium duration.
The insulin effect of the drug may have individual differences in different patients. These differences depend on the area of application of the drug, the selection of the appropriate dosage portion, the physical activity of the patient, the dietary regimen followed, and some other factors.
Indications Humulin
It is used in diabetes mellitus when there are indications for insulin therapy, and also in gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
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Release form
The product is produced in the form of a suspension used for subcutaneous injections - inside 10 ml vials (1 piece) or 1.5 or 3 ml cartridges (5 pieces) used in syringe pens.
Pharmacodynamics
Humulin mainly acts by regulating glucose metabolism processes, and at the same time has an anabolic effect. In muscle and other tissues (excluding brain tissue), insulin promotes the activation of intracellular movement of glucose with amino acids, and in addition, increases the rate of protein anabolism.
The medication helps the intrahepatic conversion of glucose into the glycogen component, slows down the process of gluconeogenesis and promotes the transformation of excess sugar into fats.
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Dosing and administration
Humulin should not be administered intravenously.
When using insulin, the mode of application and dosage portions are determined only by the doctor - personally, taking into account glycemic indicators. The medication is administered subcutaneously, but sometimes intramuscular injections can also be used.
Subcutaneous injections are performed in the thighs, buttocks, abdomen or shoulders. The drug is injected into one area no more than once a month, alternating injection sites. During the procedure, it is necessary to use injection devices correctly, prevent the needle from penetrating into the vessels and do not press on the injection areas after the injection.
To prepare an insulin dose for a subcutaneous injection, you need to roll the bottle or cartridge with the medicine in your palms a dozen times and shake the container a little until the suspension acquires a cloudy, uniform consistency, similar in appearance to milk.
Do not shake the container too vigorously, as this action may cause foam to form, which makes it difficult to accurately measure the required dosage.
It is also prohibited to introduce a suspension that contains sediment or flakes after mixing.
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Use Humulin during pregnancy
It is extremely important to monitor the dynamics of glycemia in pregnant women with diabetes. During this period, insulin requirements often vary greatly (decrease in the 1st trimester and increase in the 2nd and 3rd), which may require a change in dosage.
Changing portion sizes, exercise, and diet may also be necessary during lactation.
Side effects Humulin
During insulin therapy, hypoglycemia often occurs, which, in severe cases, can cause hypoglycemic coma (depression and loss of consciousness), and sometimes even death.
It is also possible to develop local signs of allergy in the form of swelling, itching or redness in the injection area (such disorders usually disappear after a few days or weeks). Sometimes these symptoms may not be related to insulin, but arise due to the influence of external factors or improper use of the drug.
In addition, the occurrence of general allergic manifestations is also noted, which develop less frequently, but are more severe. In such cases, generalized itching, breathing problems, increased heart rate, hyperhidrosis, dyspnea and decreased blood pressure may be observed.
In extremely severe disorders, allergies can even threaten the patient's life, requiring urgent treatment. Insulin replacement or desensitization may be required.
Lipodystrophy, resistance and increased sensitivity to insulin mainly develop when using its animal form.
Overdose
With the development of hypoglycemia, vomiting, tremors, paleness of the epidermis, tachycardia, lethargy, hyperhidrosis, confusion and headaches are observed.
At a mild stage of the disease, it can be prevented by taking glucose or sugar orally. In addition, it may be necessary to change the dose of insulin and change the physical activity scheme or diet.
For moderate hypoglycemia, glucagon is often administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, and the patient then requires oral carbohydrate intake.
In severe hypoglycemia, accompanied by seizures, neurological disorders, and coma, an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of glucagon or intravenous administration of glucose concentrate is required.
Further, to prevent relapse of hypoglycemia, the patient should eat a lot of carbohydrates. In case of very severe hypoglycemic conditions, the patient should be hospitalized immediately.
Interactions with other drugs
Ethyl alcohol, MAOIs, orally administered hypoglycemic agents, ACE inhibitors (captopril with enalapril), sulfonamides with salicylates, non-selective β-blockers and substances that block the activity of angiotensin-2 endings potentiate the therapeutic effect of Humulin.
Thyroid hormones and STH, GCS, danazol, oral contraceptives, thiazide diuretics and β2-sympathomimetics (including ritodrine with salbutamol and terbutaline) weaken the hypoglycemic activity of insulin.
Octreotide with lancreotide and other somatostatin analogues can reduce or increase insulin dependence.
Reserpine with clonidine and β-blockers can mask the manifestations of hypoglycemia.
Storage conditions
Humulin should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of 2-8°C (in the refrigerator), without freezing the solution.
The insulin used can be stored at temperatures of 15-25°C for a period of 4 weeks.
Shelf life
Humulin can be used for a period of 3 years from the date of sale of the medicinal substance.
Analogues
The analogs of the drug are Monodar, Humalog Mix and Ryzodeg Flextouch with Novomix 30 Flexpen.
Reviews
Humulin receives positive reviews from diabetics, but only in situations where the substance is completely suitable for the patient. In such cases, it demonstrates an effective therapeutic effect and almost does not lead to the appearance of negative symptoms.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Humulin" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.