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Novolin R
Solution
Chemical Name: INSULIN (IN-su-lin)
Common uses
This medicine is a hormone used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), salicylates, oral medicines for diabetes, or a beta-blocker such as propranolol. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED during any episode of low blood sugar. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE BEGINS LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR about 1/2 to 1 hour after an injection. The peak effect occurs 2 to 3 hours after the dose. The effects last for about 5 to 7 hours. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about using this medicine or about giving injections. BE SURE YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE CORRECT INSULIN. Insulin comes in a variety of containers including vials, cartridges, and pens. Make sure that you understand how to properly measure and prepare your dose. If you have any questions about measuring or preparing your dose, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for information. STORE INSULIN IN A COLD PLACE, preferably in a refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. Protect insulin from direct sunlight. Read the information that came with your insulin for instructions on how to store your open container of insulin including when to discard the insulin container you are currently using. The length of time a package of insulin may be used depends on whether it is in a vial, cartridge, pen, or other device. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to properly store or when to discard your insulin. It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. DO NOT MISS any doses of insulin. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you should ever miss a dose of insulin.
Cautions
ALWAYS CHECK THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR INSULIN. If you notice anything unusual or if you see solid particles or clumps, discard the insulin and begin using a new container of insulin. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests such as fasting blood glucose levels or HBA1C levels may be done to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL without discussing with your doctor. INJECT EACH DOSE OF INSULIN in a different area to prevent skin irritation. AN INSULIN REACTION resulting from low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. Signs of hypoglycemia include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY about the reaction. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes medicine containing aspirin or other salicylates. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience signs of low or high blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. IF SEIZURES OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS OCCUR, obtain emergency medical care immediately. Signs of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, vision changes, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular testing of blood sugar are important for best results when using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Carry an identification card at all times that says you are diabetic. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly according to your doctor's directions. If your blood sugar level is often higher than it should be and you are taking this medicine according to directions, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain more insulin before your supply runs out.
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