Prescription Drug Index

INSULIN

This is a Brand Name Prescription Drug

Insulin

Pronounced: IN-suh-lin

Generic name: Insulin

Brand Name Drugs

Generic Drugs

Available formulations:
Insulin Human: Humulin
Insulin Human Isophane Suspension: Humulin N
Insulin Human NPH: Novolin N
Insulin Human Regular: Novolin R Humulin BR & R Velosulin BR
Insulin Human Regular and Human NPH mixture: Humulin 70/30 Novolin 70/30
Insulin Human Zinc Suspension: Humulin L & U Novolin L
Insulin NPH: NPH Iletin I (also II Beef; II Pork) NPH Insulin
Insulin Zinc Crystals: NPH Iletin I
Insulin Regular: Iletin I Regular (also II Beef; II Pork) Regular Insulin
Insulin Zinc Suspension: Iletin I Lente; Protamine Zinc and Iletin; Iletin I
Semilente; Iletin I; Lente Insulin; Ultralente Insulin

Insulin is prescribed for diabetes mellitus when this condition does not improve with oral medications or by modifying your diet. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas a large gland that lies near the stomach. This hormone is necessary for the body’s correct use of food especially sugar. Insulin apparently works by helping sugar penetrate the cell wall where it is then utilized by the cell. In people with diabetes the body either does not make enough insulin or the insulin that is produced cannot be used properly.

There are actually two forms of diabetes: Type I insulin-dependent and Type II non-insulin-dependent. Type I usually requires insulin injection for life while Type II diabetes can usually be treated by dietary changes and/or oral antidiabetic medications. Occasionally Type II diabetics must take insulin injections on a temporary basis especially during stressful periods or times of illness.

The various insulin brands above differ in several ways: in the source (animal human or genetically engineered) in the time requirements for the insulin to take effect and in the length of time the insulin remains working.

Regular insulin is manufactured from beef and pork pancreas begins working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for 6 to 8 hours. Variations of insulin have been developed to satisfy the needs of individual patients. For example zinc suspension insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts working within 1 to 1-1/2 hours and lasts approximately 24 hours. Insulin combined with zinc and protamine is a longer-acting insulin that takes effect within 4 to 6 hours and lasts up to 36 hours. The time and course of action may vary considerably in different individuals or at different times in the same individual. The genetically engineered insulin lispro injection works faster and for a shorter length of time than human regular insulin and should be used along with a longer-acting insulin. It is available only by prescription.

Animal-based insulin is a very safe product. However some components may cause an allergic reaction (see What side effects may occur?). Therefore genetically engineered human insulin has been developed to lessen the chance of an allergic reaction. It is structurally identical to the insulin produced by your body’s pancreas. However some human insulin may be produced in a semi-synthetic process that begins with animal-based ingredients which may cause an allergic reaction.

Your doctor will specify which insulin to use how much when and how often to inject it. Your dosage may be affected by changes in food activity illness medication pregnancy exercise travel or your work schedule. Proper control of your diabetes requires close and constant cooperation with your doctor. Failure to use your insulin as prescribed may result in serious and potentially fatal complications.

Some insulins should be clear and some have a cloudy precipitate. Find out what your insulin should look like and check it carefully before using.

Genetically engineered insulin lispro injection should not be used by children under age 12.

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Note:

The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

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