ACTRAPID HM 100IU 10ML

 Actrapid HM 100 IU/mL (10 mL vial) — a fast‑acting human insulin — covering its benefits and potential side effects:

 Benefits and Therapeutic Use

• Rapid‑onset insulin: It begins lowering blood glucose approximately 30 minutes after injection, peaks at 1.5–3.5 hours, and lasts around 7–8 hours 

• Controls post-meal blood sugar: Typically injected 15–30 minutes before meals, it helps manage the postprandial glucose rise when used with diet and exercise .

• Reduces long‑term complications: Efficient glycemic control helps lower the risk of chronic issues like kidney damage, vision loss, nerve damage, and amputations in diabetes patients 

• Versatile use: Prescribed for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as during gestational diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar states, and periods of medical stress or surgery 

• Structured dosing flexibility: Delivered via vial or penfill cartridges (often for the NovoPen® delivery systems), allowing unit‑by‑unit dosing and flexible administration 

 Common Limitations & Side Effects

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Most frequently reported side effect (occurs in more than 1 in 10 users).

• Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, headache, hunger, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, visual disturbances, and confusion 

• To prevent hypos: take insulin with proper meals, monitor glucose regularly, and always carry fast‑acting carbs like glucose tablets or juice 

Weight gain

• Some patients may experience modest weight gain, related to improved glucose utilization and dietary compensation

Injection site reactions

• Pain, swelling, redness or rare allergic skin rashes may occur.

• Rotating injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) helps prevent lipohypertrophy or skin changes that reduce insulin absorption

Rare allergic reactions

• Serious systemic allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis) are extremely rare (<1 in 1,000), but require immediate medical attention

 Precautions to Observe

• Contraindications: Do not use if you have confirmed or suspected hypoglycemia, or are allergic to human insulin or any excipient Medical caution: Dose adjustments may be needed in cases of kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal disorders. Inform your doctor if you fall ill or change diet/exercise, or plan travel across time zones 

• Medication interactions: Certain drugs may alter blood glucose response, requiring dose change:

  • Antidiabetics, salicylates, or antidepressants can potentiate hypoglycemia.

  • Steroids, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives can raise blood glucose.

  • Beta-blockers may mask hypoglycemia symptoms