Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd |
| Active Ingredient | Human insulin (100IU) |
| Salt Synonyms | Soluble insulin, Regular insulin |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze. |
| Chemical Class | Insulin analogue |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI DIABETIC |
| Action Class | Human insulin- short acting |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 744 |
FAQ
Can Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?
Yes, the most common side effect of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is hypoglycemia. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, do not skip meals and be consistent in the timing and amount of your meals. Take some snacks as per your requirement if you over exercise. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose/glucon-D or fruit juice with you. Take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
Is Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) safe to use in type 2 diabetes?
Yes, insulin is safe to use in type 2 diabetes if used according to your doctor's advice. Keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly as advised. Your dosage may need to be adjusted as per your needs. Follow the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about the side effects and ways to prevent and manage them.
Will I need Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) for the rest of my life?
If you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) for the rest of your life because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Therefore, you would need Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, sometimes your doctor may ask you to stop Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) if you are able to manage your diabetes with proper exercise, diet and oral medicines.
Can Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) be used with other diabetes medicine?
Yes, Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines like long-acting insulin or oral diabetes medicines, along with proper diet and exercise. Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan to get the maximum benefit.
What is Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)? How is it made?
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is a man-made version of human insulin, produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.
Is Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) safe to use in pregnancy?
Yes. Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before using Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each). You may require dose modifications and your doctor will advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You must follow the instructions of your doctor to get maximum benefits.
Is Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?
Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia etc, Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) may be given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). However, in such cases, it is only given by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in a hospital setting.
What are the side effects of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)? How to prevent them?
The side effects of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) are injection site reactions such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Rarely, it can also cause lipodystrophy, which means abnormal changes in the fat tissues due to repeated insulin injections in the same area of the skin. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.
How should Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) be used?
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will show you the area of your skin where you should inject it. Try not to inject on the same spot every time. Rotate between the typical injection sites, such as abdomen, buttocks, upper legs or upper arms. Never inject Humalog into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, making sure to move around within that area with each injection, for one or two weeks. You can then move to another area of your body and repeat the process. Use the same area for at least a week to avoid extreme blood sugar variations.
When does the dosage of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) need to be changed?
You should consult your doctor for dose adjustment if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet such as missed meals or if you are taking alcohol. Your dose may also change if you have recently changed your exercise regime or are taking any medicines. Also, you must be vigilant for certain side effects that you may experience while using Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each). Your doctor will tell you ways to prevent them. These side effects are usually temporary but if they are very severe, you may need dose modifications.
Does Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) need to be refrigerated?
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) needs to be refrigerated before its first use. Unopened cartridges and unused pre-filled pens of Humalog must be stored in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and do not use Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) if it has been frozen. When the cartridge has been inserted into the injection pen, it should not be refrigerated and should be kept at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C) and must be used within 28 days or be discarded, even if they still contain Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each).
What if you forget to take Actrapid HM Solution for Injection?
If you forget to take Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each), your blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycemia). Take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) Reviews
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is a short-acting insulin used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used together with a healthy diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar levels after meals. This helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes like kidney damage and blindness.
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken 20-30 minutes before a meal. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only a part of the treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
The most common side effect of this medicine include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions, cold sweats, anxiety, shakiness, hunger, rapid heartbeat, headache, and nervousness. It may be seen if you do not eat right after a dose of this fast-acting insulin. To prevent this, it is important to always inject only the correct dose of medicine, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include reactions at the injection site like redness or swelling. Some people gain weight while taking insulin.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed.
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken 20-30 minutes before a meal. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. It is only a part of the treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
The most common side effect of this medicine include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions, cold sweats, anxiety, shakiness, hunger, rapid heartbeat, headache, and nervousness. It may be seen if you do not eat right after a dose of this fast-acting insulin. To prevent this, it is important to always inject only the correct dose of medicine, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include reactions at the injection site like redness or swelling. Some people gain weight while taking insulin.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver, or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed.
How Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) Works
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is a short-acting insulin, which starts working within 30 minutes after injection. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.
How to Use Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)
Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.
Benefits of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)
- In Diabetes: Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is a short-acting type of insulin that is usually used along with other diabetes medication for controlling blood sugar levels. It replaces the insulin that is normally produced in the body. This helps the glucose get into your muscle and fat cells so your body can use it for energy. It also decreases glucose production in the liver. Lowering of blood sugar level helps reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Learn exactly how, where, and when to inject this insulin for it to be most effective. Take it regularly along with proper diet and exercise for a normal, healthy life.
Uses of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each)
- Diabetes
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) Side Effects
Safety Tips
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each).
Liver
CAUTION
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Kidney
CAUTION
Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid HM Penfill (3ml Each) may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Quick Tips
- Take it 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side-effect. Learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
- Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
- Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
- Opened vials/cartridges are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
References
- Humulin [Product monograph]. Toronto, Ontario; Eli Lilly Canada Inc.; 2011.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA). Insulin administration (Position statement). Diabetes Care. 2004;27(Suppl 1): S106-S109.
- Human Insulin. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S; 2012.
- Nolte MS. Pancreatic hormones and antidiabetic drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 728-37.
- Actrapid [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Bagsværd, Denmark; Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé; 2007.
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98.
- Insulin [Package Insert]. Bengaluru, India: Biocon Biologics India Limited; 2019.