Insulatard Penfill
Generic Name
Human Insulin Isophane (NPH)
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Country
Denmark
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| insulatard penfill 100 iu injection | ৳ 460.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Insulatard Penfill 100 IU Injection is an intermediate-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Dosage is highly individualized based on blood glucose levels and metabolic needs, typically 0.3-1.0 IU/kg/day, often given once or twice daily.
Elderly
May require lower doses due to potential for renal impairment and increased sensitivity to insulin. Close monitoring is recommended.
Renal_impairment
Dose reduction is usually required. Careful monitoring of blood glucose is essential.
How to Take
Administer subcutaneously 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 administer intravenously or intramuscularly.
Mechanism of Action
Human insulin binds to insulin receptors on cells, primarily in muscle and adipose tissue, facilitating glucose uptake from the blood. It also inhibits hepatic glucose production.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of action typically within 1.5 hours.
Excretion
Excreted mainly by the kidneys.
Half life
Effective half-life is approximately 5-10 hours, but duration of action is longer.
Absorption
Administered subcutaneously, NPH insulin has a relatively slow and prolonged absorption profile.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver and kidneys.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Hypersensitivity to human insulin or any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol
May either potentiate or weaken the blood glucose lowering effect of insulin.
Drugs that may reduce insulin's blood glucose lowering effect
Corticosteroids, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, growth hormone, isotretinoin, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, salbutamol, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, atypical antipsychotics.
Drugs that may increase insulin's blood glucose lowering effect
Oral antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors, octreotide, propoxyphene, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), somatostatin analogues, sulfonamide antibiotics.
Storage
Unopened: Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze. Opened (in-use): Store below 25°C or in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C) for up to 6 weeks. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose leads to severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes can be treated with oral glucose. Severe episodes require immediate intravenous glucose or glucagon administration.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Insulin is the drug of choice for diabetes in pregnancy. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Insulatard can be used during lactation as insulin does not pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Hypersensitivity to human insulin or any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and alcohol
May either potentiate or weaken the blood glucose lowering effect of insulin.
Drugs that may reduce insulin's blood glucose lowering effect
Corticosteroids, danazol, diazoxide, diuretics, glucagon, growth hormone, isotretinoin, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazine derivatives, somatropin, sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, salbutamol, terbutaline), thyroid hormones, atypical antipsychotics.
Drugs that may increase insulin's blood glucose lowering effect
Oral antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAO inhibitors, octreotide, propoxyphene, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), somatostatin analogues, sulfonamide antibiotics.
Storage
Unopened: Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze. Opened (in-use): Store below 25°C or in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C) for up to 6 weeks. Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose leads to severe hypoglycemia. Mild episodes can be treated with oral glucose. Severe episodes require immediate intravenous glucose or glucagon administration.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Insulin is the drug of choice for diabetes in pregnancy. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Insulatard can be used during lactation as insulin does not pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Unopened: 2-3 years when stored refrigerated. Opened (in-use): Up to 6 weeks when stored below 25°C or refrigerated.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent (active ingredient)
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety profile of human NPH insulin for blood glucose control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Lab Monitoring
- Blood glucose monitoring (fasting, pre-meal, post-meal, bedtime)
- HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) levels every 3-6 months
- Renal function (creatinine, eGFR) regularly
- Potassium levels (in specific situations)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize proper patient education on injection technique, site rotation, and symptoms/management of hypoglycemia.
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c is crucial for dose adjustment and preventing complications.
- Advise patients about potential drug interactions and lifestyle modifications.
Patient Guidelines
- Learn proper injection technique and site rotation to avoid lipodystrophy.
- Monitor blood glucose regularly as advised by your doctor.
- Recognize and promptly treat symptoms of hypoglycemia by consuming a fast-acting carbohydrate.
- Always carry a source of sugar for emergency use.
- Adhere to diet and exercise recommendations.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, check blood sugar levels and consult your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Patients should be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia, which can impair concentration and reaction time. Advise patients to take precautions to avoid hypoglycemia while driving, especially if they have reduced awareness of hypoglycemic symptoms.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced and consistent diet plan.
- Engage in regular physical activity as approved by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking.
- Manage stress effectively as it can impact blood glucose levels.
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