Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken 20-30 minutes before a meal. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only a part of the treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting insulin used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used together with a healthy diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar levels after meals. This helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes like kidney damage and blindness.
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken 20-30 minutes before a meal. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only a part of the treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
The most common side effect of this medicine is low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). It may be seen if you do not eat right after a dose of this fast-acting insulin. To prevent this, it is important to always inject only the correct dose of medicine, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include reactions at the injection site like redness or swelling. Some people gain weight while taking insulin.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed.
03Uses
Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.
05How It Works
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting insulin, which starts working within 30 minutes after injection. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you forget to take Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen, your blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycemia). Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
07Benefits
In Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2)
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting type of insulin that is usually used along with other diabetes medication for controlling blood sugar levels. It replaces the insulin that is normally produced in the body. This helps the glucose get into your muscle and fat cells so your body can use it for energy. It also decreases glucose production in the liver. Lowering of blood sugar level helps reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Learn exactly how, where, and when to inject this insulin for it to be most effective. Take it regularly along with proper diet and exercise for a normal, healthy life.
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Injection site allergic reaction
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
09Safety Information
Alcohol:UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen.
Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving:CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney:CAUTION
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Liver:CAUTION
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
10Drug Tips
Take it 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side-effect. Learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
Opened vials/cartridges are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
References
Sources and references
Nolte MS. Pancreatic hormones and antidiabetic drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 728-37.
Human Insulin. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S; 2012. view
Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr . 2004;80:S189-98. view
