Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
By Insulatard
Rx
3ml Suspension for Injection in a Flexpen

Composition
Insulin Isophane(100IU/ml)

Manufacturer - Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
Plot No.32, 47-50, EPIP Area, Whitefield, Bangalore - 560 066

Expires on or after
February, 2027
About Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is a medication designed to help individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus better manage their blood sugar levels. This particular type of insulin is classified as intermediate-acting, working to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious complications associated with diabetes. It is commonly prescribed alongside short-acting insulin or other oral diabetes medications as part of an overall treatment plan.
Proper administration of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is crucial for its effectiveness. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the correct technique for injecting the medication under your skin. It is vital not to discontinue its use unless advised by your doctor, as it is just one component of a comprehensive treatment regimen that should also include following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and adhering to weight management recommendations.
Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly is paramount while using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen. Keeping track of your results and sharing them with your doctor will help determine the appropriate dosage of the medication for your specific needs. Common side effects of this medication include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be prevented by administering the correct dose, maintaining regular meals, and monitoring blood sugar levels consistently. It's important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can also contribute to decreased blood sugar levels.
In addition to potential hypoglycemia, users of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen may experience reactions at the injection site, such as redness or swelling. Continued puncturing of the same skin area might result in lipodystrophy, characterized by skin thickening or pits at the injection site. Some individuals may notice weight gain or develop edema (fluid retention leading to body swelling) while taking insulin. Prior to initiating treatment, individuals with a history of kidney, liver, or heart issues should inform their doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Benefits
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen offers several benefits for individuals with diabetes. As an intermediate-acting insulin, it works alongside other diabetes medications to keep blood sugar levels in check. By replacing the body's natural insulin, this medication helps sugar enter muscle and fat cells for energy utilization while also reducing glucose production in the liver. This mechanism aids in lowering blood sugar levels, thereby decreasing the risk of serious diabetes complications such as kidney damage, eye problems, nerve issues, and limb loss.
Taking Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpenensures rapid and consistent sugar control by promoting sugar uptake in muscle and fat cells and inhibiting liver sugar production. This leads to a decrease in blood sugar levels post-meals, reducing the chances of developing severe diabetes complications. Additionally, this medication can be safely used by diabetic mothers during pregnancy and lactation. By improving glycaemic control,Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen helps lower the risk of diabetes-related complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, delayed wound healing, and diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, incorporating this insulin into your routine, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can support a normal and healthy life for individuals managing diabetes.
How to use the Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
To use Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen properly, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The medicine should never be self-administered, so always rely on a healthcare professional for administration. It is important to note that Insulatard HM Penfill 3 ml should never be injected into a vein. Instead, it is meant to be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh region.
When usingInsulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen, inject the medicine into your thighs, buttocks, upper arm, or abdomen, making sure it is done subcutaneously. Remember not to inject it directly into a vein or muscle. It is recommended to inject the medicine at least 30 minutes before meals, and then have a carbohydrate-containing meal or snack within 30 minutes of the injection to prevent low blood sugar.
Before administering the medicine, gently roll the vial or cartridge between your hands until the liquid appears uniformly white and cloudy. When injecting, keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds to ensure the entire dose is delivered. Check the vial or cartridge for any visible particulate matter or discoloration before use and always dispose of the needle and syringe after each use to prevent infections.
To prevent skin damage, do not inject the medicine repeatedly in the same site; instead, rotate the injection site. Consult your doctor before changing the injection site. Remember, do not mix Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen with any other insulins without consulting your doctor first. Also, do not stop the therapy without your doctor's advice, as they will determine the correct dose and frequency based on your age, weight, and health condition. By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively useInsulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Uses of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is primarily used in the management of diabetes, including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is known to be effective in improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. By helping regulate blood sugar levels, Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen can support individuals in better managing their diabetes condition. Its use is recommended to help patients maintain optimal control of their blood glucose levels and overall health.
What conditions Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen treats?
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin to control blood sugar levels. For type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn't make enough insulin or there is resistance to insulin's action. This insulin helps in managing blood sugar levels by allowing it to act properly on the organs and tissues.
Should you consult a doctor?
If you are using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen and experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as dizziness, confusion, or sweating, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, consult your doctor if you have diabetes that is currently well managed with insulin therapy, have recently been ill or had infections, engage in intense physical activity, are planning to travel abroad, or have a history of stroke. It is important to seek medical advice in these situations to ensure your insulin treatment is appropriate and to address any potential complications that may arise.
Side effects of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
Side effects may occur while using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen, but most of them do not require medical attention and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medication. However, if these side effects persist or if you are concerned, it is essential to consult your doctor. Common side effects may include hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, which can manifest with symptoms like unusual tiredness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, excessive hunger, temporary vision changes, headache, and nausea. Additionally, you may experience injection site reactions such as pain, redness, itching, or swelling, lipodystrophy which is the shrinkage of fat tissues under the skin, lumps under the skin, and edema which is the swelling of the face, hands, and legs. It is vital to be aware of low blood sugar levels and seek medical attention if you notice signs like tiredness, hunger, nausea, headache, nervousness, cold sweats, and fast heartbeat. Moreover, immediate medical consultation is required if you encounter severe side effects like signs of heart failure such as shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of body parts, or sudden weight gain, as well as serious allergic reactions presenting as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat leading to difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Safety advice

liver
When using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen, it is important to be cautious if you have liver disease. Patients with liver issues may require a dose adjustment when using this medication. It is essential to consult your doctor before starting treatment with Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen. Regular monitoring of your glucose levels is also advised to ensure proper dose adjustments are made as needed.

kidney
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen requires caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be necessary, so consult your doctor. Regular blood glucose monitoring is advised for proper management.

alcohol
It is not safe to drink alcohol while using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen.

driving
If you experience symptoms of low or high blood sugar, avoid driving when using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen to ensure safety.

pregnancy
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies suggest low risk to the developing baby, but limited human studies are available.

breastfeeding
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use while breastfeeding. Research shows that the medication is unlikely to pass into breastmilk in harmful quantities, posing minimal risk to the baby.
Age above 75(Geriatrics)
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen CARTRIDGE should be used with caution among the elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.
Age below 6 months(Pediatrics)
Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen CARTRIDGE should be used in children and in adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before administration.
Consumption warning before consuming Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen
Before using Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen, remember that it is meant for injection under the skin only, not into veins. Changing insulin brands should be done under medical supervision. Be cautious when using pioglitazone with this insulin, as it may lead to heart failure, especially in patients at risk. Watch for signs of high blood sugar like thirst, frequent urination, nausea, and weight gain. Also, avoid alcohol, as it can affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor for symptoms such as heart failure, weight gain, or swelling. When traveling across time zones, your doctor may need to adjust your insulin regimen. Insulatard HM Penfill 3 ml may lower potassium levels, potentially causing dangerous conditions like respiratory paralysis or irregular heart rhythms. Avoid using this insulin if you have low blood sugar, kidney, liver, or heart issues, or alcohol or drug-related problems.
What happens if you take overdose of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen?
If you or someone else happens to take more than the prescribed amount of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen cartridge, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Overdosing on this medication can lead to serious health complications and it is important to consult a healthcare professional or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive sweating, confusion, and dizziness. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help promptly in case of accidental overdose.
Related lab tests
Related Lab Tests for monitoring the effectiveness of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen include the following options:
1. HbA1C (Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin) test helps in assessing the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
2. Blood Glucose Fasting (FBS) test measures blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8 hours, providing a baseline reading.
3. Insulin-Fasting test evaluates the insulin levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing diabetes and monitoring insulin therapy.
4. Diabetic Checkup includes a comprehensive panel of tests to monitor blood sugar levels and overall health status in diabetic patients.
5. Advance Diabetes Monitoring (Senior Female) test may consist of various parameters to assess the impact of Insulatard 100IU/ml Flexpen on older diabetic women.
6. Jaanch Diabetic Profile Basic test offers a basic set of lab tests for diabetic patients to monitor key indicators of blood sugar control and overall health.
Additional Information
Habit Forming | No |
Chemical Class | Insulin analogue |
Therapeutic Class | - |
Action Class | Human insulin- intermediate acting |
FAQs
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
₹626.78
Inclusive of all taxes
Content verified by

Dr. Mansi Chaudhari
MBBS - General Medicine
Last update on 01-Oct-2024