Actrapid Flexpen

Composition of Actrapid Flexpen

Actrapid Flexpen contains Human insulin (100IU). It belongs to the Insulin class of medicines.

Uses of Actrapid Flexpen

Diabetes

Key benefits

• In Diabetes Actrapid 100IU Flexpen (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.

How Actrapid Flexpen works

Actrapid 100IU Flexpen (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 take Actrapid Flexpen

Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you forget to take Actrapid 100IU Flexpen (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.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe low blood sugar, leading to fits or unconsciousness — this is a medical emergency. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Actrapid Flexpen

Most side effects of Actrapid Flexpen are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Actrapid Flexpen

Warnings and precautions

If you feel shaky, sweaty, confused or unusually hungry, take sugar, glucose or a sweet drink at once and tell your doctor — these are signs your blood sugar has fallen too low. Never change your insulin brand, strength or type on your own — always through your doctor. Rotate the injection site each time, or fatty lumps will form and the insulin will be absorbed unpredictably. Do not use insulin that has changed colour, gone cloudy when it should be clear, or has clumps in it. Never share a pen or needle, even with a family member.

Do not take Actrapid Flexpen if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not to be used during an episode of low blood sugar.

Interactions with other medicines

Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of low blood sugar. Steroids raise blood sugar and your insulin dose may need review.

How to store Actrapid Flexpen

Keep unopened insulin in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C — never in the freezer, and never against the ice box. The pen or vial in use may be kept below 30°C, away from direct sunlight, for the period stated on the pack. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Actrapid Flexpen

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 below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites. Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site. 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).

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

ABBOTT INDIA LTD

Therapeutic class:

ANTI DIABETIC

Drug class:

Insulin

Chemical class:

Peptides