Description
Description
Novolin NPH Penfill Cartridges (GE) contains an insulin isophane, a human biosynthetic substance that closely resembles the insulin produced by the pancreas in our body.
The main difference between this insulin and natural insulin is that it has a longer duration of action. Insulin is a hormone usually produced by your pancreas, which is a large organ near your stomach. It is chiefly responsible for food metabolism, helping your body use and stores the sugar that your body creates by processing food. If you have diabetes, either your pancreas does not make sufficient insulin, or your body can not use the insulin that it does make properly. Because sugar can not be adequately stored or used up, it builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar levels.
It is produced using recombinant DNA methods using S. cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and then unique purification processes.
Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) is used with your reusable insulin pen to control high sugar levels in the treatment of diabetes. It is intermediate-acting insulin, administered subcutaneously (under the skin). It is commonly used together with fast-acting mealtime insulin to protect you against blood sugar spikes during and after eating. Novolin also delivers their NPH formula through insulin vials.
These cartridges work with your reusable insulin pen to deliver Novolin GE NPH insulin, which works similarly to the way naturally occurring human insulin does.
Novolin is prescribed by doctors for patients with diabetes mellitus to manage blood glucose levels to control high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). It is an antidiabetic agent used as a diabetes treatment to reduce sugar levels in the blood and urine.
Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) is an intermediate-acting insulin that is commonly combined with short-acting insulin. It begins taking effect within 30 minutes of injection and can last for approximately 24 hours. It is a cloudy suspension with protamine and zinc. NPH insulin should be prescribed to you after a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional.
The none-medicinal ingredients in the cartridge include glycerol, phenol, sodium hydroxide, disodium phosphate dihydrate, hydrochloric acid, protamine sulfate, zinc chloride, metacresol, and water for injections.
Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions
Do not take this medication if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients.
In case of emergency, always carry an extra penfill cartridge.
Patients should carry a glucose tablet, sugary snack, or beverage in case of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are the most common side effects resulting in loss of consciousness, coma, or death.
It is recommended that patients with diabetes closely monitor glucose levels.
Any change in insulin dosage should be made under the direction of a doctor.
Novolin NPH Penfill (GE) insulin suspensions should not be used with infusion pumps or administered intravenously.
Do not use it if it is not uniformly white and cloudy after resuspension.
Do not use Novolin NPH Penfill cartridges (GE) if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, such as insulin isophane, metacresol, or other ingredients contained in Novolin NPH.
Do not use if you are experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The penfill cartridge is dropped, damaged, is leaking, or crushed.
Do not share Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) with others as it may spread infection.
Do not refill a Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE).
Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) cartridges are developed to be used only with Novo Nordisk Delivery Devices.
You must continually monitor blood sugar levels for rises or falls.
Do not change your insulin dosage unless instructed by your doctor.
Ensure you are ordering the right cartridges, as Novolin has different cartridges with different mixes including: 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50.
Before Taking Novolin
Before Taking Novolin
To avoid side effects, speak to your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues, have issues with your pituitary, adrenal, or thyroid glands, drink alcohol (including beer or wine). You must also discuss with them if you decide to alter your insulin dose, have an infection, experienced symptoms of fever or have had an operation, suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. You may require less insulin than usual, exercise more than you regularly do, or looking to make drastic dietary changes.
If you are ill, you may require a change in dosage, which requires a recommendation from your doctor.
Suppose you are traveling abroad to a different time zone which may affect your insulin schedule. Before traveling, consult your doctor and ensure you bring enough Novolin NPH Penfill cartridges with you on your trip.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor for advice.
If you drive or operate heavy machinery: pay attention to signs of hypoglycemia as it may impact your ability to concentrate. You should discuss with your doctor whether you should drive.
If you are using thiazolidinediones (oral antidiabetic drug), please speak to your healthcare provider. Thiazolidinediones, in combination with insulin, can lead to an increased risk of heart failure or edema. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing localized swelling (edema), signs of heart failure, or shortness of breath.
Speak to your doctor if you experience hypokalemia (low potassium), a side effect associated with all insulins. You may be more at risk if you lose potassium (i.e., diarrhea) or are on potassium lowering drugs.
Let your doctor know of any natural supplements, vitamins, minerals, alternative medications, or over-the-counter medications you are currently taking.
Side Effects
Side Effects
As with most medications, patients using Novolin NPH Penfill Cartridges may experience the following side effects: injection site skin irritations such as itching, redness or rash, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), and blurred vision, loss of consciousness.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience signs of allergic reaction or begin to feel unwell (start sweating, vomiting, have difficulty breathing, feel dizzy, rapid heartbeat)
Repeated injections at the same site may cause fatty tissue under the skin to shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy). To avoid this, rotate injection sites. Notify your doctor if you begin to see skin thickening or pitting at the site of injection.
If you have diabetic retinopathy and your blood sugar levels improve very quickly, the retinopathy may worsen. Speak to your doctor about this.
Water retention may cause swelling around the ankles and joints. However, this soon disappears.
Rare side effects of this medication include vision problems (this is usually temporary), painful neuropathy (nerve-related pain), acute painful neuropathy (burning, tingling, or electric pain) if blood glucose levels improve very fast. This usually disappears over time. If it doesn’t go away, then notify your doctor.
Tell your friends or relative that if you become unconscious due to hypoglycemia, they may turn you on your side and seek medical attention immediately. If they have been trained, they may be required to use an emergency glucagon kit since you won’t take sugar orally. Once you are conscious, you should consume a glucose tablet or sugary snack or drink (non-diet). If you are not responding to the glucagon treatment, you must be taken to the hospital immediately. Severe hypoglycemia, if not treated, can lead to brain damage (temporary or permanent) or even death.
Usage
Usage
Novolin NPH Penfill Cartridges are taken by injection under the skin. Never inject into a muscle or vein.
Rotate injection sites to avoid lumps.
The best places to inject Novolin GE NPH are the abdomen (front of the waist), front of thighs, upper arms, or buttocks.
Insulin works quicker when injected into the waist area.
It’s important to rotate injection sites to avoid the formation of bumps or lumps.
Do not massage the area after injection.
Do not inject into vein or muscle.
Before using Novolin NPH Penfill Cartridges, ensure you check the label to ensure that it’s the correct type of insulin. Always check the Penfill cartridge, including the rubber stopper (plunger). Do not use if damaged or a gap between the white barcode label and the rubber stopper. If damaged, return to supplier.
You first use Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) roll the cartridge between your palms ten times. It is also important that the cartridge is kept horizontal.
Move the cartridge up and down ten times so that the glass ball moves from one end of the cartridge to the other. Repeat the rolling and moving procedure until the liquid appears uniformly cloudy and white.
Mixing is more accessible when the insulin has reached room temperature. Complete the other stages of injection without delay.
Check there are at least 12 units of insulin left in the cartridge to allow even re-suspending. If there are less than 12 units left, use a new Penfill.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may affect the way glucose is processed in the body and can affect your insulin dose.
Certain drugs may interact with Novolin NPH Penfill Cartridges. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are taking any other diabetes medications, anabolic steroids, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), salicylates, sulphonamides.
Certain medications can lead to hyperglycemia, including oral contraceptives, thiazides, glucocorticoids (such as cortisone), thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics (such as epinephrine, salbutamol, terbutaline used to treat asthma), growth hormone, danazol, octreotide and lanreotide, and beta-blockers.
Storage
Storage
Store Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) not currently used in a refrigerator between 2°C-10°C. Do not freeze or store near the freezer section or cooling element Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) that are being used or about to be used are not kept in a refrigerator.
After removing Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) from the refrigerator, let the Penfill cartridge reach room temperature before resuspending the insulin as instructed for first-time use.
You can carry the Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) with you and keep it at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to 4 weeks.
Keep the Penfill cartridge in the outer carton when you are not using it to protect it from light.
Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) must be protected from excessive heat and light.
Do not use Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) after the expiry date, printed on the label and the carton.
Novolin NPH PenFill Cartridges (GE) should not be disposed of in wastewater or household waste.
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer needed. These measures will help protect the environment.
Keep out of reach from children and pets.
