Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease, which, unfortunately, cannot be completely eliminated. As you know, against the backdrop of an ailment, a violation of hormonal secretion in the tissues of the pancreas is observed. And quite often, patients are prescribed Isofan synthetic insulin. This substance controls the level of sugar in the blood, ensuring the normal functioning of the whole body.
Of course, patients are interested in any additional information about the drug. How does the semi-synthetic insulin Isofan affect the body? Instructions, contraindications, possible complications during therapy - these are important points that will be discussed in the article.
Release form
It's no secret that diabetes is a common and dangerous disease that requires the use of various medications, including insulin. "Isofan" is the trade name of the drug, which is a ready-made mixture of semisynthetic hormones. A medicine is produced in the form of a solution for subcutaneous administration. The drug is sold in glass bottles with a volume of 10 ml with a dosage of 40 IU / ml. To prepare the solution, purified water for injection is used.
If other drugs with the same composition and properties as insulin Isofan. Its synonyms are “Insuman”, “Protafan” and “Himulin”. It is worth immediately saying that such drugs are dispensed only by prescription or an endocrinologist gives them.
What properties does the drug have?
Isofan insulin is a semisynthetic hormone that has the same properties as the substance produced by the human pancreas. The drug reduces the amount of glucose in the blood by enhancing the processes of lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis.
Synthetic hormone interacts with insulin-dependent receptors of cell membranes, activating metabolic processes inside the cell. After taking the drug, activation of the synthesis of certain enzymes is observed, including glycogen synthetases, pyruvate kinases and hexokinases.
The effect can be observed already 1-1.5 hours after the introduction of the solution. Depending on the dose and characteristics of the patient's body, the maximum activity of synthetic insulin is observed 4-12 hours after administration. The effect lasts from 11 to 24 hours.
The main indications for use
The drug "Insulin-Isofan" is used for diabetes mellitus of the second type (insulin-dependent form). It is also used for temporary insulin therapy. Sometimes such treatment is also required for type 1 diabetes. For example, the introduction of a solution is recommended for patients in cases where sugar-lowering drugs do not give the desired effect.
The introduction of human insulin is required after some surgical procedures. This medicine is also used for gestational diabetes mellitus (this form of the disease develops in women during pregnancy). The introduction of insulin to expectant mothers is recommended if diet therapy does not have the desired effect.
Semi-synthetic insulin "Isofan": instructions for use
With type 2 diabetes, patients need lifelong therapy. Dose, daily amount, schedule of administration - all this is determined by the treating endocrinologist. It is important to strictly follow all the instructions of a specialist. There are some general rules for using Insulin-Isofan.
- The solution is intended exclusively for subcutaneous administration. In rare cases, the doctor may recommend administering the drug intramuscularly. Intravenous injections are prohibited.
- The drug can not be administered at the same place.
- First you need to shake the bottle several times, and then draw the required amount of solution into the syringe (the dose is selected individually).
- The injection should be carried out immediately after filling the syringe.
Vials with the solution are stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Before administering the drug, you need to measure the level of glucose in the blood. In no case should you use the drug if you notice a clouded solution, the formation of a precipitate on the walls of the bottle.
Are there any contraindications?
The drug has some contraindications - these data contain instructions for use. "Insulin-Isofan" is not prescribed for patients with hypoglycemia. Contraindications include insulinoma, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. It is worth noting that sometimes even a change in the injection site can lead to an allergic reaction and the appearance of other side effects.
Feasible side effects
This drug is necessary for patients with insulin-dependent forms of diabetes. Nevertheless, therapy is associated with some complications. What violations can lead to the use of Isofan-Insulin? The instruction contains the following information:
- The list of the most common disorders can include allergic reactions, which are accompanied by the appearance of a rash and urticaria, a sharp drop in blood pressure, an increase in body temperature and the appearance of edema.
- A dangerous consequence of insulin therapy is hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in blood sugar. Symptoms include pallor of the skin, palpitations, anxiety, sleep problems, a constant feeling of hunger. Such a violation is usually associated with improper dosage or non-compliance with the doctor’s instructions. In the most severe cases, a hypoglycemic coma develops.
- Starting treatment in some patients is associated with visual impairment. You should not worry much about this, since in most cases such side effects go away on their own.
- The list of possible complications includes immunological reactions, which also pass as the body adapts to this form of insulin.
- At the beginning of taking the drug, skin reactions, including redness and itching, are possible. They also pass by themselves.
- The introduction of too large doses of the drug is fraught with mental disorders. Increased irritability, anxiety, changes in behavior, the development of depression are noted.
It should be understood that the insulin "Isofan" must be administered according to the schedule drawn up by the doctor. Skipping an injection is accompanied by the development of diabetic acidosis.
Isofan insulin: analogues
In modern medicine, synthetic human insulins (short and medium term exposure), analogues of the human hormone, and also mixtures are used to control glucose levels. Of course, the pharmaceutical market offers a lot of drugs that help temporarily eliminate the symptoms of diabetes.
To the list of analogues can include drugs such as "Actrafan", "Biogulin", "Diafan". In some cases, patients are recommended to take the preparations "Protafan", "Humodar", "Pensulin". The insulin Bazal and Fereyn are also considered good. It should be understood that hormones are serious drugs, and you can not use them yourself in any case. Only a doctor can choose an analog and determine the dose. For example, the presence of at least one supplement in a solution in some patients can cause a massive allergic reaction up to anaphylactic shock.
Other drug interaction information
Before starting therapy, you must definitely inform your doctor about the medications you are taking. The action of synthetic insulin is enhanced while taking it with sulfonamides, adrogen and anabolic steroids, MAO inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced against the background of the simultaneous use of the drug "Isofan" with ketoconazole, cyclophosphamide, quinine, chloroquinine, quinidine, and drugs containing lithium. By the way, against the background of therapy, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, since ethanol enhances the effect of synthetic insulin.
Estrogens, oral contraceptives, glucagon, heparin, thyroid hormones weaken the effect of the drug. The same can be said about nicotine, marijuana, morphine, some diuretics (in particular, thiazide and loopback), tricyclic antidepressants.
In any case, it should be understood that without the knowledge of the doctor, you can not change the dose or schedule of insulin. The appearance of worsening and adverse reactions should be immediately reported to the attending endocrinologist.