Actrapid HM 100IU/ml Injection (10ml Vial) – Human Insulin for Diabetes Management

Description

Actrapid HM is a short-acting human insulin injection used to control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes mellitus. It starts working within 30 minutes after injection, peaks in 1.5–3.5 hours, and has a duration of about 7–8 hours. It is used alone or in combination with intermediate/long-acting insulin preparations.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Human insulin (biosynthetic) 100 IU/ml

• Excipients: Zinc chloride, glycerol, metacresol, water for injection, hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (to adjust pH)

Drug Class

• Antidiabetic agent (Short-acting insulin, recombinant human insulin)

Dosage Form

• Sterile solution for subcutaneous (SC) injection or intravenous (IV) administration (by healthcare professionals)

• Supplied in 10 ml multi-dose vial (100 IU/ml concentration)

Uses / Indications

• Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

• Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (when oral medications are insufficient)

• Acute hyperglycemia (e.g., in hospitals)

• Used in combination with intermediate or long-acting insulin for basal-bolus therapy

Dosage (general guidance, individualized by physician)

• Typical adult & pediatric starting dose: 0.3–1.0 IU/kg/day, divided into multiple doses depending on patient’s needs

• Administration: usually injected 30 minutes before meals

• Route: subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdominal wall, buttock, or upper arm; rotation of injection site is required

• IV use: in hospital settings under strict monitoring

In Case of Overdose

• Overdose can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with symptoms like sweating, tremors, confusion, palpitations, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.

• Management: oral glucose (if conscious), IV glucose/glucagon (if severe or unconscious).

Missed Dose

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered before a meal.

• If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

• Do not double dose. Always monitor blood sugar.

How To Use

1. Wash hands and clean the injection site with alcohol swab.

2. Draw the prescribed dose into an insulin syringe.

3. Inject subcutaneously, 30 minutes before a meal.

4. Rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy (fat tissue changes).

5. Do not shake the vial vigorously; roll gently if needed.

When Not to Use (Contraindications)

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar at time of injection)

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to human insulin or excipients

• Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment (dose adjustment may be needed)

Side Effects

Common:

• Hypoglycemia (most frequent, potentially serious)

• Injection-site reactions: redness, swelling, itching, pain

• Weight gain

Less common:

• Lipodystrophy (lump or hollow under skin due to repeated injections in same spot)

• Allergic skin reactions

• Vision changes (temporary, due to glucose control changes)

Rare / serious:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, very rare)

Precautions & Warnings

• Monitor blood sugar regularly (self-monitoring or lab tests)

• Adjust doses during illness, stress, pregnancy, or surgery as advised

• Avoid alcohol as it may increase risk of hypoglycemia

• Caution in elderly patients (risk of unrecognized hypoglycemia)

• Driving / operating machinery: be careful if blood sugar is low

Drug Interactions

• Increased hypoglycemia risk with: oral antidiabetic drugs, ACE inhibitors, sulfonamides, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol

• Reduced effect with: corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, thiazide diuretics, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics

• Always inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you are taking

Storage / Disposal

• Store in refrigerator (2–8°C). Do not freeze.

• Once opened, the vial may be kept at room temperature (<25°C) for up to 6 weeks.

• Protect from direct heat and sunlight.

• Dispose of used syringes and vials safely in sharps containers.

Control Drug / Prescription Status

• Prescription-only medicine

• Should be used under guidance of a physician or diabetes specialist

Quick Tips

• Always check the insulin label before use to avoid mix-ups.

• Carry a source of fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets, juice) to treat low blood sugar.

• Wear a diabetes ID card or bracelet.

• Never skip meals after injecting insulin.

• Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of skin complications.