Insulin regular is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat diabetes by keeping the blood sugar under control.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar.
Use Insulin regular exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor as small changes in the amount of this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels.
This medicine should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, buttocks or abdomen area) at least 30 minutes before a meal. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
Insulin regular is available as a vial, pre-filled pen, or as a solution for injection in a cartridge. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine may become ineffective if your insulin pen does not work properly.
How to use the insulin vial:
- Gather all the supplies you will need for injection (e.g. vial, syringe, alcohol swab, cotton).
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Pull off the protective colour cap of the medicine (on the top of the vial) then you will see a rubber stopper. Wipe the top of the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Roll the vial between your hands in a horizontal (flat) position until the insulin solution is evenly mixed. Do not shake the vial.
- Remove the needle cover of the syringe recommended by your doctor. Draw air, equal to your required dose, into the syringe by pulling back the plunger.
- Put the vial on a flat surface then insert the needle down the rubber stopper.
- Push the plunger of the syringe down to inject the air and keep the needle inside the vial.
- Turn the vial upside down. Slowly pull back the plunger to fill the syringe with your dose.
- Keep the needle inside the vial. To remove air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your fingers until the air bubbles rise to the top of the syringe then slowly push the plunger up. Pull the plunger back down to measure your required dose.
- Remove the prepared syringe and needle from the vial and hold it in your hand that will inject the medicine.
- Wipe the selected injection site with alcohol swab and pinch the skin using your other hand. Push the plunger of the syringe as far as it will go to deliver your dose.
- Slowly let go of the skin and gently pull the needle out of the skin. Do not recap the needle.
- Place a cotton ball over the injection site and press for several seconds.
- Dispose your used needles and syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection.
Ensure that you are using the correct type of syringe. Check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure.
How to use the insulin pre-filled pen:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
- Dial the correct dose.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button.
- Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 6 to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Remove the needle from the pen. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
- Reset your pen as instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Throw away the used needle. Recap your pen and store it according to the instructions on the label or as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Use a new needle in every administration of this medicine.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
If you are using the Insulin regular in a vial, your doctor will notify you if you have to mix it with another specific type of insulin. If you need to inject a mixture of insulin, this medicine must be drawn into the syringe first before you draw up the other type of insulin. Inject immediately after mixing. Do not mix Insulin regular with any other insulin preparations except for the specific type of insulin your doctor has instructed.
Do not share your insulin injection with anyone else.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Insulin regular must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor. If you suddenly stop using this medicine, it may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level).
Discuss with your doctor on how you should manage your insulin injection if you miss a dose.
Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor on how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.
A missed dose may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level). If you often forget to inject your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. They can give you some advice to help you remember your dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not use Insulin regular if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you experience episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) as Insulin regular may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- problems in the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
If you are under stress or have an infection, injury or fever, inform your doctor as these conditions may affect your blood sugar level.
Exercise will also change your insulin requirement. Consult your doctor if you change your exercise routine or start on a new exercise programme.
Do not change the brand or type of insulin you are using without first consulting your doctor.
If you are travelling, discuss with your doctor how to adjust your injection schedule. Carry your insulin in your hand-carry luggage. Do not put the insulin in your check-in luggage as it may freeze.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Insulin regular.
For as long as you are using Insulin regular, you will need to have blood tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function) periodically to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are using this medicine.
If you are using Insulin regular, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Insulin regular may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: weight gain and redness, swelling and itching at the injection site.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. pioglitazone, glimepiride
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. clonidine, guanethidine, propranolol, captopril
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, amitriptyline
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. clozapine, olanzapine, lithium salts
- asthma medicines e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- disopyramide (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- isoniazid (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Insulin regular.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
If you have not yet opened it, store Insulin regular in a refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not allow it to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Once opened, this medicine may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C away from direct sunlight. It will expire 42 days after opening. Throw away any remaining injection solution, even if the vial or injection pen is not empty.
Storage and stability recommendations may vary among different preparations. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Do not use Insulin regular if it has changed colour, has a frosted appearance or if you see lumps floating in the liquid or stuck to the side of the glass. Throw away any unused portion.
Keep away from heat, light and from the reach of children.
Make sure you know how to store your medicine. Insulin regular may become ineffective if not stored properly. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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