ACTRAPID PENFILL INJECTION 100 IU/ML [SIN02397P]

Product Info

ACTRAPID PENFILL INJECTION 100 IU/ML

[SIN02397P]

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. Make sure you take Actrapid® Penfill® as instructed by your doctor or nurse and 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.

How to inject this insulin

• Inject the insulin under the skin. Use the injection technique advised by your doctor or nurse and as described in your delivery system manual.

• Keep the needle under your skin for at least 6 seconds. Keep the push-button fully depressed until the needle has been withdrawn. This will ensure correct delivery and limit possible flow of blood into the needle or insulin reservoir.

• After each injection be sure to remove and discard the needle and store Actrapid® without the needle attached. Otherwise the liquid may leak out which can cause inaccurate dosing.

Do not refill Actrapid® Penfill®.
Penfill® cartridges are designed to be used with Novo Nordisk insulin delivery systems and NovoFine® or NovoTwist® needles.
If you are treated with Actrapid® Penfill® and another insulin Penfill® cartridge, you should use two insulin delivery systems, one for each type of insulin.

As a precautionary measure, always carry a spare insulin delivery system in case your Penfill® is lost or damaged.

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 cartridge or the device containing the cartridge is dropped, damaged or crushed.

• 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.