Description:

Insulatard is a human insulin suspension (NPH insulin) used to treat diabetes mellitus (both type 1 and type 2) in adults, children, and adolescents. It is an intermediate-acting insulin that provides basal (background) insulin coverage, helping to control blood glucose levels between meals and overnight. It has a slower onset and longer duration than regular insulin, making it suitable for twice-daily regimens or in combination with short-acting insulins.

Prescription:

• Prescription required; administered under medical supervision (diabetes specialist or endocrinologist).

Therapeutic Category:

• Antidiabetic agent / Intermediate-acting human insulin (basal insulin).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Human insulin (recombinant DNA origin) 100 IU/mL (3.5 mg/mL), isophane (NPH) protamine-bound for intermediate action. Other ingredients: Zinc, m-cresol (preservative), glycerol, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium hydroxide/hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment), and water for injection.

Minerals:

• Trace zinc (as zinc insulin crystals for suspension stability).

Variant:

• Standard 100 IU/mL suspension in 10 mL vial or 3 mL cartridge (for pen devices); pre-filled pens (e.g., FlexPen) also available in some markets.

Consume Type:

• Parenteral (subcutaneous injection only; never intravenous or intramuscular).

Directions/Usage:

Administered by subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks; rotate sites).

• Adults & children: Individualized dose based on blood glucose monitoring, usually 0.3–1.0 IU/kg/day total insulin requirement (Insulatard typically 40–60% of daily dose as basal).
• Common regimens: Twice daily (e.g., morning and evening) or once daily at bedtime.
• Inject 30–60 minutes before meals if combined with short-acting insulin.
• Use with insulin pen or syringe; roll vial gently (do not shake vigorously) to resuspend cloudy suspension.
• Monitor blood glucose frequently; adjust dose with doctor guidance. Never share needles/pens.

Common Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar – sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion, seizures), injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, lipodystrophy), weight gain, edema (fluid retention), or allergic reactions (rash, itching). Rare: Severe hypoglycemia (unconsciousness), lipohypertrophy (fat accumulation at sites), or insulin resistance.

Package Type:

• 10 mL multidose vial (1000 IU total)
• 3 mL cartridge (300 IU total) for reusable pens
• Pre-filled FlexPen or InnoLet devices (300 IU per pen) Usually in boxes of 1 or 5 units.

Storage Advice:

• Unopened: Store in refrigerator (2–8°C); do not freeze. Protect from light.
• In use (opened vial/cartridge/pen): Store below 30°C for up to 28 days; do not refrigerate in-use pens.
• Discard after 28 days or if discolored/particulate. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in hypoglycemia or hypersensitivity to insulin. Use caution in renal/hepatic impairment (dose adjustment needed), elderly, or pregnancy (Category B—insulin is preferred in pregnancy). Monitor blood glucose closely (hypoglycemia risk higher with missed meals, exercise, or alcohol). Never mix with other insulins unless specified. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy. Report severe hypoglycemia, persistent injection site reactions, or signs of infection immediately. Carry glucose source (e.g., sweets) for hypo episodes. Not for IV use (risk of severe hypoglycemia).

Product Substitutes:

• Insulatard FlexPen / InnoLet / vial (Novo Nordisk original)
• Generic NPH Insulin 100 IU/mL (e.g., Humulin N, Insuman Basal, or other biosimilars)
• Other intermediate-acting insulins: Humulin N, Insuman Basal, or biosimilar NPH. Consult a diabetologist or pharmacist for available alternatives in Ghana.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Novo Nordisk

Country of Origin:

• Denmark