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Hypoglycaemia: 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 Interactions, Adverse Reactions and Overdosage).
In children, extra care should be taken to match insulin doses with food intake and physical activities in order to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia. Ryzodeg may be associated with higher occurrence of severe hypoglycaemia compared to a basal-bolus regimen in the paediatric population, particularly in children 2 to 5 years old (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions). For this age group, Ryzodeg should be considered on an individual basis.
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 must be advised accordingly. Usual warning symptoms may disappear in patients with long-standing diabetes.
Concomitant illness, especially infections and fever, usually increases the patient's insulin requirement.
Concomitant diseases in the kidney, liver or diseases affecting the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland may require changes in the insulin dose.
As with other basal insulin products or insulin products with a basal component, the prolonged effect of Ryzodeg may delay recovery from hypoglycaemia.
Hyperglycaemia: Administration of rapid-acting insulin is recommended in situations with severe hyperglycaemia. Inadequate dosing and/or discontinuation of treatment in patients requiring insulin may lead to hyperglycaemia and potentially to diabetic ketoacidosis. Furthermore, concomitant illness, especially infections, may lead to hyperglycaemia and thereby cause an increased insulin requirement. 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, and loss of appetite as well as acetone odour of breath. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, untreated hyperglycaemic events eventually lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is potentially lethal.
Transfer from other insulin medicinal products: Transferring a patient to another type, brand or manufacturer of insulin must be done under medical supervision and may result in the need for a change in dosage.
Combination of thiazolidinediones and insulin medicinal products: Cases of cardiac failure have been reported when thiazolidinediones were used in combination with insulin, especially in patients with risk factors for development of cardiac failure. This should be kept in mind if treatment with the combination of thiazolidinediones and Ryzodeg is considered. If the combination is used, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain and oedema.
Thiazolidinediones should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac symptoms occurs.
Eye disorder: Intensification of insulin therapy with abrupt improvement in glycaemic control may be associated with temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy, while long-term improved glycaemic control decreases the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Avoidance of accidental mix-ups: Patients must be instructed to always check the insulin label before each injection to avoid accidental mix-ups between Ryzodeg and other insulin products.
Patients must visually verify the dialled units on the dose counter of the pen. Therefore, the requirement for patients to self-inject is that they can read the dose counter on the pen. Patients who are blind or have poor vision must be instructed to always get help/assistance from another person who has good vision and is trained in using the insulin device.
To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, patients and healthcare professionals should never use a syringe to draw the medicinal product from the cartridge in the pre-filled pen.
In the event of blocked needles, patients must follow the instructions described in the instructions for use accompanying this monograph (see Special precautions for disposal and other handling under Cautions for Usage).
Insulin antibodies: Insulin administration may cause insulin antibodies to form. In rare cases, the presence of such insulin antibodies may necessitate adjustment of the insulin dose in order to correct a tendency to hyper- or hypoglycaemia.
Sodium: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, i.e. it is essentially 'sodium-free'.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: This medicinal product has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
However, 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 using machines).
Patients must be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia while driving. 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 should be considered in these circumstances.
