Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in our time. The causes of the disease can be very different, but heredity is of great importance in this case. 10-15% of all diabetes is type 1 diabetes, the treatment of which requires the intake 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 functioning of individual organs or the whole body. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment in a timely manner.
To conduct insulin replacement therapy, a drug such as Humalog is used. Instructions for use will be discussed later, and we will also get acquainted with patient reviews on the effectiveness and quality of this drug.
Form and composition of the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is insulin lispro. Additional components - glycerol, metacresol, zinc oxide, sodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate, hydrochloric acid, water.
Humalog insulin is a recombinant, modified, analogue of human insulin. The difference is in the reverse sequence of amino acids at positions 28 and 29 of the insulin B chain.
In what form is the drug made?
- Solution for injections in 3 ml cartridges, in blister packs.
- Syringe pen for insulin.
There is also a form of the drug in which there is an equal ratio of short-acting and medium-duration insulin. These are “Humalog Mix 25” and “Humalog Mix 50”.
How does the drug work?
The main property of the drug is the regulation of glucose metabolism. In addition, Humalog contributes to the growth of muscle mass by increasing the content of glycogen fatty acids, as well as enhancing protein synthesis and increasing amino acid intake. When using the Humalog drug, insulin lyspro significantly reduces the hyperglycemia that occurs after eating.
The drug is as close as possible to human insulin and is a drug of ultrashort action. Its advantage over other means is that it quickly begins to act and does not allow a repeated increase in concentration a couple of hours after the injection. This is especially important for working patients who are simply uncomfortable with injections often.
So, after the introduction of the Humalog drug, it begins to act in 10-20 minutes. The maximum content of the 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 with the introduction of drugs that include artificial insulin (Humalog, for example), the number of manifestations of nocturnal hypoglycemia is significantly reduced in patients, and it is noted that such drugs act much faster than human insulin.
The drug "Humalog" affects both adults and children alike. The injection site is of great importance, it can be the thigh, shoulder, abdomen or buttock, as well as the dose and concentration of insulin.
Humalog Mix 25 is an analogue of human insulin, which consists of 25% ultra - short- acting insulin and 75% of protamine. It was established that it acts quickly and reaches an activity peak early, while the duration of the drug is about 15 hours.
Indications and contraindications
Who is recommended to use the Humalog drug? Instructions for use indicate the following indication: diabetes in adults and children, requiring insulin therapy to correct blood glucose. Humalog is also prescribed if diabetes mellitus cannot be corrected by other insulins. In operations and in intercurrent diseases.
Who is not recommended to use Humalog? Instructions for use prohibit this to patients who are hypersensitive to the components of the drug, as well as if there are the following conditions: hypoglycemia and insulinoma.
How to take the drug
For each patient, the dose of the drug “Humalog” (a short period of action is its distinctive feature) is determined by the doctor depending on the need. The drug is administered subcutaneously, before meals or immediately after.
Administration subcutaneously can be carried out in the form of an injection, infusion, or using an insulin pump. If necessary, then Humalog can be administered intravenously.
The drug is injected subcutaneously into the thigh, shoulder, buttocks or abdomen. Seats need to be alternated each time so as not to use the same thing. When administering the medicine, care must be taken not to enter the blood vessel. Massaging the injection site is unacceptable. The doctor must inform the patient about all these features of the introduction.
The rules of administration of the drug "Humalog"
First of all, it should be said that the Humalog solution should be completely transparent and colorless. If there is turbidity or the presence of solid particles, such a substance must not be used. The product should be at room temperature.
We describe how the syringe pen for insulin is used:
- Wash your hands before any injection.
- Then we choose a place for an injection.
- We treat it with an antiseptic.
- Remove the cap from the needle.
- It is necessary to stretch or pinch the skin into a fold, fixing it.
- Insert the needle according to the instructions.
- Push the button.
- Then we remove the needle, and slightly press the injection site for a few seconds. It is impossible to grind.
- Using the protective cap, unscrew the needle and dispose of.
Intravenous administration of the drug is carried out according to normal clinical practice or using an infusion system. Such procedures are carried out under the guidance of a doctor in a hospital or polyclinic, since it is necessary to control the level of glucose in the blood.
The infusion of the Humalog drug can be carried out using an insulin infusion pump. In this case, you must strictly follow the instructions. Be sure to follow the rules of asepsis. If the pump is defective or the infusion system is clogged, a quick rise in glucose levels is possible. Be careful when starting the procedure. When using a pump, only one type of drug is used. Mixing is not allowed. If the supply of insulin is impaired, it is necessary to take action according to the instructions and urgently inform the doctor.
It should be noted that the Humalog Mix 25 preparation is distinguished by its consistency and color. This is a solution of a turbid white liquid, before applying which it is necessary to warm it well in the palms, but do not shake it so that foam does not form. The solution should become homogeneous. The substance is not to be used if flakes have 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 the use of the Humalog Mix 25 is that it cannot be administered intravenously. The dosage of the drug is selected by the doctor individually.
Side effects of the drug "Humalog"
Instructions for use describe the possible adverse reactions of the body when using the medicine:
- Hypoglycemia.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Allergic reaction: redness, itching, swelling, urticaria.
- Tachycardia, lowering blood pressure.
- Increased sweating.
- Angioneurotic edema.
- Lipodystrophy at the injection site.
If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, serious consequences with a threat to the patient's life are possible.
Signs of an overdose of the drug
Insulins do not have defined boundaries for overdose. Since everyone has their own metabolic rate and glucose level, this is purely individual. However, you need to know what the symptoms of exceeding the dose are, if the body cannot cope and hypoglycemia occurs. This can happen in case of malnutrition or high energy costs.
Excessive insulin activity can cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms are as follows:
- Weakness, apathy.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Increased sweating.
- Malfunctions of the cardiovascular system.
- Vomiting
- Headache.
You need to know how to deal with moderate hypoglycemia. To do this, just take glucose or eat a product containing sugar. After such attacks, you may need a dose adjustment, as well as a change in the level of physical activity.
More serious attacks of hypoglycemia have the following symptoms:
- Coma.
- Cramps.
- Neurological disorders.
It is possible to eliminate such manifestations by administering Glucagon intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Be sure to adjust the power. If the insulin-dependent does not respond to the administration of Glucagon, an intravenous infusion of a concentrated glucose solution can be performed . If the patient is in a coma, it is also necessary to carry out intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of Glucagon. After a person regains consciousness, it is necessary first of all to feed him. You may need to increase the amount of carbohydrates in your diet. A physical examination and observation will also be necessary, since an attack of hypoglycemia may recur.
Features of the use of the drug
Using a drug such as Humalog, you should know some features of the use of this drug:
- Switch from one brand of insulin to another should be under the supervision of a physician. Since the manufacturer, brand, variety of the drug, also the type of its production or species, is of great importance. It is worth noting that when switching from animal insulin to human insignificant dose adjustment is required.
- It is necessary to carefully monitor the patient if he switches from insulin of animal origin to human insulin. Perhaps at the early stage the absence of any symptoms, or they are very similar to those previously transferred, however, you should strictly monitor the level of glucose in the blood. If the dose is not adjusted, loss of consciousness, coma, or death are possible.
- If the dosage is not monitored or treatment is stopped unexpectedly with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, this can provoke hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a very dangerous condition that threatens the life of the patient.
- In patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency, the need for insulin may decrease, since the processes of gluconeogenesis and insulin metabolism are reduced. In patients with chronic liver failure, increased insulin resistance may require an increase in dose.
An increase in dosage is necessary in the following conditions:
- Nervous tension.
- Infection.
- An increase in carbohydrate foods.
Also, physical activity and a change in diet affect the level of glucose in the blood. The risk of hypoglycemia increases if you exercise immediately after leaving the table.
If you do not observe the dosage of insulin preparations, the risk of loss of attention increases and a decrease in the rate of psychomotor reactions is possible.
Patients who have a reduced sense of sensation of symptoms of hypoglycemia or they often recur should evaluate the appropriateness of driving. One must be very careful when driving machines and mechanisms.
Mild hypoglycemia can be stopped on its own by taking at least twenty grams of glucose or food containing a large amount of carbohydrates. All attacks of hypoglycemia must be reported to the doctor.
If you intend to use other medications, you need to consult a specialist about their compatibility with the Humalog drug. We will tell you more about this later.
How does the Humalog drug interact with other drugs
The effectiveness of the drug "Humalog" decreases with the combined use of such drugs:
- Oral contraceptives.
- Glucocorticosteroids.
- Thyroid hormone preparations.
- Danazol
- Beta 2 -adrenomimetics (including Ritodrin, Salbutamol, Terbutaline).
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Derivatives of phenothiazine.
- Thiazide diuretics.
- A nicotinic acid.
- Chlorprothixen.
- "Lithium carbonate."
- Diazoxide.
- Isoniazid.
Drugs that enhance the action of the Humalog:
- Beta blockers.
- Ethanol-containing drugs.
- Tetracyclines.
- Salicylates (in particular acetylsalicylic acid).
- Anabolic steroid.
- Sulfonamides.
- MAO inhibitors.
- ACE inhibitors.
- Angiotensin receptor antagonists.
- "Octreotide."
Also, mixing Humalog with animal insulin preparations is not allowed.
Under the supervision of a doctor, the joint use of the Humalog drug with longer-acting human insulin or with oral hypoglycemic drugs - sulfonylurea derivatives - is possible.
The use of the drug in children
As mentioned earlier, Humalog is an ultra-short-acting insulin, and there must be some reason for transferring a child to such a drug. These include the following:
- Constantly changing appetite in a child and non-observance of food intake.
- Expansion of the diet in adolescents.
- Predisposition to attacks of hypoglycemia in the late evening and at night.
- Significant fluctuations in blood glucose, spasmodic course of the disease.
- Short-acting insulin did not provide the necessary compensation.
Young children spend a lot of time eating food, so short-acting insulin is administered after meals.
Humalog should be used for children strictly according to the doctor’s instructions, if ultra-fast action of insulin is necessary.
Humalog for pregnant and lactating women
It is worth noting that women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy need strict control of blood glucose levels, as well as general clinical observation. The attending physician must be notified in advance.
There was no negative effect of the Humalog drug on the woman’s body or on the fetus. The drug does not pass into breast milk and does not affect the development of the fetus.
Insulin therapy is performed in pregnant or lactating mothers in order to maintain blood sugar levels. It is known that in the 1st trimester the need for insulin is lower than in the 2nd and 3rd. During labor, as well as after it, the need for insulin may decrease. A dose adjustment is needed.
The Humalog drug is excellent for both pregnant and lactating women. It is only worth remembering that it is prescribed by the doctor and the transition from one species to another should be carried out strictly under the supervision of the attending doctor.
What is the price of the drug "Humalog", as well as what analogues exist, we will consider further.
Analogues of the drug and its cost
The analogues of the Humalog drug include insulin:
- "Actrapid MS."
- "Berlinsulin N Normal Pen."
- "B-Insulin S. Ts.".
- Depot Insulin C
- Isofan.
- "Insulin C".
- "Iletin."
- "Insuman Comb."
- "Intral SPP".
- "Combinsulin C".
- "Monosuinsulin C".
- "Pensulin."
- Rinsulin.
- Ultratard NM.
- "Homolong 40."
- Humulin.
Analog preparations with the same active substance:
- Humalog Mix 25
- Humalog Mix 50
- "Insulin Lyspro."
It is worth noting that the Humalog drug in a pharmacy is dispensed strictly according to a doctor’s prescription. The average price for medicines of this level and ranges from 1600-1900 rubles for 5 pieces of cartridges.
If you decide to change the Humalog, only a doctor can prescribe analogues for it. Do not do this yourself, as your life depends on it.
Reviews about the drug "Humalog" and its advantages
Patient reviews are only positive. Many use the drug for many years. Humalog (cartridges that are built into the QuickPen pen) is easy to use. People note the absence of side effects. The drug begins to act quickly and works within 1.5 hours. Compared to other means of this group, many note its higher quality. Also, the majority of patients are satisfied with the cost of the Humalog drug (the price is indicated above). They note his good ability to cope with high blood sugar.
Also, do not forget that switching from one drug to another should only be under the supervision of a doctor.
Humalog (patient reviews talk about it) is a high-quality drug. It should be noted the advantages of ultrafast action insulins, which is Humalog:
- The level of postpranial glycemia decreases.
- The level of HbA1 decreases.
- In general, the quality of carbohydrate metabolism in the body increases.
- The quality of life of the patient increases.
- Drugs can be taken before meals or after, as your 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 are appearing that help a person cope with a disease such as diabetes. Be attentive to your health and do not leave the first symptoms unattended, your life may depend on this.