Insulin Humulin NPH: instructions, analogues, reviews. Humulin NPH is insulin for subcutaneous administration.

Genetically engineered insulin allows you to achieve significant control results sugar disease in patients with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women and nursing mothers, patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, even against the background of insulin resistance or the absence of the effect of standard hypoglycemic therapy.

The action of the analogue begins one hour after subcutaneous administration, lasts about 16-20 hours and reaches a maximum in the interval of 4-8 hours. The presence of a peak of action complicates therapy, but this disadvantage is easily leveled with the help of a well-chosen diet, adherence to the daily regimen, and adequate planning of physical activity.

Typically, the hormone is used 1-2 times a day, depending on the level of glycemia, individual sensitivity to the drug. It is allowed to mix the medicine (even in one injection) with short analogues of the same manufacturer, thus reducing the number of injections per day.

Humulin Regular

Refers to short insulins. It starts to work half an hour after the injection (an injection is given 15-30 minutes before a meal), reaches maximum activity after 1.5-3 hours, has a residual effect on glycemia for 5-7 hours.

The medicine is perfect for compensating patients who lead a measured lifestyle, observing an approximate daily regimen. It is recommended when carrying a pregnancy against the background of an existing chronic sugar disease. It is well tolerated by the elderly, as well as by all patients whose course of illness is complicated by concomitant diseases.

Often, Humulin Regular insulin therapy begins during the period of preparation of patients for major surgical interventions or during acute infectious diseases. Usually, nice results therapy become a significant factor for maintaining this treatment regimen even after the indicated therapeutic measures.

So high-quality analogue rarely causes serious side effects, easy to carry. The occurrence of lipodystrophy is usually associated with an elementary violation of technology, and severe hypoglycemia appears only due to an overdose of the drug. The transition to Humulin Regular should only be done under the supervision of a qualified physician, since a serious adjustment to the usual insulin regimen may be necessary. The ideal option is the selection of the correct dose in a specialized hospital.

An increase / decrease in the number of injections and their volume can occur against the background of stress, illness, physical activity. Also of great importance is the place chosen for injections, individual sensitivity to the active substance.

Humulin MZ

It also belongs to the group of analogues of the average duration of action. It is distinguished by a rather abrupt start of work, because already after an hour (sometimes 30 minutes is enough) after getting under the skin it develops good activity, the maximum occurs after 1.5-8 hours, it remains in the body up to 15 hours. It is administered only subcutaneously / intramuscularly!

The composition of the suspension contains 30% Humulin Regular, the rest is Humulin NPH. To change the action profile of the drug, it is recommended to track the individual response to a change in the injection site, increase / decrease the interval between the injection and food intake.

The use of the drug obliges the patient to be careful about observing the rules for storing and administering this insulin. Before use, the bottle should be rolled between the palms (about 10 times) for even mixing. The finished composition should acquire a cloudy white (milky) color, a uniform consistency.

To achieve decent compensation, usually the regimen of insulin therapy is chosen 3-fold, daily diet, the daily regimen is maximally adjusted to the action profile of the artificial hormone.

Storage

All preparations of this manufacturer are stored in the refrigerator until opening. Once used, the vial should be kept at room temperature. Freezing renders the drug inoperative. The shelf life of the opened analogue is only 4 weeks.

Syringe pens are used the same as for (Humapen, Humapen Luxura). Use of disposable syringes is allowed.

Remember, any methods of therapy for endocrine pathologies can only be used after consultation with your doctor! Self-medication can be dangerous.

About "Humulin" in diabetes

Insulin "Humulin" is a substance characterized by a short type of action. Even more importantly, it is included in the so-called NPH insulin group, that is, those that are neutral Hadegorn protamines contained, for example, in. Joining this group only says that, despite his positive influence, he remains neutral and even capable of performing the unique function of a regular. About this and much more later in the article.

About the composition and form of release

Insulin is a completely colorless and transparent solution, like that, which is designed specifically for injection. It is necessary to distinguish between two types of drugs with the name "Humulin":

• in the first case, the main component is soluble insulin, which was obtained by genetic engineering - regular;
• in the second - insulin human type- NPH.

Accordingly, excipients should be separated from this, including. In the first variety, it is distilled metacresol, glycerol, purified water, and some other components. The second has standard metacresol, glycerin, hydrochloric acid. Thanks to this composition, not only in the first, but also in the second case, it remains possible to maintain not only the NPH indicators at an optimal level, but also all the functions associated with the regular. This makes Humulin insulin one of the most popular, as well as.

About the pharmacological effect

What is the effect of "Humulin"?

Speaking about the pharmacological effects, it should be noted that this type of insulin is a DNA recombinant variety. As already noted, this is a short-acting insulin.

The fundamental effect of the drug should be considered the regulation of glucose metabolism processes - the same applies to. In addition, it is characterized by anabolic effects. In muscle and all other tissues (except the brain), "Humulin" provokes a forced intracellular exchange of glucose and various amino acids between themselves. It also greatly accelerates the interaction of proteins.

Insulin has a positive effect on the conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver, restores all processes of gluconeogenesis, in addition, it is simply necessary for the conversion of excess glucose into fatty substances.

All this has a positive effect on the level of NPH, which, in turn, is necessary for the regular.

The onset of the effect of the drug occurs 30 minutes after its introduction, and the maximum possible action occurs between the first and third hours, the duration of the effect is five to seven hours.

Individual differences in the degree of insulin activity are directly dependent on factors such as:

1. dosage;
2. choice of injection area;
3. the degree of physical activity of a diabetic.

How to enter "Humulin"?

All this is a direct evidence that fluctuations in the FSP are more than likely, which also affects the regular indicator.

About dosage and administration

The dosage is determined by the specialist on an individual basis, he does this depending on the state of glycemia. "Humulin" can be introduced in several ways: under the skin, intravenously, intramuscular injection is also possible.

Insulin is injected under the skin into the shoulder, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. The injection site should be changed so that the same site is used no more than once a month, preferably once a month.

When injecting subcutaneously, it is highly desirable to take special care in order to avoid getting into the area of ​​blood vessels. After the injection, it is not advisable to massage the injection area. Diabetics must be instructed about correct application devices for the introduction of insulin. This will give you the opportunity to cope with NPH on your own and always maintain a regular schedule.

It is also important to remember some of the mandatory ways to use Humulin, they are that this insulin can only be used if it is a clear liquid without any shade. There is no need to use the drug if it contains various flakes, as well as in the case when solid whitish particles are stuck to the bottom or walls of the container. At the same time, they can recreate the effect of frosty patterns. Otherwise, its use may be harmful.

How to care for vials and cartridges?

You should also keep in mind that:

• used cartridges, as well as vials, must be checked with the utmost care;
• the equipment of the cartridges themselves does not make it possible to mix their contents with other types of insulin in the cartridge itself. These devices cannot be used for secondary and more filling.

It is this that in the future is able to maintain the ratio of NPH and all indicators associated with the regular.

Removing the needle after the injection will guarantee sterility, help prevent leakage, as well as the ingress of air masses and more than possible blockage. In addition, needles also cannot be used several times.

About side effects

The main side effect that is associated with the main effect of the drug is hypoglycemia. The severe form of the presented disease may well provoke a short or longer loss of consciousness and (in special situations) death.

Allergic reactions may also occur.

These include local manifestations, for example, hyperemia, swelling or itching in the injection area, which most often stop after a period of several days to weeks.

So-called systemic reactions of an allergic nature are also possible. They are formed much less frequently, but are much more serious signs. It's about about generalized itching, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate and increased sweating. To avoid this, NPH and regular indicators should be kept under control.

About allergies and Humulin

Particularly complex manifestations of systemic allergic effects can be threatening to all life processes. Other side effects may also include the possibility of the formation of lipodystrophy, which, however, is minimal.

About storage conditions

The drug must be kept in a special refrigerator at a temperature of two to eight degrees. Another basic condition is the prevention of freezing, the need to protect them from the direct influence of not only the sun, but also light. The shelf life is exactly two years from the date of production.

The insulin that is in the cartridge or vial, but is already in use, must be stored at room temperature, that is, from 15 to 25 degrees for no more than 28 days. This will guarantee the optimal level of NPH and regularity, which is extremely important for each of the diabetics.

About contraindications

It should also be noted those contraindications that characterize "Humulin". These include the following manifestations:

1. any degree of hypoglycemia;
2. an increased level of susceptibility and sensitivity of the body either to insulin or to any of the constituents of the drug.

Compliance with the presented contraindications will make it possible to keep at the same level all the time not only NPH, but also the regular one. This will be the key to an excellent state of health in diabetes mellitus, not only of the first, but also of the second type. Thus, the use of "Humulin" in accordance with these recommendations should be considered the only true way to prevent the disease.

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Composition and form of release

Insulin Humulin NPH, for injections contains recombinant human insulin 100 IU/ml, 3 ml in cartridges, 5 pcs in a pack.

pharmachologic effect

It has a hypoglycemic effect. Humulin NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin preparation. The onset of action of the drug is 30 minutes after administration, the maximum effect of action is between 1 and 8.5 hours, the duration of action is 14-15 hours. Individual differences in insulin activity depend on factors such as dose, choice of injection site, physical activity of the patient, and others.

Indications

Diabetes mellitus I and II types.

Contraindications

hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity to insulin or to one of the components of the drug.

Dosage and administration

The dose is determined by the doctor individually, depending on the level of glycemia. The drug should be administered subcutaneously, intravenously, possibly intramuscularly. Subcutaneously, the drug is injected into the shoulder, thigh, buttocks or abdomen. The injection site must be rotated so that the same site is used no more than about 1 time / month. When s / c administration, care must be taken to avoid getting into blood vessel. After the injection, do not massage the injection site.

Side effects

Allergic reactions: local allergic reactions are possible - hyperemia, swelling or itching at the injection site (usually stop within a few days to several weeks); systemic allergic reactions (occur less often, but are more serious) - generalized itching, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, lowering blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased sweating. Severe cases of systemic allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Others: the likelihood of developing lipodystrophy is minimal.

Rules for the preparation and administration of the drug

Cartridges Humulina NPH before use, roll between the palms 10 times and shake, turning 180 ° also 10 times to resuspend the insulin until it becomes a homogeneous cloudy liquid or milk. Do not shake vigorously as this may result in foaming which may interfere with correct dose retrieval.

Cartridges should be checked carefully. Do not use insulin if there are flakes in it after mixing, if solid white particles have stuck to the bottom or walls, creating the effect of a frosty pattern.

The design of the cartridges does not allow mixing their contents with other insulins directly in the cartridge itself. Cartridges are not designed to be refilled.

When using cartridges, follow the manufacturer's instructions for refilling the cartridge and attaching the needle. The drug should be administered in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the syringe pen.

Using the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle immediately after insertion and safely dispose of it. Removing the needle immediately after injection ensures sterility and prevents leakage, air entry and possible clogging of the needle. Then put the cap on the pen.

Needles should not be reused. Needles and pens should not be used by others.

Humulin NPH can be administered in combination with Humulin Regular. To do this, short-acting insulin should be drawn into the syringe first to prevent more insulin from entering the vial. long-acting. It is desirable to introduce the prepared mixture immediately after mixing. To inject the exact amount of each type of insulin, you can use a separate syringe for Humulina Regular and Humulina NPH.
Should always be used insulin syringe corresponding to the concentration of injected insulin.

Storage conditions and shelf life

The drug should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2° to 8°C, avoid freezing, protect from direct exposure to light. Shelf life - 2 years.

The drug in use in a vial or in a cartridge should be stored at room temperature (from 15 ° to 25 ° C) for no more than 28 days.

Insulin Humulin NPH is used to treat patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Patients suffer from the fact that the pancreas is unable to independently produce the hormone insulin.

Humulin is a substitute for human insulin. Numerous reviews testify to the effectiveness of this medication and its easy tolerance.

The price of the drug varies within 1500 rubles. To date, you can also find numerous analogues of the drug, as well as synonymous drugs.

The main properties of the drug

The drug is used in the presence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and in type 2 diabetes mellitus during the period of bearing a child.

There are several varieties of the drug Humulin.

These drugs differ in the time of action on the body.

To date, the following types of drugs are produced on the pharmaceutical market:

1. Insulin Humulin R (regulator) - is a short-acting drug.
2. Humulin NPH is a medium-impact drug that begins to show activity within an hour after ingestion, and the maximum effect is achieved after six to eight hours.
3. Insulin Humulin M3 is a medium duration drug. Produced as a biphasic suspension, which consists of insulin Humulin Regular and Humulin NPH.

The main effect of the drug is aimed at regulating the process of glucose metabolism, as well as accelerating protein anabolism.

Humulin Regulator is also used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in the presence of the following factors:

• if during complex therapy there is a manifestation of resistance to sugar-lowering drugs;
• the development of ketoacidosis;
• if there is an infection with fever;
• metabolic disorders occur;
• if there is a need to transfer the patient to insulin therapy for a longer duration.

The drug insulin Humulin can be presented in two main forms:

1. Suspension for injections administered under the skin.
2. Injection.

To date, there are a huge number of drugs that can replace taking Humulin. These are analogue drugs that contain the same active ingredient - insulin. These substitutes include:

• Actrapid and Apidra;
• Biosulin and Berlinsulin;
• Gensulin and Isophane insulin;
• Insulong and Insuman;
• Lantus and Pensulin.

In some cases, protamine hagedorn may be used. It is forbidden to select or replace the medicine on your own. Only the attending physician can prescribe the necessary drug to the patient in the correct dosages, taking into account the severity of the pathology and individual characteristics.

Instructions for use of the drug

Sugar level

All dosages of the drug are prescribed by the attending physician, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the level of glucose in the blood.

In some cases, injections are made not before meals, but an hour or two after it.

Each new injection must be administered in a new place to avoid the formation of lipodystrophy. Such a Regulator can be administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly and even intravenously. The latter methods are especially often practiced by doctors during surgery or with a diabetic coma in a patient.

In addition, the drug is in some cases combined with other sugar-lowering agents with a more prolonged effect.

The required dose of the drug is determined by the medical specialist, and usually ranges from 30 to 40 units per day.

As for the drug Insulin Humulin NPH, it is strictly forbidden to administer it intravenously. The suspension or emulsion is injected under the skin or, in some cases, intramuscularly.

To properly inject, you will need certain skills and abilities.

How to inject the drug?

With the introduction insulin injections under the skin, care should be taken that the needle does not enter the blood vessel, and also do not massage movements immediately before injection.

To date, there are various special devices for injection, for insulin. These include cartridges, syringe pen, insulin syringes.

Before using the suspension, it must be rolled in the palms so that the liquid inside the ampoule becomes homogeneous. In this case, agitation, which contributes to the formation of foam, should be avoided.

If an insulin syringe is used for injection, then the dose recommended by the doctor is set at the rate of 100 units per 1 milliliter. Special cartridges have their own instructions for use, which must first be read. It usually contains information on how to properly thread and fasten the needle. At the same time, such devices are intended for single use only, their refilling is strictly prohibited.

The NPH preparation can be used together with the Regulator. In this case, short-acting insulin should be taken first, and then prolonged. It is necessary to make a corner carefully so that two medicines did not mix.

It should also be noted that the following groups of drugs can reduce the effectiveness of administered drugs:

1. Oral contraceptives.
2. Corticosteroids.
3. Hormonal drugs for the treatment of thyroid diseases.
4. Some types of diuretics and antidepressants.

To increase the sugar-lowering effect, agents such as:

• hypoglycemic tablets;
• acetylsalicylic acid;
• alcohol and preparations containing it.

In addition, sulfonamides can increase the sugar-lowering effect.

Precautions when using the medication

The neutral effect of the drug and its effect on the body is ensured only if all the recommendations and instructions of the attending physician are strictly followed.

There are cases where side effects may occur.

emergence side effects most often associated with a violation of the injection technique or when the recommended dosages are exceeded.

The main precautions include the following:

1. Hypoglycemia may develop, the severe form of which often causes the appearance. The patient may experience depression and loss of consciousness.
2. The development of allergic reactions, which manifest themselves in the form of itching of the skin, redness, swelling of the tissues. These symptoms are temporary and usually go away on their own in a couple of days.
3. The appearance of a systemic allergy. Such reactions develop in the form of difficulties with breathing, heart palpitations, and a decrease in blood pressure below normal levels. There is shortness of breath and increased sweating.

Rarely, lipodystrophy can be observed. According to reviews, such a negative manifestation can only be in drugs of animal origin.

The drug is strictly contraindicated:

• in the presence of hypoglycemia, as it has the ability to lower blood glucose levels;
• if there is hypersensitivity to one or more components of the drug.

Incorrectly selected dose or overdose can manifest itself in the form of the following symptoms:

1. A significant decrease in blood sugar, below normal.
2. Increased level of nervousness.
3. Headache.
4. Trembling and general weakness of the body.
5. The appearance of seizures.
6. Paleness of the skin.
7. The appearance of cold sweat.

To eliminate the above symptoms, you can eat foods that have high level easily digestible carbohydrates. If the overdose is severe, you should immediately contact a medical specialist.

The medicine can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should be noted that in the first three months the need for the hormone in women decreases, after which (in the second and third trimester) it increases.

Medical studies have shown that insulin injections do not have a mutagenic effect.

Special instructions for using the medicine

Sometimes it is necessary to transfer the patient to the use of another medicinal product with a similar impact.

This decision is made solely by the attending physician.

Any changes, including the activity of the hormone, its type or type, production method, may require a review of previously used dosages of the drug.

Correction of dosages is shown already after the first use of a new preparation. Dosage changes can be made gradually, over several weeks or months, depending on each individual case.

An increase in insulin dose may also be required as a result of the following factors:

• severe nervous shocks or emotional stress;
• increase in physical activity.

In addition, there may be a need to reduce the dose of the administered drug. As a rule, this manifests itself as a result of improper functioning of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, liver or kidneys.

It should also be borne in mind that the manifestation of allergic reactions sometimes occurs due to improper injection and non-compliance with the rules specified in the instructions.

Before using the medicine, remember the following rules:

1. Never use the solution for injection if it appears to precipitate or become cloudy.
2. must be made at room temperature.

If the patient uses increased doses of insulin (more than one hundred units per day), he must be hospitalized and be under the constant supervision of medical personnel. How insulin works is the topic of the video in this article.

Recent discussions.

The antidiabetic drug Humulin NPH contains insulin-isophane, which has an average duration of action. It is intended for continuous use to maintain blood glucose levels within normal values. Available as a suspension for subcutaneous administration in vials in the USA by Eli Lilly and Company. And the French company Lilly France produces Humulin NPH insulin in the form of cartridges with a syringe pen. The drug has the form of a cloudy or milky suspension.

Pharmacological effect - lowering the level of glucose in the blood by increasing its uptake by cells and tissues with the help of Humulin NPH. In diabetes, the production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas is reduced, which requires hormone replacement therapy. The drug increases the utilization of glucose by cells that need nutrition. Insulin interacts with special receptors on the cell surface, which stimulates a number of biochemical processes, which include, in particular, the formation of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and glycogen synthetase. Increases the transport of glucose to tissues from the blood, where it becomes less.

Humulin Properties

• The therapeutic effect begins an hour after the injection.
• The hypoglycemic effect lasts about 18 hours.
• The greatest effect is after 2 hours and up to 8 hours from the moment of administration.

Such a spread in the interval of activity of the drug depends on the site of administration of the suspension and the motor activity of the patient himself. These properties should be taken into account when prescribing the dosing regimen and frequency of administration. Considering the long onset of the effect, Humulin NPH is prescribed together with short-acting and ultra-short-acting insulins.

Distribution and excretion from the body:

• Insulin Humulin NPH does not penetrate the hematoplacental barrier and is not excreted through the mammary glands with milk.
• It is inactivated in the liver and kidneys by the enzyme insulinase.
• Elimination of the drug is mainly through the kidneys.

Indications, contraindications and side effects

Humulin NPH is intended to control blood sugar levels in insulin dependent patients. diabetes, as well as for the first time hyperglycemia in women during pregnancy.

Contraindications:

• hypersensitivity to the drug and its components;
• decrease in glucose levels below 3.3 - 5.5 mmol / l in the blood.

Undesirable side reactions include:

• hypoglycemia - dangerous complication with inadequate dosing. Manifested by loss of consciousness, which can be confused with hyperglycemic coma;
• allergic manifestations at the injection site (redness, itching, swelling);
• suffocation;
• dyspnea;
• hypotension;
• hives;
• tachycardia;
• lipodystrophy - local atrophy of subcutaneous fat.

General application rules

1. The drug should be injected under the skin of the shoulder, thighs, buttocks or anterior abdominal wall, and sometimes intramuscular injection is also possible.
2. After the injection, do not press hard and massage the area of ​​​​invasion.
3. It is forbidden to use the drug intravenously.
4. The dose is selected individually by an endocrinologist and is based on the results of a blood sugar test.

Humulin NPH Insulin Administration Algorithm

Training:

• Humulin in vials must be mixed before use by rolling the vial between the palms until the color of milk appears. Do not shake, foam, or use insulin with flakes on the sides of the vial.
• Humulin NPH in cartridges is not only scrolled between the palms, repeating the movement 10 times, but also mixed, gently turning the cartridge over. Verify that the insulin is ready to be administered by evaluating the consistency and color. There should be a homogeneous content of the color of milk. Also, do not shake or foam the drug. Do not use solution with flakes or sediment. The cartridge cannot be injected with other insulins and cannot be refilled.
• The pen syringe contains 3 ml of insulin isophane at a dose of 100 IU/ml. For 1 injection, administer no more than 60 IU. The device allows you to dose with an accuracy of 1 IU. Make sure the needle is firmly attached to the device.

Wash your hands with soap and then treat them with an antiseptic.

Decide on the injection site and treat the skin with an antiseptic solution.

Alternate injection sites so that the same site is used no more than about once a month.

Features of the use of the pen device

1. Remove the cap by pulling it, not twisting it.
2. Check insulin, expiration date, consistency and color.
3. Prepare the syringe-needle in the above way.
4. Screw the needle until a tight connection.
5. Remove two caps from the needle. External - do not throw away.
6. Check insulin intake.
7. Gather the skin into a fold and inject the needle under the skin at an angle of 45 degrees.
8. Inject insulin by holding the button with your thumb until it stops, mentally counting slowly to 5.
9. After removing the needle, place a ball with alcohol at the injection site, without rubbing or pressing the skin. Normally, a drop of insulin may remain at the tip of the needle, but not flow out of it, which means that the dose is incomplete.
10. Close the needle with the outer cap and discard it.

Potential interactions with other drugs

Drugs that enhance the action of Humulin:

• tableted hypoglycemic agents;
• antidepressants - inhibitors of monoamine oxidase;
• hypotonic agents from the group of ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers;
• carbonic anhydrase inhibitors;
• imidazoles;
• tetracycline antibiotics;
• lithium preparations;
• B vitamins;
• theophylline;
• alcohol-containing preparations.

Drugs that inhibit the action of insulin Humulin NPH:

• birth control pills;
• glucocorticosteroids;
• thyroid hormones;
• diuretics;
• tricyclic antidepressants;
• agents that activate the sympathetic nervous system;
• calcium channel blockers;
• narcotic analgesics.

Humulin's analogs

Special instructions for use

The drug should be prescribed only by a doctor. Dispensing from pharmacies is carried out by prescription. During therapy with Humulin NPH, constant monitoring of glucose levels is required. In the presence of concomitant diseases - consult a doctor for dose adjustment.