This medication is typically used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Following injection, its action starts after a few hours.
This product must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously), according to the technique you were shown. Be sure to choose a different injection site each time.
This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Use it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.
Insulin users should be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar, which include confusion, headache, hunger, mood changes, palpitations, rapid breathing, cold sweats and shakiness. These symptoms require immediate treatment, to bring your blood sugar back up to a safe level. This can be done with a quick source of sugar, such as: - 4 or 5 glucose tablets
- 59 to 79 mL of liquid glucose
- 15 to 20 mL (3 or 4 teaspoons) of honey, maple syrup or corn syrup
- 5 to 7 LifeSavers type candies
- 175 to 250 mL (¾ to 1 cup) of fruit juice or regular soft drink (not a diet soft drink)
- 4 or 5 packets of white sugar diluted in water
Inform your health care professional if these symptoms have occurred, as it may mean that your diet and/or medication needs to be adjusted.
Insulin users must check their blood sugar levels regularly using an appropriate device. Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Your pharmacist can tell you the best way to do this.
This medication must be taken within 60 minutes prior to a meal. If a dose is missed, the injection should be administered within one hour prior to the next meal. Do not administer more than one dose daily.
In order not to cause hypoglycemia, avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
Keep this product in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. After its first use, keep it at room temperature and discard any unused portion after 28 days.
This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.
When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:
If you think you are allergic to this medication or if you develop a rash, itching, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing after using it, seek medical attention immediately.
It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.
Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.