Insulin – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Insulin is a hormone produced in the body. It works by lowering blood glucose (sugar) levels, the regular one is a short-acting form of insulin . Regular insulin is used to treat diabetes .

Insulin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Also, do not use this medication if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar ). Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar , is the most common side effect of Insulin .

Symptoms include headache , hunger, dizziness, sweating, irritability, difficulty concentrating, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or seizures (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Carry hard candy or glucose pills with you in case you have low blood sugar .

How to use insulin?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Also, do not use this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Your blood sugar will need to be checked frequently, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor’s office.

Regular insulin is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Also, choose a different location in the area of ​​your injection each time you use this medication. Do not inject in the same place twice in a row. Regular Insulin should look as clear as water. Do not use the medication if it has changed color, looks cloudy, or has particles in it.

Call your doctor for a new prescription. Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Also, sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow diseases such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Insulin?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Also, don’t use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. It’s important to keep Insulin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medication completely.

What Happens If I Overdose Insulin?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of Insulin can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. In addition, symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, difficulty speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizures (convulsions).

What Should I Avoid When Taking Insulin?

Do not change the brand of Insulin or syringe you are using without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Also, some brands of Insulin and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not.

Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for each other. Avoid drinking alcohol. Also, your blood sugar can get dangerously low if you drink alcohol while using Insulin .

Precautions Before Using Insulin:

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin , or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar ). Also, to make sure you can use it safely, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially oral diabetes medications such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (which are sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin).

Taking certain oral diabetes medications  while using it can increase your risk of serious heart problems. FDA Pregnancy Category B. Insulin is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether insulin passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an insulin allergy : itchy rash all over your body, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fast heart rate, sweating, or feeling faint.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet, or rapid weight gain (especially if you are taking an oral diabetes medication ). Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar , is the most common side effect of Insulin .

Symptoms include headache , hunger, dizziness, sweating, irritability, difficulty concentrating, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or seizures (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Carry hard candy or glucose pills with you in case you have low blood sugar . Tell your doctor if you have itching, swelling, redness or thickening of the skin where you inject Insulin .

What Other Medications Will Affect Insulin?

Using certain medications can make it more difficult for you to know when you have low blood sugar . Tell your doctor if you use any of the following:

  • Albuterol;
  • Clonidine ;
  • Reserpina;
  • Beta blocker, such as atenolol.
Useful links: 

This list is not complete and there are many other medications that can increase or decrease the blood sugar lowering effects of Insulin . Other drugs can also interact with Insulin , including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.

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