ACTRAPID INJECTION 100 IU/ML [SIN02395P]

Product Info

ACTRAPID INJECTION 100 IU/ML

[SIN02395P]

1. What Actrapid® is and what it is used for
Actrapid® is human insulin used to treat diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where your body does not produce enough insulin to control the level of your blood sugar. Actrapid® is a fast-acting insulin. This means that it will start to lower your blood sugar about ½ hour after you take it, and the effect will last for approximately 8 hours. Actrapid® is often given in combination with longer-acting insulin products.

3. How to use Actrapid®
Talk about your insulin needs with your doctor and nurse. Follow their advice carefully.
If your doctor has switched you from one type or brand of insulin to another, your dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates within 30 minutes of the injection.
It is recommended that you measure your blood sugar regularly.

How to use this insulin
Actrapid® is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Always vary the sites you inject within the same region, to reduce the risk of developing lumps or skin pitting (see 5 Possible side effects – please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information). The best places to give yourself an injection are: the front of your waist (abdomen); your buttocks; the front of your thighs or upper arms. Your insulin will work more quickly if you inject it around the waist.
Actrapid® may also be administered intravenously in special situations by your healthcare professional.

To inject Actrapid® on its own

1. Draw air into syringe, in the same amount as the dose of insulin you need.

2. Inject the air into vial; push the needle through the rubber stopper and press the plunger.

3. Turn the vial and syringe upside down.

4. Draw the right dose of insulin into the syringe.

5. Pull the needle out of the vial.

6. Make sure there is no air left in the syringe: point the needle upwards and push the air out.

7. Check you have the right dose.

8. Inject straight away.

To mix Actrapid® with long-acting insulin

1. Roll the vial of long-acting insulin between your hands. Do this until the liquid is uniformly white and cloudy.

2. Draw as much air into the syringe as the dose of long-acting insulin you need. Inject the air into the long-acting insulin vial, then pull out the needle.

3. Draw as much air into the syringe as the dose of Actrapid® you need. Inject the air into the Actrapid® vial. Then turn the vial and syringe upside down.

4. Draw the right dose of Actrapid® into the syringe. Pull the needle out of the vial. Make sure there is no air left in the syringe: point the needle upwards and push the air out. Check the dose.

5. Now push the needle into the vial of long-acting insulin.

6. Then turn the vial and syringe upside down.

7. Draw the right dose of long-acting insulin into the syringe.

8. Pull the needle out of the vial.

9. Make sure there is no air left in the syringe and check the dose.

10. Inject the mixture straight away.

Always mix fast-acting and long-acting insulin in this order. Inject the insulin

• Inject the insulin under the skin. Use the injection technique advised by your doctor or nurse

• Keep the needle under your skin for at least 6 seconds to make sure that the full dose has been delivered.

2. Before you use Actrapid®
Do not use Actrapid®

• In insulin infusion pumps.

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to human insulin or any of the other ingredients in Actrapid® (see 7 Further information – please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information).

• If you suspect hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is starting (see 4 What to do in an emergency – please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information).

• If the protective cap is loose or missing. Each vial has a protective, tamper-proof plastic cap. If it is not in perfect condition when you get the vial, return the vial to your pharmacy.

• If it has not been stored correctly or been frozen (see 6 How to store Actrapid® – please refer to the Product Insert/Patient Information Leaflet published on HSA for the full drug information).

• If the insulin does not appear clear and colourless.