Iletin Lente
Generic Name: insulin zinc (IN suh lin ZINK)
Brand Names: Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L
What is Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to use the
sugar in food as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the
insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, the condition is called diabetes mellitus. This
condition allows sugar levels in the blood to become very high. Diabetics must use man-made insulin or
insulin that comes from pigs (which is very similar to human insulin) to lower these high blood sugar
levels.
Insulin zinc is used is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Insulin zinc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include shaking;
nausea; headache; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; fast heartbeat; sweating; pale, cool skin; anxiety;
and difficulty concentrating. Carry a piece of candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low
blood sugar.
Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes
in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control
your blood sugar levels.
Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses
may change your insulin requirements.
Do not change the brand of insulin zinc or syringe that you are using without first talking to your
doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not.
Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Do not use insulin zinc if you are allergic to insulin or if you have intolerance to a certain insulin
zinc product.
Before using insulin, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or if you take
other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
supplements.
Before using insulin zinc, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Most insulins can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. They are not expected to be
harmful to an unborn baby. It is very important to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy and
breast-feeding and insulin is often chosen as the treatment. Some types of insulin may be better than
others for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about the use of insulin during
pregnancy and breast-feeding.
How should I use Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Use insulin zinc exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions,
ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
If insulin zinc has been stored in the refrigerator, it can be warmed to room temperature before
use. Also, roll it slightly between your hands to be sure that it is mixed. Never shake an insulin zinc
suspension vigorously.
If you are mixing different types of insulins in the same syringe, follow your doctor's directions
and always draw up the different insulins in the same order (usually the clear insulin first). This may help
prevent a dosage error. Do not mix different insulins in the same syringe unless specifically directed to
do so by your doctor. Some types of insulins should not be mixed.
Do not use any insulin that is discolored, looks thick, has particles in it, or looks different
from previous bottles, cartridges, or pens of insulin zinc.
Change injection sites as directed by your doctor. Usually, you should not inject within 1 inch of
the same site within 1 month.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate,
puncture-resistant disposal container.
Do not change the insulin strength (e.g., U-100) or insulin type (e.g., zinc, regular, lispro, etc.)
unless your doctor recommends a change for you.
Do not change the brand of insulin zinc or syringe that you are using without first talking to your
doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin zinc and syringes are interchangeable, while others are
not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.
Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes
in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control
your blood sugar levels.
Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses
may change your insulin requirements.
Your healthcare provider may recommend regular monitoring of blood sugar levels with blood
or urine tests.
Wear some type of medical identification bracelet, necklace, or other alert tag to inform others
that you have diabetes and that you require insulin in the case of an emergency.
Proper foot care, eye care, dental care, and overall proper health care are important for people
with diabetes. Visit your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and other heath care practitioners as
recommended by your doctor.
Store unopened vials of insulin zinc the refrigerator between 36 and 46
degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius), in the original carton. Do not store insulin zinc in the
freezer and do not allow it to freeze. Do not use insulin zinc if it has been frozen. Throw away any
expired insulin zinc.
Vials of insulin zinc can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days, but should not be exposed
to excessive heat or sunlight.
Once punctured, the insulin vial in use, whether stored in the refrigerator or at room
temperature, must be used within 28 days. Throw away any unused insulin 28 days after the vial is first
punctured.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Follow your doctor's directions if you miss a dose of insulin. To prevent missed doses, be sure
to always have enough insulin on hand, especially if you are going on vacation.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an insulin overdose reflect very low blood sugar levels and include headache,
irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate or pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, increased hunger, and
anxiety.
What should I avoid while using Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Do not use alcohol without first talking to your doctor. It lowers blood sugar, and you may
experience dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes
in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin you need to control your
blood sugar levels.
Iletin Lente (insulin zinc) side effects
Rarely, people have allergic reactions to insulin. Seek emergency medical attention if you
experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or
face; or hives).
The side effects of insulin therapy result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high
or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and
know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you
in an emergency.
Low blood sugar may occur when too much insulin is used; when meals are missed or delayed;
if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other
medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, has the following symptoms: shaking;
nausea; headache; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; fast heartbeat; sweating; pale, cool skin; anxiety;
and difficulty concentrating.
Keep sugary candy, fruit juice, or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.
Increased blood sugar may occur if not enough insulin is used, if you eat significantly more food
then usual, if you exercise less than usual, if you take other medications, if you have a fever or other
illness, and in other situations.
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, has the following symptoms:
increased thirst, increased hunger, and increased urination.
Monitor your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if your
blood sugar levels are too high.
Side effects may also occur at the site of injection. If the area becomes thickened, hard, or
pitted, talk to your doctor before injecting at that site again.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Iletin Lente (insulin zinc)?
Many drugs can interact with insulin or affect blood sugar levels. Do not take any other
prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without
first talking to your doctor or pharmacist during treatment with insulin.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about insulin zinc written for health professionals that
you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Insulin zinc is available under the brand names Humulin L, Novolin L, Iletin II Lente, and Insulin
Lente Pork. The insulin should be a clear, colorless or evenly colored liquid after it is gently rolled or
shaken. Do not use it if it appears to be thick, looks sticky, has particles in it, or looks different from
previous bottles of insulin that you have had. Always use the same brand unless your doctor approves a
change. Ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor any questions you have about this medication.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.03. Revision Date: 1/11/06 8:53:03 AM.
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