Medicine Information

Insulatard HM

Name: Insulatard HM
Brand: Insulatard HM
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Injection40 IU/mlAntidiabetic agentATC: A10AC01

Generic Name

Isophane Insulin (Human)

Manufacturer

Novo Nordisk

Country

Denmark

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
insulatard hm 40 iu injection	৳ 265.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Insulatard HM 40 IU Injection is an intermediate-acting human insulin used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus. It helps the body use sugar for energy and reduces its levels in the blood.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents, and children.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Dosage

Adults

Dosage is highly individualized based on blood glucose levels, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Administered subcutaneously 1-2 times daily.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is required, but close monitoring of blood glucose is advised due to potential age-related renal/hepatic impairment.

Renal_impairment

Insulin requirements may be reduced in patients with renal impairment; careful monitoring and dose adjustment are necessary.

How to Take

Administer by subcutaneous injection into the thigh, abdominal wall, upper arm, or gluteal region. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. Do not inject intravenously.

Mechanism of Action

Insulin binds to specific insulin receptors on target cells (e.g., muscle, adipose tissue, liver), promoting glucose uptake from the blood, inhibiting glucose production in the liver (gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis), and promoting storage of glucose as glycogen and fat.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

1.5 hours

Excretion

Metabolites are excreted in the urine.

Half life

Approximately 5-10 hours (time until insulin activity disappears, highly variable)

Absorption

Following subcutaneous injection, isophane insulin is slowly absorbed due to its crystalline structure. Absorption rate is variable and depends on injection site, dose, and blood flow.

Metabolism

Primarily degraded by insulin-degrading enzymes in the liver and kidneys.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Hypersensitivity to isophane insulin or any of the excipients

Drug Interactions

Oral Antidiabetics, ACE inhibitors, Disopyramide, Fibrates, Fluoxetine, MAOIs, Octreotide, Salicylates, Sulfonamide antibiotics

May enhance the blood-glucose-lowering effect.

Corticosteroids, Danazol, Diazoxide, Diuretics, Glucagon, Isoniazid, Estrogens, Progestogens, Phenothiazine derivatives, Somatropin, Sympathomimetics, Thyroid hormones

May reduce the blood-glucose-lowering effect.

Storage

Unopened: Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze. Opened: Store at room temperature (below 25°C) or in the refrigerator (2°C-8°C) for up to 4 weeks (28 days). Protect from light and heat.

Overdose

Overdose can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes can be managed by oral glucose. Severe episodes require immediate administration of glucagon (subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or intravenous glucose.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy. It does not cross the placental barrier and is considered safe. It is also safe for use during lactation, with no known adverse effects on breastfed infants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 ml vial (40 IU/ml)

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years for unopened vials when stored correctly.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved worldwide

Patent Status

Patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Isophane insulin has undergone extensive clinical trials over decades, establishing its efficacy and safety in managing diabetes mellitus across various patient populations.

Lab Monitoring

Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin)
Renal function tests (e.g., creatinine)
Electrolyte levels (especially potassium)

Doctor Notes

Emphasize comprehensive patient education on self-management, including injection technique, blood glucose monitoring, and hypoglycemia recognition/management.
Individualize treatment plans based on patient's glycemic goals, lifestyle, and comorbidities.
Regularly assess injection sites for signs of lipodystrophy.

Patient Guidelines

Learn proper injection technique and site rotation.
Recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia and carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Never share needles or insulin pens with others.
Monitor blood glucose regularly as advised by your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Monitor blood glucose closely and consult your doctor.

Driving Precautions

Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia while driving or operating machinery, especially if they experience recurrent hypoglycemia or have reduced awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms.