How should I use insulin isophane?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Insulin isophane is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Insulin isophane must not be given with an insulin pump, or mixed with other insulins. Do not inject into a vein or a muscle.
Do not inject this medicine into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Insulin isophane should look cloudy after mixing. Do not use the mixture if it looks clear or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your care provider will show you where on your body to inject insulin isophane. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with insulin isophane. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.
Never share an injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Insulin isophane is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Keep this medicine in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not draw insulin from a vial into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.
Storing unopened (not in use) insulin isophane:
- Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
- Store at room temperature and use within the number of days specified in the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.
Storing opened (in use) insulin isophane:
- Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature as directed in the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not refrigerate an in-use injection pen.
- In-use insulin isophane is stable for only a certain number of days. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Follow all storage directions provided with your medicine.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have diabetes.