ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml Injection

What is ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml is a human soluble insulin formulation designed for subcutaneous injection, provided in 1.5ml cartridges compatible with insulin pens. This form of insulin is fast-acting and used to regulate blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It is a biosynthetic human insulin identical in structure to endogenous insulin, facilitating effective control of glucose metabolism.

The penfill cartridges offer convenience, accuracy, and ease of use for patients requiring multiple daily injections. ACTRAPID HM PENFILL is mainly indicated for managing type 1 diabetes mellitus where insulin replacement is mandatory, and in type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral medications alone do not achieve adequate glucose control. The rapid onset of action of ACTRAPID HM allows it to control postprandial glucose excursions effectively.

• Pharmaceutical form: Injectable solution in 1.5ml cartridges for pen administration.
• Generic: Human soluble insulin, concentration 100 units/ml.
• Indications: Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring rapid-acting insulin.
• Fast-acting insulin mimicking physiological insulin response.
• Enables precise dose adjustment via pen device.

How to use ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Proper administration of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL is critical for achieving optimal glycemic control and minimizing complications.

• Device compatibility: Designed for use with compatible insulin pen injectors only.
• Injection sites: Administer subcutaneously in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh; rotate injection sites regularly to avoid lipodystrophy.
• Timing: Inject approximately 30 minutes before meals to coincide insulin action with blood glucose rise.
• Preparation: Inspect cartridge for clarity and absence of particles before use; do not use if solution appears cloudy or discolored.
• Dosage setting: Use the pen’s dial to set the exact dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Injection technique: Clean injection site with alcohol, insert needle fully, inject insulin, hold needle in place for 5-10 seconds to ensure full dose delivery.
• Disposal: Safely dispose of needles after single use; cartridges can be replaced when empty.
• Monitoring: Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to adjust dosing and prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia.

Mode of Action ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL contains soluble human insulin which acts by mimicking the physiological effects of endogenous insulin, crucial for maintaining glucose homeostasis.

• Insulin receptor activation: Insulin binds to specific receptors on muscle and fat cells, initiating intracellular signaling.
• Glucose uptake: Promotes translocation of GLUT4 transporters to cell membranes, enhancing glucose entry into cells.
• Hepatic effects: Inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby decreasing glucose production.
• Glycogen synthesis: Stimulates storage of glucose as glycogen in liver and muscle tissues.
• Lipid metabolism: Facilitates fatty acid synthesis and suppresses lipolysis.
• Protein metabolism: Enhances amino acid uptake and protein synthesis, reducing proteolysis.
• Pharmacokinetics: Rapid onset within 30 minutes, peak action at 1-3 hours, duration approximately 6-8 hours.

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml Interactions ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Several medications can influence the pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics of ACTRAPID HM, impacting blood glucose control.

• Beta-blockers: May mask hypoglycemia symptoms and reduce insulin sensitivity.
• Corticosteroids and thyroid hormones: Can increase blood glucose levels, potentially requiring insulin dose adjustment.
• Diuretics: Thiazide and loop diuretics may impair glucose tolerance.
• Alcohol: Can potentiate insulin’s hypoglycemic effect or cause delayed hypoglycemia.
• ACE inhibitors: May enhance insulin sensitivity and lower insulin requirements.
• Salicylates, anabolic steroids: Can potentiate hypoglycemia.
• Sympathomimetics and calcium channel blockers: May alter blood glucose variably.

Close blood glucose monitoring and dose adjustments are recommended when these drugs are initiated, discontinued, or dose-altered.

Dosage of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Dosage is highly individualized and depends on the patient's metabolic needs, lifestyle, and glycemic targets.

• Starting dose: Typically 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day in type 1 diabetes, divided between rapid-acting and basal insulin.
• Pre-meal administration: Inject ACTRAPID HM PENFILL approximately 30 minutes before meals.
• Adjustments: Dose adjustments are based on self-monitored blood glucose levels, physical activity, and dietary intake.
• Special populations: Elderly, renal or hepatic impairment patients require cautious dosing and monitoring.
• Missed doses: If a dose is missed, administer as soon as remembered unless it is near the next dose.

Always follow healthcare provider instructions and never alter dosage without professional guidance.

Possible side effects of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL, like all insulins, can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe.

• Hypoglycemia: The most frequent adverse effect, with symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
• Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, or lipodystrophy with repeated injections at the same site.
• Allergic reactions: Rare but may include rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.
• Weight gain: Due to insulin’s anabolic properties.
• Hypokalemia: Insulin drives potassium into cells, potentially lowering serum potassium.
• Edema: Fluid retention may occasionally occur.

Patients should be educated on recognizing and managing hypoglycemia promptly.

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml Contraindications ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Contraindications include:

• Hypoglycemia: Insulin should not be used to treat hypoglycemic episodes.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to human insulin or excipients.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Unless under strict medical supervision combined with fluid and electrolyte therapy.
• Severe hypokalemia: Insulin may exacerbate potassium depletion.

Use caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding; only administer when benefits outweigh risks.

Storage of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Proper storage is essential to maintain insulin potency:

• Unopened cartridges: Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, do not freeze.
• In-use cartridges: Can be kept at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to 28 days once inserted in the pen.
• Light protection: Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Inspection: Discard if solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
• Disposal: Follow local regulations for disposing used needles and cartridges safely.

Adhering to storage instructions ensures safety and efficacy of the medication.