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|Humulin U

Humulin U

Humulin U is used for:

Treating diabetes mellitus.

Humulin U is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the body"s correct use of food, especially sugar. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet your body"s needs. Insulin helps to keep your blood glucose at a nearly normal level.

Do NOT use Humulin U if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Humulin U
• you are having an episode of low blood sugar

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Humulin U :

Some medical conditions may interact with Humulin U . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you consume alcoholic beverages

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Humulin U . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Diltiazem, gemfibrozil, or tocolytics (eg, ritodrine) because the effectiveness of Humulin U may be decreased
• Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol, propranolol), ethanol, fenfluramine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), penicillamine, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or tetracyclines because side effects, such as low blood sugar, may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Humulin U may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Humulin U :

Use Humulin U as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you are using Humulin U at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider. If the medicine contains particles, is discolored, or if the vial/container is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• This bottle must be carefully shaken or rotated before each injection so that the contents are evenly mixed. Insulin zinc should look uniformly cloudy or milky.
• Be sure you have purchased the correct insulin. Insulin comes in a variety of containers, including vials, cartridges, and pens. Make sure that you understand how to properly measure and prepare your dose. If you have any questions about measuring and preparing your dose, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for information.
• Humulin U begins lowering blood sugar about 4 to 8 hours after an injection. The peak effect occurs from 10 to 30 hours after the dose. The effect lasts for about 36 hours.
• It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do NOT miss any doses. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you ever miss a dose of insulin.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Humulin U .

Important safety information:

• Humulin U may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Humulin U . Using Humulin U alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not drink alcohol without discussing it with your doctor.
• Inject each dose of insulin in a different area to prevent skin irritation.
• Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin requirements to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should establish a sick day plan to use in case of illness. When you are sick, test your blood/urine frequently and call your doctor as instructed.
• If you will be traveling across more than 2 time zones, consult your doctor concerning adjustments in your insulin schedule.
• Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using Humulin U . Follow your doctor"s instructions carefully. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking Humulin U according to directions, check with your doctor.
• Carry an identification card at all times that says you have diabetes.
• Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full.
• An insulin reaction resulting from low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar, such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction.
• Developing a fever or infection, eating significantly more than prescribed, or missing your dose of insulin may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include a drowsy feeling, flushed face, thirst, increased urination, confusion, loss of appetite, heavy breathing, rapid pulse, and fruity odor on the breath. If not treated, loss of consciousness, coma, or death may occur. Obtain medical assistance immediately if you have hyperglycemia.
• LAB TESTS, such as fasting blood glucose levels or glycosylated hemoglobin levels, may be required to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Humulin U during pregnancy. It is unknown if Humulin U is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Humulin U :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Depression in the skin; enlargement of thickening of the skin; redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; chills; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; headache; increased heartbeat; increased hunger; loss of consciousness; nervousness; seizures; sweating; tremor; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm) or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chills; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; headache; increased heartbeat; increased hunger; loss of consciousness; nervousness; seizures; shakiness; sweating; tremor; vision changes; weakness.

Store insulin in a cold place, preferably in a refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. If refrigeration is not possible, the bottle of insulin that you are currently using can be kept unrefrigerated as long as it is kept as cool as possible (below 86 degrees F; 30 degrees C) and away from heat and light. Protect insulin from direct sunlight. Read the information that came with your insulin for instructions on how to store your open container, including when to discard the insulin container you are currently using. The length of time a package of insulin may be used for depends on whether it is in a vial, cartridge, pen, or other device. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to properly store or when to discard your insulin. Do not use a bottle of insulin after the expiration date stamped on the label. Keep Humulin U , as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Humulin U , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Humulin U is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Humulin U . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.