Insulin Isophane: How Should I Use Insulin Isophane

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

How should I use insulin isophane?

Use insulin isophane exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

If the insulin has been stored in the refrigerator, it can be warmed to room temperature before use.

Roll the container of insulin between your palms 10 times. Then, if you are using a pen or prefilled syringe, turn it upside down so that the glass ball moves from one end to the other. Do this at least 10 times. Repeat this procedure until the suspension appears uniformly white and cloudy. Do not shake the insulin vigorously. Inject immediately. Repeat this procedure before each subsequent injection.

Do not use the insulin if it is discolored, has particles in it, or looks different from previous vials, cartridges, or prefilled syringes of insulin isophane.

If you are mixing different types of insulins in the same syringe, follow your doctor's directions and always draw up the different insulins in the same order (usually the clear insulin first). Do not mix different insulins in the same syringe unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.

Rotate injection sites as directed by your doctor. Usually, you should not inject within 1 inch of the same site within 1 month.

Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal container.

Do not change the insulin strength (e.g., U-100) or insulin type (e.g., isophane, NPH, regular, etc.) unless your doctor recommends a change for you.

Do not change the brand of insulin isophane or syringe that you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not.

Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control your blood sugar levels.

Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses may change your insulin requirements.

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood or urine tests.

Wear some type of medical identification bracelet, necklace, or other alert tag to inform others that you have diabetes and that you require insulin in the case of an emergency.

Proper foot care, eye care, dental care, and overall proper health care are important for people with diabetes. Visit your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and other heath care practitioners as recommended by your doctor.

Store unopened vials, pens, and cartridges of insulin isophane in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), in the original carton. Do not store insulin isophane in the freezer and do not allow it to freeze. Do not use insulin isophane if it has been frozen. Throw away any expired insulin isophane.

Vials of insulin isophane can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days, but should not be exposed to excessive heat or sunlight.

Once punctured, the vial of insulin in use, whether stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, must be used within 28 days. Throw away any unused insulin 28 days after the vial is first punctured.

Insulin cartridges and pens in use, should be stored at room temperature (below 86 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius away from direct heat or sunlight), but should not be exposed to excessive heat or sunlight. Novolin N PenFill, Humulin N Pens and Novolin N Innolets in use can be kept unrefrigerated for 14 days. Throw away any unused insulin in the cartridge, pen, or Innolet after the specified time period.

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Last updated:	January 11, 2006