"Humalog": instructions for use, price, reviews

Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in our time. The causes of the disease can be very different, but heredity plays a great role in this case. 10-15% of all diabetes is type 1 diabetes, which requires the injection of insulin in the form of injections. It is worth noting that type 1 diabetes is characterized by the development of the main symptoms in childhood and adolescence, as well as the rapid development of complications that lead to disruption of the work of individual organs or the whole organism. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment on time.

To carry out substitutive insulin therapy, a drug such as "Humalog" is used. The instructions for use will be discussed further, and also we will get acquainted with the patients' comments on the effectiveness and quality of this drug.

Form and composition of the preparation

The main active substance of the drug is insulin lyspro. Additional components are glycerol, metacresol, zinc oxide, sodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate, hydrochloric acid, water.

Insulin "Humalog" is a DNA-recombinant, altered analog of human insulin. The difference lies in the reverse sequence of amino acids in positions 28 and 29 of the B chain of insulin.

In what form is the preparation made?

• Solution for injections in cartridges 3 ml, in a blister pack.
• Syringe-pen for insulin.

There is also a form of the drug, in which an equal ratio of insulin short-acting and with an average duration. This is Humalog Mix 25 and Humalog Mix 50.

How the drug works

The main property of the drug is the regulation of glucose metabolism. In addition, Humalog promotes the growth of muscle mass by increasing the content of glycogen fatty acids, as well as enhancing protein synthesis and increasing the consumption of amino acids. When using the drug "Humalog" insulin lizpro significantly reduces hyperglycemia, which occurs after eating.

The drug is as close as possible to human insulin and is an ultra-short-acting drug. Its advantage over other means is that it quickly begins to act and does not allow a second increase in concentration a couple of hours after the injection. This is especially important for working patients who are simply uncomfortable to frequently inject.

So, after the introduction of the medicine "Humalog", it begins to act after 10-20 minutes. The maximum content of active substance in the blood is observed after 30 minutes - an hour and a half. "Humalog" has its effect for several hours. The half-life is short and is only about an hour.

It should also be noted that when injecting drugs that include artificial insulin (Humalog, for example), the number of nighttime hypoglycemia is significantly reduced in patients, and it is noted that such agents operate much faster than human insulin.

The drug "Humalog" affects both adults and children alike. Of great importance is the place of administration, it can be the hip, shoulder, abdomen or buttock, as well as the dose and concentration of insulin.

The drug "Humalog Mix 25" is an analogue of human insulin, which consists of 25% of insulin of ultrashort action and 75% of protamine. It is established that it acts quickly and early reaches peak activity, while the duration of the drug is about 15 hours.

Indications and contraindications

Who is recommended to use the drug "Humalog"? Instructions for use indicate the following indication: diabetes in adults and children, requiring insulin therapy to correct blood glucose. Also, "Humalog" is prescribed if diabetes is not amenable to correction by other insulins. At operations and at interkurentnyh diseases.

Who is not recommended to use "Humalog"? Instructions for use prohibit this for patients who are hypersensitive to the constituent components of the drug, and if the following conditions exist: hypoglycemia and insulinoma.

How to take the drug

For each patient, the dose of medication "Humalog" (a short period of action - its distinctive feature) is determined by the doctor depending on the need. Enter the drug subcutaneously, before meals or immediately after.

The administration of subcutaneously can be carried out in the form of injection, infusion or with the help of an insulin pump. If necessary, then "Humalog" can be administered intravenously.

Subcutaneously inject the drug into the thigh, shoulder, buttocks or abdomen. Each time you need to alternate the seats so that you do not use the same thing. When administering a medicine, care must be taken not to get into a blood vessel. The injection site should not be massaged. All these features of the introduction must be reported to the patient by the doctor.

Rules for the administration of the drug "Humalog"

First of all, it should be said that the solution of the preparation "Humalog" should be completely transparent and not have a color. If there is turbidity or the presence of solid particles, this substance can not be used. The remedy should be at room temperature.

Let's describe how a syringe pen for insulin is used:

1. Wash hands before any injection.
2. Then choose the place for the injection.
3. We treat it with an antiseptic.
4. Remove the cap from the needle.
5. It is necessary to pull or pinch the skin into the fold by fixing it.
6. Enter the needle according to the instructions.
7. We press the button.
8. Then remove the needle, and press the injection site lightly for a few seconds. You can not rub.
9. Using a protective cap, unscrew the needle and dispose of.

Intravenous administration of the drug is carried out in accordance with usual clinical practice or using a system for infusion. Such procedures are performed under the guidance of a doctor in a hospital or polyclinic, since it is necessary to keep blood glucose under control.

Infusion of the drug "Humalog" can be carried out with the help of a pump for infusion of insulin. It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions. Always follow the rules of asepsis. If the pump is faulty or the infusion system is clogged, a rapid rise in the glucose level is possible. Be careful when starting the procedure. When using the pump, only one kind of preparation is used. Mixing is unacceptable. If insulin delivery is disrupted, it is necessary to follow the instructions and immediately inform the doctor.

It should be noted that the product "Humalog Mix 25" differs in its consistency and color. It is a solution of a turbid white liquid, before using it it is necessary to warm it up well in the palms, but do not shake to prevent the formation of foam. The solution should become homogeneous. Do not use the substance if flakes are formed. For its introduction, you can use, as well as for the drug "Humalog", "QuickPen" - a syringe pen, very convenient to use. How to use it, we described above.

The peculiarity of using the means of "Humalog Mix 25" is that it can not be administered intravenously. The dosing of the medicinal product is selected by the physician individually.

Side effects of the drug "Humalog"

Instructions for use describe possible side reactions of the body when applying the medication:

• Hypoglycemia.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Allergic reaction: redness, itching, swelling, hives.
• Tachycardia, lowering blood pressure.
• Intensified sweating.
• Angioedema.
• Lipodystrophy at the injection site.

If timely assistance is not provided, severe consequences may be posed with a threat to the life of the patient.

Signs of drug overdose

Insulins have no definite overdose limits. Since each has its own level of metabolism and glucose level, it is purely individual. However, it is necessary to know what are the symptoms of exceeding the dose, if the body can not cope and hypoglycemia has occurred. This can happen in case of improper feeding or high energy consumption.

Excessive insulin activity can cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms are as follows:

• Weakness, apathy.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Increased sweating.
• Failures in the work of the cardiovascular system.
• Vomiting.
• Headache.

It is necessary to know how you can fight with hypoglycemia of moderate severity. To do this, it is enough to take glucose or eat a product containing sugar. After such attacks, it may be necessary to adjust the dose, as well as change the level of physical activity.

More serious attacks of hypoglycemia have such symptoms:

• Coma.
• Convulsions.
• Neurological disorders.

Eliminate such manifestations possible with the introduction of intramuscularly or subcutaneously, "Glucagon." Be sure to adjust the power. If the insulin-dependent does not respond to the introduction of Glucagon, an intravenous infusion of a concentrated solution of glucose can be performed . In case the patient is in a coma, it is necessary to carry out both intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of "Glucagon" together. After a person regains consciousness, it is necessary first of all to feed him. It may be necessary to increase the amount of carbohydrates in the diet. It will also be necessary to have a medical examination and observation, since the onset of hypoglycemia may recur.

Features of the drug use

Applying such a drug, as "Humalog", you should know some features of the use of this drug:

1. Switch from one insulin brand to another should be under the supervision of a doctor. Since the producer, the brand, the variety of the preparation, the type of its production or the species belonging are of great importance. It is worth noting that when switching from an animal insulin to a human, an insignificant dose adjustment is required.
2. It is necessary to closely monitor the patient if he passes from insulin of animal origin to human insulin. There may be no symptoms at an early stage, or they are very similar to those previously experienced, but you should closely monitor the blood glucose level. If the dose is not corrected, loss of consciousness, coma, or death may occur.
3. If the dosage is not controlled or unexpectedly discontinued treatment with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, this can trigger hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a very dangerous condition that threatens the patient's life.
4. In patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency, the need for insulin can decrease, as the processes of gluconeogenesis and insulin metabolism decrease. In patients with chronic hepatic insufficiency, increased resistance to insulin may require an increase in the dose.

Increase in dosage is necessary under the following conditions:

• Nervous tension.
• Infection.
• Increase the amount of carbohydrate food.

Also, physical activity and changes in diet affect the level of glucose in the blood. The risk of hypoglycemia increases if physical activity is dealt with immediately after leaving the table.

If you do not comply with the dosage of insulin preparations, the risk of loss of attention increases and the rate of psychomotor reactions may decrease.

Patients who have a reduced sense of hypoglycaemia or are often recurring should evaluate the appropriateness of driving a vehicle. You have to be very careful when controlling machines and mechanisms.

Light hypoglycemia can be suppressed independently, taking at least twenty grams of glucose or food containing a large amount of carbohydrates. All attacks of hypoglycemia should be reported to the doctor.

If you are going to use other medications, you need to consult a specialist about their compatibility with the drug "Humalog". We will tell you about this later.

How does the drug "Humalog" interact with other drugs

The effectiveness of the drug "Humalog" decreases with the joint use of such drugs:

• Oral contraceptives.
• Glucocorticosteroids.
• Preparations of thyroid hormones.
• "Danazol."
• Beta ₂ -adrenomimetics (including "Ritodrin", "Salbutamol", "Terbutaline").
• Tricyclic antidepressants.
• Derivatives of phenothiazine.
• Thiazide diuretics.
• A nicotinic acid.
• "Chlorprotixen".
• "Lithium carbonate."
• "Diazoxide".
• Isoniazid.

Preparations that enhance the effect of "Humalog":

• Beta-blockers.
• Ethanol preparations.
• Tetracyclines.
• Salicylates (in particular, acetylsalicylic acid).
• Anabolic steroid.
• Sulfonamides.
• MAO inhibitors.
• ACE inhibitors.
• Angiotensin receptor antagonists.
• Octreotide.

It is also not allowed to mix "Humalog" with animal insulin preparations.

Under the supervision of a doctor, it is possible to share the drug Humalog with a longer-acting human insulin or with oral hypoglycemic drugs - derivatives of sulfonylureas.

Use of the drug in children

As stated earlier, Humalog is an ultrashort insulin insulin, and in order to transfer a child to such a drug, there must be some reasons. These include:

• Constantly changing appetite in a child and non-compliance with the diet.
• Expansion of diet in adolescents.
• Predisposition to attacks of hypoglycemia in late evening and night.
• A significant fluctuation in blood glucose, a spasmodic course of the disease.
• Short-acting insulin did not provide the necessary compensation.

Young children spend a lot of time eating, so short-acting insulin is injected after a meal.

"Humalog" must be used for children strictly according to the doctor's order, if ultra-fast action of insulin is necessary.

"Humalog" for pregnant and lactating women

It should be noted that women with diabetes who plan pregnancy need strict control of blood glucose levels, as well as general clinical observation. The attending doctor should be informed in advance.

The negative impact of the drug "Humalog" on the woman's body or on the fetus is not revealed. The drug does not enter the breast milk and does not affect the development of the fetus.

Insulin therapy is performed in pregnant or lactating mothers in order to maintain the concentration of sugar in the blood. It is known that in the 1st trimester the need for insulin is lower than in the 2 nd and 3 rd. During the period of labor, and also after it, the need for insulin may decrease. A dose adjustment is necessary.

The drug "Humalog" is excellent for pregnant and lactating people. It is only necessary to remember that he is appointed by a doctor and the transition from one type to another must be carried out strictly under the supervision of the treating doctor.

What is the price for the drug "Humalog", and also what are the analogues, we will consider further.

Analogues of the drug and its cost

Analogues of the preparation "Humalog" include insulins:

• «Actrapid MS».
• "Berensulin N Normal Pen".
• "B-Insulin S. Ts.".
• Depo Insulin C.
• Isofan.
• Insulin C.
• "Iletin".
• Insuman Combe.
• Inutral SPP.
• "Combinsulin C".
• "Monosuinsulin S".
• Pensulin.
• Rinsulin.
• "Ultra-Tartar NM".
• "Homolong 40".
• "Humulin."

Preparations-analogs with the same active substance:

• "Humalog Mix 25".
• "Humalog Mix 50".
• «Insulin lispro».

It should be noted that the drug "Humalog" in the pharmacy is released strictly according to the prescription of the doctor. The price is average for medications of this level and ranges between 1600-1900 rubles for 5 pieces of cartridges.

If you decide to change "Humalog", you can only be assigned to a doctor by analogy. Do not do it yourself, as your life depends on it.

Reviews about the product "Humalog" and its advantages

The patient's feedback is only positive. Many people use the drug for many years. "Humalog" (cartridges that are built into the handle "QuickKen") is easy to use. People note the absence of side effects. The drug starts to act quickly and works for 1.5 hours. In comparison with other means of this group, many people note its higher quality. Also, most of the patients are satisfied with the cost of the drug "Humalog" (the price is indicated above). They note his good ability to cope with high blood sugar levels.

Also, do not forget that the transition from one drug to another should only be under the supervision of a doctor.

"Humalog" (reviews of patients say this) - a high-quality preparation. It should be noted the advantages of insulin ultra-fast action, which is "Humalog":

• The level of postprandial glucose decreases.
• The level of HbA1 decreases.
• In general, the quality of carbohydrate metabolism in the body increases.
• Improves the quality of life of the patient.
• Drugs can be taken before meals or after, as the doctor will recommend.
• Significantly reduced the number of attacks of hypoglycemia in the daytime and at night.
• It is possible to use a more flexible diet.
• Convenience and ease of use.

Medicine does not stand still, and more and more drugs appear that help a person cope with a disease such as diabetes mellitus. Be attentive to your health and do not leave the first symptoms without attention, your life can depend on it.