NovoMix 30 Special Precautions

Before travelling between different time zones, the patient should seek the doctor's advice since this may mean that the patient has to take the insulin and meals at different times.
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar): Inadequate dosing or discontinuation of treatment, especially in type 1 diabetes, may lead to hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Usually the first symptoms of hyperglycaemia develop gradually over a period of hours or days. They include thirst, increased frequency of urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, dry mouth, loss of appetite as well as acetone odour of breath. In type 1 diabetes, untreated hyperglycaemic events eventually lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is potentially lethal.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): Omission of a meal or unplanned strenuous physical exercise may lead to hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia may occur if the insulin dose is too high in relation to the insulin requirement (see Adverse Reactions and Overdosage).
Compared with biphasic human insulin, NovoMix 30 may have a more pronounced glucose lowering effect up to 6 hours after injection. This may have to be compensated for in the individual patient, through adjustment of insulin dose and/or food intake.
Patients, whose blood glucose control is greatly improved, e.g. by intensified insulin therapy, may experience a change in their usual warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia, and should be advised accordingly. Usual warning symptoms may disappear in patients with longstanding diabetes.
Tighter control of glucose levels can increase the potential for hypoglycaemic episodes and therefore require special attention during dose intensification as outlined in Dosage and Administration.
Since NovoMix 30 should be administered in immediate relation to a meal, the rapid onset of action should therefore be considered in patients with concomitant diseases or medication where a delayed absorption of food might be expected.
Concomitant illness, especially infections and feverish conditions, usually increases the patient's insulin requirements. Concomitant diseases of the kidney, liver or affecting the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland can require changes in the insulin dose.
When patients are transferred between different types of insulin products, the early warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia may change or become less pronounced than those experienced with their previous insulin.
Transfer from Other Insulin Products: Transferring a patient to another type or brand of insulin should be done under strict medical supervision. Changes in strength, brand (manufacturer), type, origin (human insulin, insulin analogue) and/or method of manufacture may result in the need for a change in dosage. Patients transferred to NovoMix 30 from another type of insulin may require an increased number of daily injections or a change in dosage from that used with their usual insulin products. If an adjustment is needed, it may occur with the first dose or during the first few weeks or months.
Injection Site Reactions: As with any insulin therapy, injection site reactions may occur and include pain, redness, hives, inflammation, bruising, swelling and itching. Continuous rotation of the injection site within a given area reduces the risk of developing these reactions. Reactions usually resolve in a few days to a few weeks. On rare occasions, injection site reactions may require discontinuation of NovoMix 30.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery).
Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia while driving or operating a machine. This is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning signs of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. The advisability of driving or operating a machine should be considered in these circumstances.