A1,
A2,
B,
C1,
C2,
D,
E,
F,
G-H,
I-K,
L,
M,
N,
O,
P1,
P2,
Q-R,
S,
T,
U-V,
W-Z
Humulin Side Effects, and Drug Interactions - Insulin (Human Recombinant)
Humulin Side Effects, and Drug Interactions - Insulin (Human Recombinant)
SIDE EFFECTS
Hypoglycemia (Insulin Reaction)
Hypoglycemia (too little glucose
in the blood) is one of the most frequent adverse events experienced
by insulin users. It
can be brought about by:
Taking too much insulin
Missing or delaying meals
Exercising or working more than usual
An infection or
illness (especially
with diarrhea or
vomiting)
A change in the body's need
for insulin
Diseases of the adrenal,
pituitary, or thyroid
gland, or progression
of kidney or liver
disease
Interactions with other drugs that lower blood
glucose such
as oral hypoglycemics, salicylates (for example, aspirin), sulfa
antibiotics, and certain antidepressants
Consumption of alcoholic
beverages
Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia
may occur suddenly and can include:
- sweating; dizziness; palpitation; tremor; hunger; restlessness;
tingling in the hands, feet, lips, or tongue; lightheadedness;
inability to concentrate; headache; drowsiness; sleep
disturbances; anxiety; blurred vision; slurred speech; depressive
mood; irritability; abnormal
behavior; unsteady movement; personality changes
Signs of severe hypoglycemia
can include:
- disorientation; unconsciousness; seizures; death
Therefore, it is important that assistance be obtained immediately.
Early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia
may be different or less pronounced under certain conditions, such
as long duration of
diabetes, diabetic
nerve disease, medications such
as beta-blockers, change in insulin
preparations, or intensified control
(3 or more insulin injections
per day) of diabetes.
A few patients who have experienced hypoglycemic reactions after
transfer from animal-source insulin
to human insulin
have reported that the early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia
were less pronounced or different from those experienced with their
previous insulin.
Without recognition of early warning symptoms, you may not be able
to take steps to avoid more serious hypoglycemia. Be
alert for all of the various types of symptoms that may indicate
hypoglycemia. Patients who experience hypoglycemia
without early warning symptoms should monitor
their blood glucose
frequently, especially prior to activities such
as driving. If the blood
glucose is below your
normal fasting
glucose, you should
consider eating or drinking sugar-containing foods to treat your
hypoglycemia.
Mild to moderate hypoglycemia
may be treated by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar. Patients
should always carry a quick
source of sugar, such
as candy mints or glucose
tablets. More severe hypoglycemia
may require the assistance of another person. Patients who are unable
to take sugar orally or
who are unconscious
require an injection
of glucagon or should
be treated with intravenous
administration
of glucose at a medical
facility.
You should learn to recognize your own symptoms of hypoglycemia.
If you are uncertain about these symptoms, you should monitor
your blood glucose frequently
to help you learn to recognize the symptoms that you experience
with hypoglycemia.
If you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia
or experience difficultly
in recognizing the symptoms, you should consult your doctor
to discuss possible changes in therapy,
meal plans, and/or exercise
programs to help you avoid hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia and Diabetic Acidosis
Hyperglycemia (too much glucose
in the blood) may develop if your body has too little insulin. Hyperglycemia
can be brought about by:
Omitting your insulin
or taking less than the doctor
has prescribed
Eating significantly more than your meal
plan suggests
Developing a fever
or infection
In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes,
prolonged hyperglycemia can result in diabetic
acidosis. The first symptoms of diabetic
acidosis usually come on gradually, over a period
of hours or days, and include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst,
loss of appetite, and fruity
odor on the breath. With acidosis,
urine tests show
large amounts of glucose and acetone. Heavy breathing
and a rapid pulse are
more severe symptoms. If uncorrected, prolonged hyperglycemia
or diabetic acidosis
can result in loss of consciousness
or death. Therefore, it is important that you obtain medical
assistance immediately.
Lipodystrophy
Rarely, administration
of insulin subcutaneously
can result in lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy
(enlargement or thickening of tissue). If you notice either of these
conditions, consult your doctor. A change in your injection
technique may help
alleviate the problem.
Allergy to Insulin
Local Allergy: Patients occasionally experience
redness, swelling, and itching at the site
of injection of insulin.
This condition, called local allergy,
usually clears up in a few days to a few weeks. In
some instances, this condition
may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants
in the skin cleansing agent
or p.o. injection
technique. If you have local
reactions, contact your
doctor.
Systemic Allergy: Less common, but potentially more serious,
is generalized allergy
to insulin, which may
cause rash
over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing,
reduction in blood
pressure, fast pulse,
or sweating. Severe cases of generalized allergy
may be life threatening.
If you think you are having a generalized allergic
reaction to insulin,
notify a doctor immediately.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
No information provided.
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