Information about Insulin Isophane

Insulin Isophane Uses

Insulin Isophane is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2).

How Insulin Isophane works

Insulin Isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin, that starts working in 1-2 hours after injection. It works similar to the insulin that is produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver. This helps to lower the blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus.

Common side effects of Insulin Isophane

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Injection site allergic reaction, Edema (swelling), Lipodystrophy (skin thickening or pits at the injection site), Weight gain
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
09 Jul 2020 | 07:53 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Insulin Isophane

InsulatardNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
149 to ₹5187 variant(s)
Huminsulin NEli Lilly and Company India Pvt Ltd
157 to ₹4903 variant(s)
Insugen-NBiocon
157 to ₹4713 variant(s)
Lupisulin NLupin Ltd
157 to ₹4003 variant(s)
Wosulin-NWockhardt Ltd
154 to ₹2182 variant(s)
Recosulin NShreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
140 to ₹3342 variant(s)
Insucare NSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
1441 variant(s)
LentardNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
1291 variant(s)
Univia NPfizer Ltd
1451 variant(s)
Human ZinulinNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
1921 variant(s)

Expert advice for Insulin Isophane

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Hence, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is required while taking this medicine.
  • 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/cartridge are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator  (2°C–8°C).

Frequently asked questions for Insulin Isophane

Insulin Isophane

Q. How does biphasic isophane insulin work?

Insulin isophane is a recombinant human insulin analogue (genetically modified insulin that is grown in a laboratory and similar to human insulin). It is an intermediate acting insulin preparation. Insulin isophane acts by replacing the normal production of insulin and by helping transfer sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is utilized to generate energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar. Intermediate acting insulin preparations start acting within an hour or 2 of injection, and reach a period of peak activity that lasts up to 7 hours, following which the action trails off; overall duration of action ranges from 18 to 24 hours.

Q. What is Insulin Isophane? How is it made?

Insulin Isophane 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.

Q. Can Insulin Isophane cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?

Yes. The most common side effect of Insulin Isophane 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, don’t 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 glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you. Take all your medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.

Q. What are the other side effects of Insulin Isophane? How to prevent them?

The other side effects of Insulin Isophane 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.

Q. How should Insulin Isophane be used?

Insulin Isophane 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.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.

Q. Is Insulin Isophane given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?

Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia etc, Insulin Isophane may be given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). However, it is only given by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in a hospital setting.

Q. Is Insulin Isophane safe to use in pregnancy?

Yes. Insulin Isophane is safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding before using Insulin Isophane. 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 benefit.

Q. When does the dosage of Insulin Isophane 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 on the changes you experience while first using Insulin Isophane. For eg, you may notice certain side effects that are usually temporary but if these are very severe, you may need dose modifications.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

LegitScript approved
India's only LegitScript and ISO/ IEC 27001:2022 certified online healthcare platform

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.