Insulatard HM 100 IU/mL Injection (Isophane Human Insulin – NPH) — 1 Vial

Description

Insulatard HM is an intermediate-acting human insulin (isophane insulin, NPH) produced by recombinant DNA technology. It helps control blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. The insulin is supplied as a white, cloudy suspension for subcutaneous (SC) injection. It provides slower onset and longer duration than regular insulin, making it suitable for basal insulin coverage.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Isophane insulin human (NPH) 100 IU/mL

• Excipients: Glycerol, phenol, zinc chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, protamine sulfate, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, water for injection.

Drug Class

• Antidiabetic agent

• Intermediate-acting insulin (NPH insulin)

Dosage Form

• Injectable suspension

• Supplied in a vial containing 100 IU/mL

Uses / Indications

• Management of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (as part of basal-bolus regimen)

• Management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring insulin

• Provides basal (background) insulin coverage between meals and overnight

Dosage (general guidance — individualized by physician)

• Adults & Children: Typically 0.3–1.0 units/kg/day total insulin requirement (divided between meal-time insulin and basal insulin like Insulatard).

• Injected once or twice daily, depending on blood glucose needs.

• Onset: 1–2 hours | Peak: 4–12 hours | Duration: up to 18–24 hours.

• May be combined with short-acting insulin (e.g., Regular insulin) for mealtime coverage.

In Case of Overdose (Hypoglycemia)

• Symptoms: Sweating, dizziness, tremor, hunger, headache, blurred vision, confusion; severe cases may cause seizures, coma.

• Management: Take oral glucose (sugar/juice) if conscious. Severe hypoglycemia requires glucagon injection or IV glucose in hospital.

Missed Dose

• If missed, take the dose as soon as remembered unless it’s near the next scheduled dose.

• Do not double dose. Monitor blood sugar closely.

How To Use / Administration

1. Wash hands before use.

2. Roll vial gently between palms until suspension is uniformly cloudy (do not shake vigorously).

3. Inspect visually — do not use if clumps, crystals, or clear solution remain after mixing.

4. Use an insulin syringe (U-100).

5. Inject subcutaneously into abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.

6. Do not inject intravenously.

7. Take at the same time daily for consistent effect.

When Not to Use / Contraindications

• During episodes of hypoglycemia.

• Allergy to human insulin or any formulation component.

Side Effects

Common:

• Hypoglycemia (most common, potentially serious)

• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, pain)

• Lipodystrophy at injection sites (fat deposits or loss)

Serious but rare:

• Severe allergic reactions (generalized rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

• Fluid retention or edema

• Visual changes (temporary) when starting insulin therapy

Precautions & Warnings

• Regularly monitor blood glucose.

• Dose may require adjustment during illness, stress, pregnancy, or medication changes.

• Alcohol may increase risk of hypoglycemia.

• Caution in renal/hepatic impairment.

• Carry sugar or glucose tablets for emergencies.

• Always wear medical alert identification for diabetes.

Drug Interactions

• Increase hypoglycemia risk: Oral antidiabetics, ACE inhibitors, sulfonylureas, salicylates, MAO inhibitors, alcohol, beta-blockers.

• Decrease insulin effect (hyperglycemia risk): Corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, thyroid hormones, diuretics, sympathomimetics.

• Beta-blockers may mask early signs of low blood sugar.

Storage / Disposal

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

• Opened vials: Store at room temperature (≤30 °C) or refrigerated, use within 28 days.

• Protect from direct heat and light.

• Discard after expiry or 28 days of use.

• Dispose syringes/needles in approved sharps container.

Control Drug / Prescription Status

• Prescription-only medicine

• Must be used under medical supervision.

Quick Tips

• Roll vial gently to mix before each dose — never shake.

• Take at the same time daily for steady effect.

• Rotate injection sites to avoid skin problems.

• Always keep backup insulin and syringes.

• Learn the signs of hypoglycemia and treat quickly.

• Do not share vials or syringes with others.