ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml Injection

What is ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml is a fast-acting human soluble insulin preparation provided in 3ml cartridges compatible with insulin pen devices. It is designed to help individuals with diabetes mellitus manage their blood glucose levels effectively. Being a biosynthetic human insulin, it has the same amino acid sequence as naturally occurring insulin in the human body, ensuring predictable pharmacological effects and minimizing allergic reactions compared to animal-derived insulins.

This medication is particularly useful in controlling postprandial blood sugar spikes, making it suitable for use before meals. It is widely used in both type 1 diabetes (where the body produces little or no insulin) and type 2 diabetes (where the body’s insulin production or effectiveness is impaired). The penfill format offers convenience, dose accuracy, and portability, enhancing patient adherence to insulin therapy.

• Formulation: Human soluble insulin in a 3ml cartridge for pen injectors.
• Indications: Management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring rapid-acting insulin.
• Pharmacological class: Short-acting insulin analogue.
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection using insulin pens.
• Benefits: Precise dosing, ease of use, and rapid onset of action.

How to use ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Proper use of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL is vital to maintain optimal glycemic control and minimize adverse effects.

• Device compatibility: Use only with compatible insulin pen devices designed for 3ml cartridges.
• Injection technique: Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent lipodystrophy.
• Timing: Administer approximately 30 minutes before meals to align insulin action with food absorption.
• Preparing the pen: Before each injection, check that insulin appears clear and colorless. Do not use if cloudy or discolored.
• Dose setting: Turn the dose selector on the pen to the prescribed units.
• Injection: Insert the needle fully, press the injection button, and hold for 5-10 seconds to ensure full dose delivery.
• Needle disposal: Use a new sterile needle for every injection and dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps containers.
• Monitoring: Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential to adjust doses and avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia.

Mode of Action ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL contains human soluble insulin, which acts to regulate blood glucose by facilitating cellular glucose uptake and metabolism.

• Receptor binding: Insulin binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, activating intracellular signaling cascades.
• Glucose uptake: Promotes translocation of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4) to the cell surface, increasing glucose entry into cells.
• Glycogen synthesis: Stimulates conversion of glucose into glycogen in the liver and muscle for storage.
• Inhibits glucose production: Suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, reducing glucose release into the bloodstream.
• Lipid metabolism: Promotes lipogenesis and inhibits lipolysis, impacting energy storage and utilization.
• Protein metabolism: Enhances amino acid uptake and protein synthesis, preventing muscle breakdown.
• Pharmacokinetics: Rapid onset within 30 minutes, peak activity between 1 to 3 hours, duration of action approximately 6 to 8 hours.

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

ACTRAPID HM PENFILL’s effects on blood glucose can be altered by concomitant medications, necessitating close monitoring and possible dose adjustments.

• Beta-blockers: May mask hypoglycemia symptoms like tremors and palpitations and reduce insulin sensitivity.
• Corticosteroids and thyroid hormones: Often increase blood glucose levels, requiring increased insulin doses.
• Diuretics: Some, especially thiazides and loop diuretics, can impair glucose tolerance.
• Alcohol: Can potentiate hypoglycemic effects or cause delayed hypoglycemia, especially with irregular intake.
• ACE inhibitors: May improve insulin sensitivity, lowering insulin requirements.
• Salicylates and anabolic steroids: Can potentiate insulin’s hypoglycemic effect.
• Sympathomimetics and calcium channel blockers: May cause variable effects on glucose metabolism.

Patients should inform healthcare providers about all medications to optimize insulin therapy safely.

Dosage of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

The dosage of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL is individualized according to the patient's metabolic needs, lifestyle, and blood glucose monitoring results.

• Initial dosing: Usually 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day in type 1 diabetes, divided into basal and mealtime insulin doses.
• Administration timing: Inject approximately 30 minutes before meals to cover postprandial glucose.
• Titration: Adjust doses based on frequent blood glucose measurements and clinical response.
• Special populations: Dosage adjustments are necessary for elderly patients, renal or hepatic impairment, or during illness.
• Missed dose: If a dose is missed, administer as soon as possible unless it is close to the next scheduled dose.
• Consult healthcare provider: Never change doses without professional guidance.

Possible side effects of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

While ACTRAPID HM PENFILL is effective, it may cause side effects that patients should be aware of:

• Hypoglycemia: Most common adverse effect characterized by sweating, shaking, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
• Injection site reactions: Including pain, redness, swelling, or lipodystrophy (localized fat atrophy or hypertrophy).
• Allergic reactions: Rare but may range from mild rash to anaphylaxis.
• Weight gain: Insulin therapy may promote weight gain due to anabolic effects.
• Hypokalemia: Insulin drives potassium into cells, possibly leading to low blood potassium.
• Edema and fluid retention: Occasionally observed in some patients.

Prompt recognition and management of side effects are essential for safe insulin therapy.

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

Contraindications for ACTRAPID HM PENFILL use include:

• Hypoglycemia: Insulin must never be administered during episodes of low blood sugar.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to insulin or any excipients present in the formulation.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Should be treated with insulin only under close medical supervision alongside fluid and electrolyte replacement.
• Severe hypokalemia: Insulin can worsen potassium depletion.

Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation; consult healthcare providers for risk-benefit assessment.

Storage of ACTRAPID HM PENFILL 100 Units/ml

Proper storage of insulin is essential to maintain potency and safety.

• 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 into the pen device.
• Protection: Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Inspection: Before use, check insulin clarity; do not use if cloudy, discolored, or containing particles.
• Disposal: Dispose of used cartridges and needles according to local medical waste regulations.

Adhering to recommended storage conditions ensures therapeutic effectiveness and patient safety.