HUMULIN N, 100U/ML, INJECTABLE
Common uses
This product contains insulin. Typically, it is used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Following injection, its action starts after a few hours.
How to use this medication
This product must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously):
- mix the insulin by gently rolling the vial between the palms of your hands;
- clean the top of the vial with an alcohol swab;
- with a syringe, inject in the vial an amount of air equal to the dose to be withdrawn;
- withdraw the required dose with a syringe;
- clean the skin at the injection site using an alcohol swab;
- pinch the skin and inject the insulin into the fold. If you use a short needle, pinching the skin may not be necessary, ask your pharmacist;
- wait a few days before injecting the same site again.
Use this medication regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Insulin users should be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar, which include confusion, headache, hunger, mood changes, palpitations, rapid breathing, cold sweats and shakiness. These symptoms require immediate treatment, to bring your blood sugar back up to a safe level. This can be done with a quick source of sugar, such as: - 4 or 5 glucose tablets
- 59 to 79 mL of liquid glucose
- 15 to 20 mL (3 or 4 teaspoons) of honey, maple syrup or corn syrup
- 5 to 7 LifeSavers type candies
- 175 to 250 mL (¾ to 1 cup) of fruit juice or regular soft drink (not a diet soft drink)
- 4 or 5 packets of white sugar diluted in water
Inform your health care professional if these symptoms have occurred, as it may mean that your diet and/or medication needs to be adjusted.
Insulin users must check their blood sugar levels regularly using an appropriate device.
Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Your pharmacist can tell you the best way to do this. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. Never double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
In order not to cause hypoglycemia, avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
Possible side effects
Aside from the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), this product has few side effects. If you think this medication may be causing side effects, talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
Additional information
This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.
General information
When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:
- Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
- If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
- If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
- The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.
Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
This document contains useful information for those taking this medication. It is not intended, in any way, to replace the advice of a trained health professional. For more information, consult the manufacturer's literature, where you will find additional information about uncommon side effects as well as contraindications associated with this product.
© Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.