Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials - PL 29831/0126

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Porcine insulin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Porcine insulin

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for The name of your medicine is Hypurin Porcine Insulin. Hypurin Porcine is the brand name for a range of highly purified porcine (pig) insulin injections. Hypurin Porcine Neutral is a sterile, clear solution of porcine insulin (100 international units/ml). It is short acting. Hypurin Porcine Isophane is a sterile, white suspension of porcine insulin (100 international units/ml) with protamine sulfate and zinc chloride in water. It is longer acting than Hypurin Porcine Neutral. Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix is a sterile, white suspension of porcine neutral and isophane insulins (100 international units/ml). It is intermediate acting. What Hypurin is used for Hypurin contains insulin which is a natural hormone, made by a gland called the pancreas. Insulin plays a key role in the way the body uses carbohydrate, fat and protein. Hypurin Porcine is used for the treatment of insulindependent diabetes mellitus. In this type of diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin to control the level of sugar in your blood. It can be treated by controlling your diet and taking insulin. Hypurin Porcine has been prescribed for you as a substitute for your own insulin.

What you need to know before you take it

e Hypurin Do not use Hypurin

  • if you have symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar or 'hypo' – see the section on hypoglycaemia in section 4 'Possible side effects')
  • if you are allergic to insulin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) If any of the above applies to you, you should not inject Hypurin. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are taking pioglitazone, as your risk of heart failure may be increased. Skin changes at the injection site: The injection site should be rotated to prevent skin changes such as lumps under the skin. The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy area (see How to use Hypurin). Contact your doctor if you are currently injecting into a lumpy area before you start injecting in a different area. Your doctor may tell you to check your blood sugar more closely, and to adjust your insulin or other antidiabetic medications dose. Other medicines and Hypurin Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you may have bought yourself without a prescription. Taking another medicine while you are using insulin can affect how it or the other medicine works. Medicines that can affect the way insulin works are;
  • Steroids, both corticosteroids, used to treat a range of allergic conditions, and anabolic steroids, used to treat various metabolic disorders.
  • Levothyroxine, used for an underactive thyroid gland.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
  • Cyclophosphamide, used to treat a wide range of tumours.
  • Isoniazid, used to treat tuberculosis (TB).
  • Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, nifedipine, clonidine or guanethidine.
  • Some drugs such as adrenaline, which are used to treat shock
  • Some drugs used to treat mental illness such as chlorpromazine, amitriptyline, fluoxetine and MAOIs such as phenelzine
  • Thiazide diuretics or loop diuretics, used to control excess water.
  • Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
  • Octreotide, an anti-hormone preparation.
  • Antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine or quinine.
  • Diazoxide, used to treat high blood pressure or low blood sugar.
  • Disopyramide or quinidine, used to treat an irregular heartbeat.
  • Fenfluramine, used to treat obesity.

Warning! We cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval. Whilst we take extreme care at all times to ensure accuracy to our client's brief, the final responsibility must be taken by our client. IF YOU SIGN THIS PROOF YOU ARE SIGNIFYING FULL APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND TEXT.

• • • •

Fibrates or gemfibrozil, used to regulate lipids. Mebendazole, used to treat threadworm. Oxytetracycline, an antibiotic. Pentoxifylline, used to treat leg ulcers and problems with blood circulation in the legs.

  • Testosterone. Alcohol and smoking can also affect the way insulin works. If you have any doubts about your medicine then discuss things more fully with your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes nurse. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. Particularly careful control of your diabetes and prevention of hypoglycaemia is important for your health and the health of your baby. Insulin requirements should be assessed frequently by an experienced diabetes physician during pregnancy, after delivery and whilst breast-feeding. Driving and using machines Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if you have hypoglycaemia. This might put yourself and others at risk when you are driving a car or operating machinery. You should contact your doctor about the advisability of driving if you have:
  • frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia
  • reduced or lack of warning signs of hypoglycaemia. Important information about some of the ingredients of Hypurin Zinc, protamine and the preservatives m-cresol and phenol may cause allergic reactions.

How to take it

Hypurin Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. What dose is needed? There is no 'standard' dose of insulin. Each person with diabetes has their own dose calculated according to their needs. Your doctor will decide which dose is best for you and which insulin to use. Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly and also follow any special instructions or warnings that appear on the label that the pharmacist has put on the package. Dosage adjustments of Hypurin Patients with disease of the liver, kidneys, adrenal, pituitary or thyroid glands, or coeliac disease (symptoms may include severe diarrhoea and unintentional weight loss) may need lower doses. This dose may alter during illness (including infection and surgery), injury, emotional stress, during puberty, around the time of a menstrual period, and during pregnancy and after delivery. Lactating women may also require dosage adjustments. It may also change with your diet and lifestyle, particularly if you are exercising more. Patients transferred to Hypurin Porcine Insulins from other types of insulin may require dosage adjustments. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients may require dosage adjustments during the first weeks, months or years of treatment. If you do not understand or are in any doubt ask your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes nurse. Advice and checks to be made when using Hypurin Porcine Insulin

  • You must keep a close watch on your blood sugar by testing your glucose levels regularly in your blood or urine
  • Your urine should be tested for ketones at regular intervals.
  • Be aware that insulin resistance can occur, particularly in patients who have lipid disorders (usually this will be diagnosed by blood tests), hypertension (high blood pressure) or heart disease. Stress can also contribute to insulin resistance.
  • If your doctor has asked you to increase the frequency or dose of your insulin treatment in order to improve your sugar levels, you may at some point lose some of the warning symptoms that usually occur when your blood sugar is falling too low (hypoglycaemia). These symptoms include shakiness, pounding heartbeat, sweating and feeling anxious.
  • You may also lose some of the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia if you have had repeated attacks of hypoglycaemia, if control of your blood sugar is greatly improved, if you have a long history of diabetes, or if you are also taking certain other medicines, such as beta blockers (used to treat high blood pressure and angina) or clonidine (used to treat high blood pressure)
  • If you are elderly, you may have more severe episodes of hypoglycaemia and some of the warning symptoms may change, be weaker or be missing.
  • Be aware that activities such as taking a hot bath, sunbathing, or using a sunbed or sauna can increase the rate at which insulin is absorbed and increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Injection sites Recommended injection sites include the upper arms, thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen. It may be preferable to use those areas that are less visible. Each time you inject your insulin you should use a different spot in the same general area. Change to a different injection area each week. Hypurin Porcine Isophane or Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix should not be injected into a vein. Hypurin Porcine Neutral may be injected into a vein, but only by a doctor in an emergency. Injecting Hypurin Your doctor or diabetes nurse will advise you on how to inject your insulin.
  • Check that the vial in the carton has the same label as on the carton and that different types of Hypurin Porcine have not been mixed up.

Customer

Wockhardt UK Limited

Colours Used

Description

HYPUR P 100U-ML VIA COMMON LEAFLET

Black

Item Code

104498/6

Keyline (Non-Printing)

Profile

As per the uploaded pdf

Cirrus_Info_Box

Size

148 x 350mm

Min.Point Size

Other

Market

UK

Language

English

Standard 276

Barcode Proof By

GKE

Proof No.

1

Date

06/07/2020

Body Text Fonts:

Pragmatica

Body Text Ctd.

Actual Min Point Size

8pt

  • Do not use Hypurin Porcine that has been frozen or contains lumps that do not disappear on mixing.
  • Wash and dry your hands.
  • Clean the rubber plug on the vial, but do not remove it.
  • If you are using Hypurin Porcine Isophane, Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix, roll the vial gently between your palms or invert it several times to mix the contents immediately before use.
  • Hypurin Porcine Neutral does not need to be mixed. It should be a clear, colourless solution and not contain any particles.
  • Before withdrawing your insulin from the vial, draw air into the syringe equal to the amount of insulin to be drawn up. Push the needle through the rubber plug of the vial and inject the air into the vial. This will make it easier for you to withdrawn the insulin.
  • Leaving the needle in the vial, turn the vial upside down making sure the needle tip stays below the surface of the insulin. Slowly fill the syringe with slightly more than your usual dose of insulin. Push the plunger back to your correct dose, expelling any air bubbles into the vial. Take the needle out of the vial. You are now ready to inject your insulin.
  • Pinch up the skin at the injection site. Stick the needle in fully at right angles. Do not release the skin. Push the plunger down to empty the syringe keeping the needle in place for a count of five seconds. Release the pinched up skin and take the needle out. There is no need to massage the area.
  • Once the vial is opened the insulin must only be used by the same patient. If your doctor recommends it, Hypurin Porcine Neutral can be mixed with Hypurin Porcine Isophane in the same syringe. If you need to do this, draw the Hypurin Porcine Neutral into the syringe before the Hypurin Porcine Isophane. This should be demonstrated to you before you attempt to do it yourself. Use the injection immediately. If you think you have received too much Hypurin If you think you have received too much Hypurin, contact your doctor or diabetes nurse immediately. Symptoms of an overdose include weakness, sweating, trembling, nervousness, excitement and irritability which, if untreated, could lead to collapse and coma. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Treating hypoglycaemia

  • Always carry glucose tablets or sugar lumps with you wherever you go.
  • At the first warning sign of hypoglycaemia, stop what you are doing and take five glucose tablets or three sugar lumps, preferably with water. You should begin to feel better almost immediately.
  • If you do not feel better in ten minutes repeat the glucose tablets or sugar lumps.
  • If the "hypo" happens shortly before a meal or snack, treat the "hypo" and have your meal as soon as you can.
  • If a meal is not due, take the quick-acting glucose tablets or sugar lumps and follow them with some longer-acting carbohydrate food like a sandwich or biscuits.
  • Because of the risk of a "hypo" you should carry an identification card or wear an identity bracelet or necklace carrying details of your name, address, doctor and insulin treatment. It is also important that relatives, friends and colleagues know that you have diabetes and are taking insulin so that they can recognise symptoms of a "hypo" and help if necessary. Skin changes at the injection site: If you inject insulin too often at the same place, the fatty tissue may either shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy). Lumps under the skin may also be caused by build-up of a protein called amyloid (cutaneous amyloidosis). The insulin may not work very well if you inject into a lumpy area. Change the injection site with each injection to help prevent these skin changes. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. These include:

  • Hypoglycaemia (see section "Treating hypoglycaemia" below)
  • swelling (oedema)
  • redness, itching or swelling around the area of injection
  • stinging, or sensations of warmth or burning at the site of injection
  • thickening or pitting of the skin in the areas used for injection (lipodystrophy)
  • rash
  • pain caused by nerve damage
  • shortness of breath or wheezing
  • low levels of potassium, which can cause muscle weakness, twitching or abnormal heart rhythm (hypokalaemia)
  • weight gain
  • nausea. Rarely the following side effects may occur:
  • allergic reactions and generalised swelling (oedema)
  • severe allergic reactions that cause difficulty in breathing or dizziness. Hypoglycaemia("hypo"orinsulinreaction) symptoms Hypoglycaemia means low blood sugar. The symptoms of a "hypo" are:
  • pale face, sweating
  • palpitations, rapid heartbeat, heart disease (symptoms may include chest pain and shortness of breath)
  • hunger
  • cramps
  • deep breathing
  • weakness, drowsiness, yawning, fatigue, reduced consciousness
  • altered behaviour, aggression, confusion, irritability, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, excitement, trembling.
  • difficulty in finding words, difficulty in concentration
  • fits
  • blurred vision and/or double vision, slurred speech
  • tingling or numbness of the nose, mouth, fingers, or toes, paralysis
  • headache, excess fluid in the brain (symptoms may include headache, loss of co-ordination), brain damage (symptoms may include forgetfulness, learning difficulties). Why might hypoglycaemia occur? Hypoglycaemia may occur for the following reasons (or occasionally for no apparent reason):
  • missing or postponing a meal or eating less than the correct dietary allowance
  • taking more exercise than usual
  • injecting the wrong dose of insulin
  • episodic heavy alcohol intake – 'binge drinking'. Untreated "hypos" can have serious consequences. It is important to recognise the symptoms and treat hypoglycaemia early.

How to store it

Hypurin Keep all vials and syringes out of the sight and reach of children.

  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after 'EXP' or if the insulin has been frozen. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Hypurin Porcine vials should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C. Once in use, the cartridge can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for 28 days after which it should be discarded.
  • Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Hypurin Porcine Contains Hypurin Porcine Neutral is a sterile, clear solution of porcine insulin (100 international units/ml). It also contains m-cresol, phenol, glycerol and sodium phosphate. Hypurin Porcine Isophane is a sterile, white suspension of porcine insulin (100 international units/ml) with protamine sulfate and zinc chloride in water. It also contains m-cresol, phenol, glycerol and sodium phosphate. Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix is a sterile, white suspension of porcine neutral and isophane insulins (100 international units/ml). It also contains m-cresol, phenol, glycerol and sodium phosphate. What Hypurin Porcine looks like and contents of the pack Hypurin Porcine is available in packs of glass vials, which contain 10ml of solution or suspension, and glass cartridges, which contain 3ml of solution or suspension for use in pen injectors. Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product Name

Reference Number

Hypurin Porcine Neutral

PL 29831/0126

Hypurin® Porcine Isophane

PL 29831/0121

Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix

PL 29831/0118

®

®

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. Manufacturer CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK. This leaflet was last revised in 06/2020

104498/6

Warning! We cannot accept responsibility for any errors in this proof after approval. Whilst we take extreme care at all times to ensure accuracy to our client's brief, the final responsibility must be taken by our client. IF YOU SIGN THIS PROOF YOU ARE SIGNIFYING FULL APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND TEXT.

Customer

Wockhardt UK Limited

Colours Used

Description

HYPUR P 100U-ML VIA COMMON LEAFLET

Black

Item Code

104498/6

Keyline (Non-Printing)

Profile

As per the uploaded pdf

Cirrus_Info_Box

Size

148 x 350mm

Min.Point Size

Other

Market

UK

Language

English

Standard 276

Barcode Proof By

GKE

Proof No.

1

Date

06/07/2020

Body Text Fonts:

Pragmatica

Body Text Ctd.

Actual Min Point Size

8pt

Frequently asked questions about Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126

What is the active substance in Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126?

The active substance in Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126 is porcine insulin.

Are there equivalent medicines to Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix Cartridges – PL 29831/0119, Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix Vials – PL 29831/0118, Hypurin Porcine Isophane Cartridges – PL 29831/0122. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126 without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Porcine insulin (6 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

The treatment of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

May be used for diabetics who require an insulin of prompt onset and short duration. It is a suitable preparation for admixture with longer acting insulins. It is particularly useful where intermittent, short term or emergency therapy is required, during initial stabilisation and in the treatment of labile diabetes.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

To be determined by the physician according to the needs of the patient.

Method of administration

Usually administered subcutaneously but where necessary it may be given intramuscularly or intravenously. After subcutaneous injection onset of action occurs within 30-60 minutes with an overall duration of 6-8 hours. Maximum effect is exerted over the mid-range.

Injection sites should always be rotated within the same region in order to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis (see section 4.4 and 4.8).

4.3. Contraindications

Hypoglycaemia.

Hypersensitivity to insulin or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Hypoglycaemia: Susceptibility to hypoglycaemia may be increased by an inaccurate or excessive dosage of insulin, the omission of a meal by the patient or increased physical activity. Correct insulin administration and awareness of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia are essential to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (see section 4.9).

Blood or urinary glucose concentrations should be monitored and the urine tested for ketones by patients on insulin therapy.

Newly diagnosed diabetic patients may experience fluctuating insulin requirements during the first weeks, months or even years of treatment (the so-called 'honeymoon period').

Patients transferred to Hypurin® Porcine insulins from other commercially available preparations may require dosage adjustments.

The warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia may be changed, be less pronounced or absent in certain risk groups who should be advised accordingly. These include patients:

- in whom glycaemic control is greatly improved, e.g. by intensified insulin therapy

- with a long history of diabetes

- who are elderly

- receiving concomitant treatment with certain medicinal products e.g. beta blockers or clonidine

- who have experienced repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia.

Elderly diabetic patients are more susceptible to episodes of severe, rapid onset hypoglycaemia.

Combination of Hypurin® insulins with pioglitazone: Cases of cardiac failure have been reported when thiazolidinediones are used in combination with insulin, especially in patients with risk factors for development of cardiac heart failure. This should be kept in mind if treatment with the combination of pioglitazone and Hypurin® is considered. If the combination is used, patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure, weight gain and oedema. Pioglitazone should be discontinued if any deterioration in cardiac symptoms occurs.

Insulin requirements may increase during illness (this includes infection and accidental and surgical trauma), puberty or emotional upset.

Insulin resistance is frequently associated with lipid disorders, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. Patients with insulin resistance usually require more than 200 units of insulin daily. Insulin resistance of the type manifested by greatly increased insulin requirements may be due to factors including antibody formation although some diseases, such as infections, endocrine hyperfunctional states (e.g. acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, thyrotoxicosis) or stress can contribute to insulin resistance.

Insulin requirements may decrease with liver disease, disease of the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid glands and coeliac disease. In patients with severe renal impairment, insulin requirements may fall and dosage reduction may be necessary. The compensatory response to hypoglycaemia may also be impaired.

Insulin requirements may be increased in the premenstrual period but may be reduced during or after a menstrual cycle.

Insulin requirements are usually reduced but occasionally increased during periods of increased activity.

Increase in subcutaneous blood flow, brought about by factors such as a hot bath, sunbathing/sunbed or sauna may increase the rate of absorption of insulin and increase the risk of hypoglycaemia occurring.

Patients must be instructed to perform continuous rotation of the injection site to reduce the risk of developing lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis. There is a potential risk of delayed insulin absorption and worsened glycaemic control following insulin injections at sites with these reactions. A sudden change in the injection site to an unaffected area has been reported to result in hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended after the change in the injection site, and dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications may be considered.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Drugs that may increase the requirement for insulin

Antipyschotics: chloropromazine

Corticosteroids

Diazoxide

Diuretics: thiazide diuretics or loop diuretics

Sympathomimetic agents

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy

Smoking may also antagonise the hypoglycaemic effect of insulin

Drugs that may decrease the requirement for insulin

ACE inhibitors

Alcohol: moderate or large amounts of alcohol (more than 2 units per day for women and more than 3 units per day for men) can decrease the requirements for insulin and may lead to hypoglycaemic attacks. Episodic heavy drinking ('binge' drinking) carries a particularly high risk of hypoglycaemic episodes.

Anabolic steroids

Analgesics: NSAIDS, or salicylates, particularly large doses of aspirin

Androgens: testosterone may enhance the hypoglycaemic effect of insulin

Anti-arrhythmics: disopyramide.

Concomitant use of insulin with quinidine may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia occurring.

Anti-depressants: monoamine oxidase inhibitors or fluoxetine.

Concomitant use of amitriptyline with insulin may lead to hypoglycaemia.

Antihypertensives: guanethidine

Antimalarials: concomitant use of insulin with antimalarials such as chloroquine or quinine may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia occurring.

Fenfluramine

Hormone antagonists: octreotide

Lipid-regulating drugs: fibrates

Mebendazole

Pentoxifylline: the hypoglycaemic activity of insulin may be potentiated by concomitant administration of high-dose pentoxifylline injection.

Tetracyclines: tetracyclines such as oxytetracycline

Drugs that may increase or decrease the requirements for insulin

Antihypertensives: clonidine. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia may be masked by clonidine.

Beta blockers: beta blockers. Some of the warning signs of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia may be masked.

Calcium channel blockers: nifedipine may occasionally impair glucose tolerance.

Cyclophosphamide

Isoniazid

Lipid-regulating drugs: gemfibrozil

Oral contraceptives

Other interactions

Antidiabetics: Thiazolidinediones (pioglitazone) may induce oedema and/or heart failure with higher rates of heart failure when used concomitantly with insulin (see section 4.4).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

A decreased requirement for insulin may be observed in the early stages of pregnancy. However, in the second and third trimesters, insulin requirements may increase. Insulin requirements should therefore be assessed frequently by an experienced diabetic physician.

Maternal insulin requirements may decrease after delivery. As this decrease can be at an unpredictable rate, the maternal blood glucose should be closely monitored.

Congenital abnormality is more common in offspring of diabetic than non-diabetic women.

Lactation

Caution should be exercised when prescribing to lactating women. Lactating women may require adjustments in insulin dose and diet.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The patient's ability to concentrate and react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery).

Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia whilst driving, this is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning signs of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. The advisability of driving should be considered in these circumstances.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Immune system disorders:

Insulin hypersensitivity can occur with animal insulins, but appears less likely with purified insulins and there is minimal evidence that such effects occur with Hypurin insulins.

Neuropathic pain induced by rapid glycaemic control following insulin administration may occur.

Allergic reactions to phenol and m-cresol contained as preservative may occur.

• Local hypersensitivity: Local allergic reactions to insulin such as pruritus, erythema and oedema may occur at the injection site.

• Generalised hypersensitivity: Generalised hypersensitivity may produce urticaria, rash, nausea, dyspnoea or wheezing and, in rare cases, anaphylactic reactions. Severe, angioedema is a rare adverse effect of insulin treatment occurring most often at the initiation of therapy.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders:

• Hypoglycaemia is the most common adverse effect associated with insulin therapy. For symptoms of hypoglycaemia, refer to section 4.9, Overdosage.

• Hypokalaemia may occur with insulin therapy.

• Insulin therapy may lead to weight gain.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis (frequency not known) may occur at the injections site and delay local insulin absorption. Continuous rotation of the injection site within the given injection area may help to reduce or prevent these reactions (see section 4.4).

General disorders and administration site conditions:

Stinging or sensations of warmth or burning at the site of injection may also occur.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

a) Symptoms

Overdosage causes hypoglycaemia. Symptoms include yawning, hunger, pallor, restlessness, weakness, sweating, trembling, confusion, anxiety, nervousness, excitement, irritability, aggression, altered behaviour, deep respiration, cramps, headache, paraesthesia and/or numbness of the nose, mouth, fingers or toes, reduced consciousness, visual disturbance, including blurred vision and double vision, slurred speech, difficulty in finding words, difficulty in concentration, drowsiness, fatigue, convulsions, hemiplegia, paralysis, tachycardia and/or palpitations, myocardial ischaemia and cerebral oedema which, if untreated, will lead to collapse, coma and/or irreversible brain damage.

Hypokalaemia may also occur with insulin overdose.

b) Treatment

Mild hypoglycaemia will respond to oral administration of glucose or sugar and rest.

Moderately severe hypoglycaemia can be treated by intramuscular, intravenous or subcutaneous injection of glucagon followed by oral carbohydrate when the patient is sufficiently recovered.

For patients who are comatose or who have failed to respond to glucagon injection an intravenous injection of strong Dextrose Injection BP should be given.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Hypurin Porcine Neutral Vials – PL 29831/0126. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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