Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen
Prescription Required
Product introduction
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting insulin used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used together with a healthy diet and regular exercise to control blood sugar levels after meals. This helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes like kidney damage and blindness.
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a type of short acting insulin used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It helps to control blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications. This medicine should be used with regular exercise and a healthy diet for best results. It is generally used in combination with other diabetes medicines. Monitor your blood sugar regularly as it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) as a side effect.
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a type of short acting insulin used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It helps to control blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications. This medicine should be used with regular exercise and a healthy diet for best results. It is generally used in combination with other diabetes medicines. Monitor your blood sugar regularly as it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) as a side effect.
Uses of Actrapid Solution for Injection
Benefits of Actrapid Solution for Injection
In Diabetes
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting type of insulin that is usually used along with other diabetes medication for controlling blood sugar levels. It replaces the insulin that is normally produced in the body. This helps the glucose get into your muscle and fat cells so your body can use it for energy. It also decreases glucose production in the liver.
Lowering of blood sugar level helps reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Learn exactly how, where, and when to inject this insulin for it to be most effective. Take it regularly along with proper diet and exercise for a normal, healthy life.
Lowering of blood sugar level helps reduce the risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Learn exactly how, where, and when to inject this insulin for it to be most effective. Take it regularly along with proper diet and exercise for a normal, healthy life.
Side effects of Actrapid Solution for Injection
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Actrapid
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Cold sweat
- Anxiety
- Shakiness
- Hunger pangs
- Fast heart rate
- Headache
- Nervousness
How to use Actrapid Solution for Injection
Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.
How Actrapid Solution for Injection works
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a short-acting insulin, which starts working within 30 minutes after injection. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.
Safety advice
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen.
Pregnancy
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Liver
CAUTION
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Regular monitoring of glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
Regular monitoring of glucose levels is recommended for dose adjustment.
What if you forget to take Actrapid Solution for Injection?
If you forget to take Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen, your blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycemia). Take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen
₹569.8/Solution for Injection
Insuman Rapid 100IU/ml Solution for Injection
Sanofi India Ltd
₹303.46/solution for injection
47% cheaper
Actrapid HM 100IU/ml Penfill
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₹350.9/solution for injection
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Insugen-R 100IU/ml Refil
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₹235.63/solution for injection
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Lupisulin R 100IU/ml Cartridge
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Quick tips
- Take it 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side-effect. Learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
- Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
- Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
- Opened vials/cartridges are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Insulin analogue
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI DIABETIC
Action Class
Human insulin- short acting
Patient concerns
User feedback
Patients taking Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen
Thrice A Day
53%
Once A Day
25%
Twice A Day
21%
What are you using Actrapid Solution for Injection for?
Others
100%
FAQs
Will I need Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen for the rest of my life?
If you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen for the rest of your life because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Therefore, you would need Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, sometimes your doctor may ask you to stop Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen if you are able to manage your diabetes with proper exercise, diet and oral medicines.
Can Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen be used with other diabetes medicine?
Yes, Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines like long-acting insulin or oral diabetes medicines, along with proper diet and exercise. Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan to get the maximum benefit.
How should Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen be used?
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will show you the area of your skin where you should inject it. Try not to inject on the same spot every time. Rotate between the typical injection sites, such as abdomen, buttocks, upper legs or upper arms. Never inject Humalog into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, making sure to move around within that area with each injection, for one or two weeks. You can then move to another area of your body and repeat the process. Use the same area for at least a week to avoid extreme blood sugar variations.
Is Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen safe to use in pregnancy?
Yes. Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before using Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen. You may require dose modifications and your doctor will advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You must follow the instructions of your doctor to get maximum benefits.
Is Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen safe to use in type 2 diabetes?
Yes, insulin is safe to use in type 2 diabetes if used according to your doctor's advice. Keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly as advised. Your dosage may need to be adjusted as per your needs. Follow the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about the side effects and ways to prevent and manage them.
What are the side effects of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen? How to prevent them?
The side effects of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen are injection site reactions such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Rarely, it can also cause lipodystrophy, which means abnormal changes in the fat tissues due to repeated insulin injections in the same area of the skin. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.
Can Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?
Yes, the most common side effect of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is hypoglycemia. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, do not skip meals and be consistent in the timing and amount of your meals. Take some snacks as per your requirement if you over exercise. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose/glucon-D or fruit juice with you. Take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
Is Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?
Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia etc, Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen may be given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). However, in such cases, it is only given by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in a hospital setting.
When does the dosage of Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen need to be changed?
You should consult your doctor for dose adjustment if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet such as missed meals or if you are taking alcohol. Your dose may also change if you have recently changed your exercise regime or are taking any medicines. Also, you must be vigilant for certain side effects that you may experience while using Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen. Your doctor will tell you ways to prevent them. These side effects are usually temporary but if they are very severe, you may need dose modifications.
Does Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen need to be refrigerated?
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen needs to be refrigerated before its first use. Unopened cartridges and unused pre-filled pens of Humalog must be stored in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and do not use Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen if it has been frozen. When the cartridge has been inserted into the injection pen, it should not be refrigerated and should be kept at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C) and must be used within 28 days or be discarded, even if they still contain Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen.
What is Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen? How is it made?
Actrapid 100 IU/ml Flexpen is a man-made version of human insulin, produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Nolte MS. Pancreatic hormones and antidiabetic drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 728-37.
- Human Insulin. Bagsvaerd, Denmark: Novo Nordisk A/S; 2012. [Accessed 12 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Chaves RG, Lamounier JA. Breastfeeding and maternal medications. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S189-98. [Accessed 12 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Actrapid [Summary of Product Characteristics]. Bagsværd, Denmark; Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Allé; 2007. [Accessed 13 October Sept. 2021] (online) Available from:
- Humulin [Product monograph]. Toronto, Ontario; Eli Lilly Canada Inc.; 2011. [Accessed 13 October Sept. 2021] (online) Available from:
- American Diabetes Association (ADA). Insulin administration (Position statement). Diabetes Care. 2004;27(Suppl 1): S106-S109. [Accessed 13 October 2021] (online) Available from:
- Insulin [Package Insert]. Bengaluru, India: Biocon Biologics India Limited; 2019. [Accessed 03 Jul. 2023]. (online) Available from:
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Name: Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
Address: Plot No.32, 47-50, EPIP Area, Whitefield, Bangalore - 560 066
Country of origin: Brazil
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