Description
Description
Novolin Vials (30/70) is premixed insulin-containing both fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulin (insulin NPH). Patients who take this insulin have their blood sugar levels managed and have found this ratio of both insulin types works best for them. Novolin also produces pure NPH vials.
Novolin Vials (30/70) typically begin to work between 30-60 minutes of injection, have a maximum effect between 2-8 hours, and stop working up until 18-24 hours.
Your doctor may have prescribed Novolin 30/70 for conditions that may not be listed below. However, it is primarily taken by those diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
This medication is not to be shared with others even if they have the same symptoms. This medication can be harmful to those who have not received a prescription from their doctor to use it.
Novolin GE 30/70 is also available in Penfill cartridges.
Warnings & Precautions
Warnings & Precautions
Notify your doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking, if you are pregnant or expecting, and other significant facts about your health. This information may be taken into consideration as it may impact dosage and how your body will respond.
Do not take insulin if it appears unusually thick, discolored, lumpy, or grainy.
Do not take if the bottle looks frosted if it contains crystals.
Do not take if the suspension remains clear after it’s been rolled between your hands.
Usage
Usage
A doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage for this medication based on your current lifestyle, existing medical conditions, body weight, and glucose level results.
Your insulin dosage should not be modified unless instructed by your doctor and not based on the information taken from elsewhere.
Novolin GE 30/70 is used to treat diabetes mellitus who require insulin to control high blood sugar. The combination of fast- and intermediate-acting insulin is used to maintain your blood sugar levels full-day insulin.
Time timing when you take this medication is essential. To prevent unwanted side effects and keep blood glucose levels under control, it’s important to take insulin during meal times.
Do not dispose of medication in household garbage or wastewater (i.e., down the toilet or sink). Speak to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of drugs that are no longer in use or expired.
Your dose of Novolin 30/70 insulin should be injected under the skin as instructed by your doctor or nurse. It should not be injected into a vein and should not be premixed into an insulin pump.
Insulin dosages are measured in international units (IU). Each ml of insulin contains 100 IU. Most commonly, this insulin is taken before breakfast and dinner and 30 minutes before special meals. However, insulin dosing may vary based on your doctor’s recommendations.
Before taking Novolin 30/70 premixed insulin, roll the pen or bottle between your hands. Premixed insulin suspension should also appear cloudy or white.
Novolin GE 30/70 is a milky or cloudy suspension of insulin with protamine and zinc added. The insulin substance, which is a cloudy material, can settle at the bottom of the vial. Therefore, it must be rotated up and down to mix the contents before giving yourself a dose uniformly. The vials come in 10 mL quantities and a for use with a syringe.
Ensure you are using the correct insulin when it comes to Novolin. Novolin carries multiple mixtures of insulin including 40/60, 50/50 and NPH.
How it Works
How it Works
Insulin NPH/Isophane, Novolin NPH/Novolin N/Humulin N works on the liver, muscle, and adipose (fat) tissue to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It increases glycogen synthesis in the liver and muscles, which is the primary storage form of glucose. It increases fat production by increasing fatty acid release from the liver in the form of lipoproteins which adipose tissue converts to fatty acids than triglycerides for storage while also stopping the metabolism of triglycerides (fat). Insulin also increases the cellular uptake of amino acids and some electrolytes such as potassium into the cell. In muscle tissue, protein synthesis is increased.
Typically insulin is produced by the pancreas; however, insulin products for pharmaceutical use have been made via recombinant DNA technology using certain bacteria (they splice the gene for insulin production into bacterial DNA, so the cell produces insulin – a gene is a portion of DNA or RNA that makes one specific protein). NPH stands for neutral protamine Hagedorn, named as it is regular human insulin in a neutral (N) solution mixed with protamine, which is a protein (P), and Hans Christian Hagedorn (H), and insulin researcher that helped discover it. The protamine and insulin form crystals that lasted far longer than regular human insulin and basal insulin.
Dosage
Dosage
Dosages are personalized based on your personal metabolic needs, blood sugar monitoring, blood sugar control, type of diabetes you have, and your history of treatment and use of insulin. Make sure to closely monitor your blood sugar levels if you are switching to Novolin GE 30/70 during the initial weeks after that.
Your doctor should have discussed with you the type, strength, and amount of insulin you should use and the time(s) at which you should inject it, and also discussed with you a healthy diet and regular exercise schedule.
Whenever you use Novolin GE 30/70, be sure to eat a meal within 45 minutes. Never use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Side Effects
Side Effects
As with any medication, those who use Novolin 30/70 may experience side effects. These side effects are unwanted responses that can range from mild to severe. However, side effects are not experienced by everyone. Before taking this medication, your doctor should discuss the possible side effects and risks associated.
At least 1% of people who have taken this medication have reported side effects. Many of the side effects typically go away with time and can be managed.
If you feel side effects are bothersome or severe, you should contact your doctor. Your pharmacist should also provide information on managing side effects.
Potential side effects with Novolin 30/70 include redness, itchiness, or swelling at the site of injection.
Low glucose levels and associated side effects anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hunger, nausea, nervousness, numbness or tingling of your fingers, lips, or tongue, tiredness, sweating, trembling, and weakness.
Do not continue taking this medication and seek medical attention if you experience any rashes or blisters all over the body, seizures, difficulty breathing, wheezing, severe allergic reactions (swelling of face or throat), or unconsciousness.
Some may experience side effects not listed above. If so, speak with your doctor if you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing when taking this medication.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Each mL contains 100 units (30 units of regular insulin and 70 units of insulin isophane, human biosynthetic – NPH insulin).
The nonmedicinal ingredients include disodium phosphate dihydrate, glycerol, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, metacresol, phenol, protamine sulfate, water for injection, and zinc chloride.
Storage
Storage
Keep an unopened bottle of insulin refrigerated until needed. Never allow insulin to be frozen.
Insulin is good until the expiry date on the label.
Insulin currently in use can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days and discarded.
Do not expose insulin to extreme heat or sunlight.
Keep out of reach from children or pets.
