PATIENT INFORMATION
HUMULIN®
(HU-mu-lin) N (human insulin [rDNA origin] isophane)
Suspension
What is HUMULIN N?
- HUMULIN N is a man-made insulin
that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes
mellitus.
Who should not use HUMULIN
N?
Do not use HUMULIN N if you:
- are having an episode of low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- have an allergy to HUMULIN N or
any of the ingredients in HUMULIN N.
Before using HUMULIN N, tell
your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including, if you:
- have liver or kidney
problems.
- take any other medicines,
especially ones commonly called TZDs (thiazolidinediones).
- have heart failure or other
heart problems. If you have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs
with HUMULIN N.
- are pregnant, planning to
become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- are taking new prescription or
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
Before you start using
HUMULIN N, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to
manage it.
How should I use HUMULIN N?
- Read the Instructions for
Use that come with your HUMULIN N.
- Use HUMULIN N exactly as your
healthcare provider tells you to.
- Know the type and strength of
insulin you use. Do not change the type of insulin you use unless your
healthcare provider tells you to. The amount of insulin and the best time for
you to take your insulin may need to change if you use different types of
insulin.
- Check your blood sugar
levels. Ask your healthcare provider what
your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.
Your HUMULIN N dose may need
to change because of:
- change in level of physical activity
or exercise, weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, change in diet.
What should I avoid while
using HUMULIN N?
While using HUMULIN N do
not:
- Drive or operate heavy
machinery, until you know how HUMULIN N affects you.
- Drink alcohol or use
prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol.
What are the possible side
effects of HUMULIN N?
HUMULIN N may cause serious
side effects that can lead to death, including:
- low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms that
may indicate low blood sugar include:
- dizziness or light-headedness,
sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast
heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, or mood changes, hunger.
- serious allergic reaction
(whole body reaction). Get medical help right away, if you have any of these
symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- a rash over your whole body,
trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
- low potassium in your blood
(hypokalemia).
- heart failure. Taking certain diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones or
“TZDs” with HUMULIN N may cause heart failure in some people. This can happen
even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems before. If you
already have heart failure it may get worse while you take TZDs with HUMULIN N.
Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely while you are taking TZDs
with HUMULIN N. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worse
symptoms of heart failure including:
- shortness of breath, swelling
of your ankles or feet, sudden weight gain Treatment with TZDs and HUMULIN N
may need to be adjusted or stopped by your healthcare provider if you have new
or worse heart failure.
Get emergency medical help
if you have:
- trouble breathing, shortness of
breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating,
extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.
The most common side effects
of HUMULIN N include:
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
allergic reactions including reactions at the injection site, skin thickening
or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), itching, rash, weight gain, and
swelling of your hands and feet.
These are not all the possible
side effects of HUMULIN N. Call your doctor for medical advice about side
effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about
the safe and effective use of HUMULIN N:
Medicines are sometimes
prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information
leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information
about HUMULIN N that is written for health professionals. Do not use HUMULIN N
for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give HUMULIN N to other
people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
What are the ingredients in
HUMULIN N?
Active Ingredient: insulin human (rDNA origin)
Inactive Ingredients: protamine sulfate, glycerin, dibasic sodium phosphate,
metacresol, phenol, zinc oxide, water for injection, hydrochloric acid or
sodium hydroxide For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to
www.humulin.com.
This Patient Information has
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: Month DD, YYYY
Instructions for Use
HUMULIN®
(HU-mu-lin) N (human insulin [rDNA origin] isophane suspension) vial (100
Units/mL, U-100)
Read the Instructions for Use
before you start taking HUMULIN N and each time you get a new HUMULIN N vial.
There may be new information. This information does not take the place of
talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your
treatment.
Do not share your syringes
or needles with anyone else. You may give an infection to them or get an
infection from them.
Supplies needed to give your
injection:
- a HUMULIN N vial
- a U-100 insulin syringe and
needle
- 2 alcohol swabs
- 1 sharps container for throwing
away used needles and syringes. See “Disposing of used needles and syringes” at the end of these instructions.
Preparing your HUMULIN N
dose:
- Wash your hands with soap and
water.
- Check the HUMULIN N label to
make sure you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially
important if you use more than 1 type of insulin.
- Do not use HUMULIN N past the expiration date printed on the
label or 31 days after you first use it.
- Always use a new needle for each injection to help
ensure sterility and prevent blocked needles.
Step 1: Gently roll the vial between the palms of
your hands at least 10 times.
Step 2: Invert the vial at least 10 times.
Do not shake.
Mixing is important to make sure you get the right
dose. Humulin N should look white and cloudy after mixing. Do not use it
if it looks clear or contains any lumps or particles.
Step 3: If you are using a new vial, pull off the
plastic Protective Cap, but do not remove the Rubber Stopper.
Step 4: Wipe the Rubber Stopper with an alcohol
swab.
Step 5: Hold the syringe with the needle pointing
up. Pull down on the Plunger until the tip of the Plunger reaches the line for
the number of units for your prescribed dose. (Example Dose: 20 units shown)
Step 6: Push the needle through the Rubber Stopper
of the vial.
Step 7: Push the plunger all the way in. This puts
air into the vial.
Step 8: Turn the vial and syringe upside down and slowly
pull the Plunger down until the tip is a few units past the line for your
prescribed dose. (Example Dose: 20 units Plunger is shown at 24 units)
If there are air bubbles, tap the syringe gently a few
times to let any air bubbles rise to the top.
Step 9: Slowly push the Plunger up until the tip
reaches the line for your prescribed dose.
Check the syringe to make sure that you have the right
dose. (Example Dose: 20 units shown)
Step 10: Pull the syringe out of the vial's Rubber
Stopper.
Giving your HUMULIN N
injection:
- Inject your insulin exactly as
your healthcare provider has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection
site for each injection.
Step 11: Choose your injection site.
HUMULIN N is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of
your stomach area (abdomen), buttocks, upper legs or upper arms.
Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab. Let the injection
site dry before you inject your dose.
Step 12: Insert the needle into your skin.
Step 13: Push down on the Plunger to inject your
dose.
The needle should stay in your skin for at least 5
seconds to make sure you have injected all of your insulin dose.
Step 14: Pull the needle out of your skin.
- If you see blood after you take the needle out of your
skin, press the injection site with a piece of gauze or an alcohol swab. Do
not rub the area.
- Do not recap the needle. Recapping the needle can
lead to a needle stick injury.
Disposing of used needles
and syringes:
- Put your used needles and
syringes in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do
not throw away (dispose of) loose needles and syringes in your household
trash.
- If you do not have a
FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that
is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a
tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the
container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you
will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of
your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you
should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe
sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the
state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at:
http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not recycle the container.
How should I store HUMULIN N?
All unopened HUMULIN N vials:
- Store all unopened vials in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze. Do not use if it has been
frozen.
- Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
- Unopened vials can be used until the expiration date on
the carton and label, if they have been stored in the refrigerator.
- Unopened vials should be thrown away after 31 days, if
they are stored at room temperature.
After HUMULIN N vials have been opened:
- Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room
temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 31 days.
- Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
- Throw away all opened vials after 31 days of use, even if
there is still insulin left in the vial.
General information about the safe and effective use
of HUMULIN N.
Keep HUMULIN N vials, syringes, needles, and all
medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions or problems with your HUMULIN,
contact Lilly at 1-800Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979) or call your healthcare
provider for help. For more information on HUMULIN and insulin, go to
www.humulin.com.
Scan this code to launch the humulin.com website
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
HUMULIN® N KwikPen™
(human insulin [rDNA
origin] isophane suspension)
Read the Instructions for Use
before you start taking HUMULIN N and each time you get another HUMULIN® N
KwikPen™. There may be new information. This information does not take the
place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or
your treatment.
HUMULIN N KwikPen (“Pen”) is a
disposable pen containing 3 mL (300 units) of U100 HUMULIN® N (human
insulin isophane suspension [rDNA origin]) insulin. You can inject from 1 to 60
units in a single injection.
HUMULIN N KwikPen has a blue
and light green Label with a matching light green Dose Knob (See the KwikPen
Parts diagram below).
Do not share your HUMULIN N
KwikPen or needles with another person. You may give an infection to them or
get an infection from them.
This Pen is not recommended
for use by the blind or visually impaired without the assistance of a person
trained in the proper use of the product.
KwikPen Parts
Supplies you will need to
give your HUMULIN N injection:
- HUMULIN N KwikPen
- KwikPen compatible Needle
(Becton, Dickinson and Company Pen Needles recommended)
- alcohol swab
Preparing HUMULIN N KwikPen:
- Wash your hands with soap and
water.
- Check the HUMULIN N KwikPen
Label to make sure you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially
important if you use more than 1 type of insulin.
- Do not use HUMULIN N past the expiration date printed on the
Label or 14 days after you start using the Pen.
- Always use a new needle for
each injection to help ensure sterility and prevent blocked needles.
Step 1:
- Pull the Pen Cap straight off.
- Wipe the Rubber Seal with an alcohol swab.
- Do not twist the cap.
- Do not remove the HUMULIN N KwikPen Label.
- Do not attach the Needle before mixing.
Step 2:
- Gently roll the Pen between your hands 10 times.
Step 3:
- Move the Pen up and down (invert) the Pen 10 times.
Mixing by rolling and inverting the Pen is important
to make sure you get the right dose.
Step 4:
- Check the liquid in the Pen. HUMULIN N should look
white and cloudy after mixing. Do not use if it looks clear or has any
lumps or particles in it.
Step 5:
- Select a new Needle.
- Pull off the Paper Tab from the Outer Needle Shield.
Step 6:
- Push the capped Needle straight onto the Pen and twist
the Needle on until it is tight.
Step 7:
- Pull off the Outer Needle Shield. Do not throw it
away.
- Pull off the Inner Needle Shield and throw it away.
Priming the HUMULIN N
KwikPen:
Prime the HUMULIN N KwikPen
before each injection. Priming ensures the
Pen is ready to dose and removes air that may collect in the cartridge during
normal use. If you do not prime before each injection, you may get too much or
too little insulin.
Step 8:
- Turn the Dose Knob to select 2 units.
Step 9:
- Hold the Pen with the Needle pointing up. Tap the
Cartridge Holder gently to collect air bubbles at the top.
Step 10:
- Hold the Pen with Needle pointing up. Push the Dose Knob
in until it stops, and “0” is seen in the Dose Window.
- Hold the Dose Knob in and count to 5 slowly.
A stream of insulin should be seen from the needle.
- If you do not see a stream of insulin, repeat
steps 8 to 10, no more than 4 times.
- If you still do not see a stream of insulin,
change the needle and repeat steps 8 to 10.
Selecting your dose:
Step 11:
- Turn the Dose Knob to select
the number of units you need to inject. The Dose Indicator should line up with
your dose.
The dose can be corrected by
turning the Dose Knob in either direction until the correct dose lines up with
the Dose Indicator.
- The even numbers are
printed on the dial. (Example: 10 units shown)
- The odd numbers, after
the number 1, are shown as full lines. (Example: 15 units shown)
- The HUMULIN N KwikPen will not
let you dial more than the number of units left in the Pen.
- If your dose is more than the
number of units left in the Pen, you may either:
- inject the amount left in your
Pen and then use a new Pen to give the rest of your dose, or
- get a new Pen and inject the
full dose.
- The Pen is designed to deliver
a total of 300 units of insulin. The cartridge contains an additional small
amount of insulin that cannot be delivered.
Giving your HUMULIN N injection:
- Inject your HUMULIN N exactly as your healthcare provider
has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection site for each injection.
- Do not try to change your dose while injecting
HUMULIN N.
Step 12:
- Choose your injection site.
HUMULIN N is injected under
the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area, buttocks, upper legs or upper
arms.
- Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab, and let the injection
site dry before you inject your dose.
Step 13:
- Insert the Needle into your skin.
Step 14:
- Put your thumb on the Dose Knob and push the Dose
Knob in until it stops.
- Hold the Dose Knob in and slowly count to 5.
Step 15:
- Pull the Needle out of your skin.
You should see “0” in the Dose Window. If you do not see “0” in the Dose Window,
you did not receive your full dose.
- If you see blood after you take the Needle out of your
skin, press the injection site lightly with a piece of gauze or an alcohol
swab. Do not rub the area.
- A drop of insulin at the needle tip is normal. It will not
affect your dose.
- If you do not think you received your full dose, do
not take another dose. Call Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or your
healthcare provider for help.
Step 16:
- Carefully replace the Outer Needle Shield.
Step 17:
- Unscrew the capped Needle and throw it away.
- Do not store the Pen with the Needle attached to
prevent leaking, blocking of the Needle, and air from entering the Pen.
Step 18:
- Replace the Pen Cap by lining up the Cap Clip with the
Dose Indicator and pushing straight on.
After your injection:
- Put your used needles and pens
in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw
away (dispose of) loose needles and pens in your household trash.
- If you do not have a
FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that
is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a
tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous
waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal
container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for
the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state
or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For
more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about
sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at:
http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
How should I store my HUMULIN N KwikPen?
- Store unused HUMULIN N KwikPens in the refrigerator at
36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). The Pen you are currently using should be stored at
room temperature, below 86°F (30°C).
- Do not freeze HUMULIN N. Do not use HUMULIN
N if it has been frozen.
- Unused Pens may be used until the expiration date printed
on the Label, if kept in the refrigerator.
- The HUMULIN N Pen you are using should be thrown away
after 14 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
- Keep HUMULIN N away from heat and out of the light.
General information about the safe and effective use
of HUMULIN N KwikPen.
- Keep HUMULIN N KwikPen and needles out of the reach of
children.
- Do not use the Pen if any part looks broken or
damaged.
- Always carry an extra Pen in case yours is lost or
damaged.
- If you cannot remove the Pen Cap, gently twist the Pen
Cap back and forth, and then pull the Pen Cap straight off.
- If it is hard to push the Dose Knob or the Pen is not
working the right way:
- Your Needle may be blocked. Put on a new Needle and prime
the Pen.
- You may have dust, food, or liquid inside the Pen. Throw
the Pen away and get a new one.
- It may help to push the Dose Knob more slowly during your
injection.
- Use the space below to keep track of how long you should
use each HUMULIN N KwikPen.
- Write down the date you start using your HUMULIN N
KwikPen. Count forward 14 days.
- Write down the date you should throw it away.
Example:
First used on _______ + 14 days
= Throw out on ______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
Pen 1 -First used on _______
Throw out on _______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
Pen 2 -First used on _______
Throw out on _______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
Pen 3 -First used on _______
Throw out on _______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
Pen 4 -First used on _______
Throw out on _______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
Pen 5 -First used on _______
Throw out on _______
__________________Date_____________________
Date
If you have any questions or
problems with your HUMULIN N KwikPen, contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx
(1-800-545-5979) or call your healthcare provider for help. For more
information on HUMULIN N KwikPen and insulin, go to www.lilly.com.
This Instructions for Use has
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.