Insulin Aspart Protamine
Description
Insulin Aspart Protamine is used in combination with insulin aspart for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a natural substance produced by the pancreas which helps in utilizing glucose for energy production. Patients with diabetes mellitus may not be able to utilize glucose due to the insufficient production of insulin or due to the body's inability to use insulin or both. This medicine helps in the utilization of glucose and controlling blood glucose levels in such patients. Patients are advised to follow a strict exercise and diet regimen along with this medicine to get the best possible effect.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Insulin Aspart Protamine
- Decreased blood glucose levels
- Headache
- Pain at the injection site
- Decreased potassium levels
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Tingling of hands, feet, lips or tongue
Uses of Insulin Aspart Protamine
What is it prescribed for?
- Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of both hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. This may cause severe side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased hunger, mood changes, extreme fatigue, etc.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is considered safe for use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Use of insulin by breastfeeding women is considered acceptable. Breastfeeding women generally require lower doses of insulin.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to insulin aspart protamine, insulin aspart, or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Hypoglycemia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from decreased blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) since it may worsen the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is considered safe for use by pregnant women. However, it must be used only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
Use of insulin by breastfeeding women is considered acceptable. Breastfeeding women generally require lower doses of insulin.
General warnings
Hypersensitivity reactions
This medicine may cause serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity reactions (severe allergic reactions) including anaphylactic shock in some patients. Seek immediate medical intervention if any signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, sore throat, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc. occur. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, the treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate corrective measures should be undertaken.
Hypoglycemia
This medicine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) in some patients. This risk is especially higher in patients suffering from kidney diseases, malnourishment, pituitary gland diseases, etc. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be required based on the clinical condition. Your doctor may advise you to carry a sugar candy to counteract the effects of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
Hypokalemia (Decreased potassium levels)
This medicine should be used with caution in patients at risk of developing hypokalemia or patients suffering from hypokalemia since it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of potassium levels, appropriate corrective measures, or dose adjustments may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Driving and Operating machinery
This medicine may cause symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is administered before food, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. In case of a missed dose, administer the medicine within 15 minutes after the meal. If the time gap is more since the meal, consult your doctor whether to inject the missed dose or not. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Seek immediate medical attention or contact the doctor if an overdose of this medicine is suspected. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) may occur in case of an overdose with symptoms such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, etc. In cases of mild hypoglycemic episodes, oral glucose or sugary products can be used to avoid severe hypoglycemia.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of both hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) depending on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. This may cause severe side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, increased thirst, increased hunger, mood changes, extreme fatigue, etc.
Interaction with Medicine
Corticosteroids
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors
Fluoroquinolones
Aspirin
Disease interactions
Kidney Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hypokalemia
Caution is advised if this medicine is used in patients at an increased risk of developing hypokalemia or patients suffering from hypokalemia (decreased blood potassium levels) since it may worsen the patient's condition. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Carefully follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels and frequent follow-up visits with the doctor may be required based on the clinical condition. Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine is a replacement insulin which works by enhancing the glucose uptake for energy production. This helps in controlling the blood glucose levels.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Insulin, Antidiabetic agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Ebs.tga.gov.au. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 6 September 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 25 Feb 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.