What is this medication for?
Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps our body use or store blood glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body's requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream. Insulin injected under the skin helps to lower blood glucose levels.
There are many different types of insulin that are absorbed at different rates and work for varying periods of time. This type of premixed insulin contains a mixture of fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulins. This premixed insulin is used by people with diabetes who have their blood glucose under control and have found a particular ratio of fast-acting to intermediate-acting insulin that works best for them. This premixed insulin starts working 30 to 60 minutes after injection, has its maximum effect between 2 and 8 hours, and stops working after about 18 hours.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Humulin® 70/30 is available as:
- injectable
- 30 units regular insulin and 70 units NPH insulin per mL
- injectable
Pen
- 30 units regular insulin and 70 units NPH insulin per mL
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well your body is able to use the insulin. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the appropriate dose according to various lifestyle issues and the blood glucose values obtained while monitoring your blood glucose.
Your dose of insulin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator. The dose of insulin is measured in international units (IU). Each mL of insulin contains 100 IU. This premixed insulin is injected about 30 minutes before certain meals. The most common schedule is to use the premixed insulin before breakfast and supper. There are many variations of insulin dosing.
Mix premixed insulin by slowly rolling the bottle or pen between your hands. Premixed insulin suspension should appear cloudy and white. Do not use the insulin if it looks lumpy or grainy, seems unusually thick, sticks to the bottle or vial, or appears discolored. Do not use it if it contains crystals, if the bottle or vial looks frosted, or if the suspension remains clear after being rolled between your hands.
Keep unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator until needed. They may be used until the expiry date on the label. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin that is currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days and then discarded. Insulin must not be exposed to extremely hot temperatures or to sunlight.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial to keeping blood glucose under control and preventing unwanted side effects.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Premixed insulin should not be used:
- by anyone with a known or suspected allergy to insulin or any ingredients of the medication
- by anyone with low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
- for the treatment of diabetic coma
