What is Humulin® 70/30?
Humulin 70/30 is a combination of short-acting regular human insulin (Humalin R) and intermediate-acting insulin (Humulin N). It is used to control high blood sugar for adults with diabetes.
Insulin should be part of a diabetes treatment program that also includes exercise, diet, weight loss and blood sugar testing. Follow your doctor and pharmacist instructions closely.
Humulin 70/30 insulin is available in different forms including:
- Humulin 70/30 U-100 vial
- Humulin® 70/30 KwikPen®
Humulin 70/30 is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) using specific syringes marked for U-100 insulin. Humulin 70/30 and U-100 insulins contains 100 units/mL. Be sure to use a syringe marked with U-100.
This combination of insulin isophane and insulin regular, starts working within 10-20 minutes after injection, peaks in 2 hours and continues to work for up to 24 hours.
Humulin 70/30 Usage
Humulin 70/30 should be used as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Review instructions which come with medication and prescription label.
Do not increase or decrease dosages or for longer than as directed by your physician.
Humulin 70/30 insulin should be injected under the skin. Your doctor or nurse should how you how to inject properly and how to dispose of syringes and needles.
Do not inject into a muscle or vein.
Humulin 70/30 should not be mixed with other insulin or used with an insulin pump.
Your doctor should instruct on where to inject insulin. Rotate injection sites to avoid causing skin complications. Do not inject into skin that is tender, pitted, bruised, thickened, scaly, damaged or has lumps.
Eat a meal within 30-45 minutes after injection.
If you are going to use an injection pen, only use the one that comes with the Humulin 70/30.
Follow local and state laws for proper disposal of needles and syringes. Use a “sharps” disposal container which is puncture-proof. Speak to your pharmacist about how and where to properly dispose of medication and used medical supplies.
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon memory kit in the event of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Be sure your friends and family understand how to apply the injection n case of emergency. Signs of hyperglycemia may include increased thirst and urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by several factors including surgery, illness, stress, alcohol use, exercise or skipping meals. Speak to your doctor before you decide to change your insulin schedule.
Keep Humulin 70/30 insulin in its original container and away from light and heat.
Do not draw insulin into a syringe unless it is time for injection.
Do not freeze insulin or store near a cooling element.
Dispose of insulin that has previously been frozen.
How to store Humulin 70/30
If in use:
- Store vial in refrigerator or at room temperature. Medication shold be used within 31 days
If not in use:
- Refrigerate until expiration date or
- Store at room temperature and use vial within 31 days
Read all medication guides, patient information and instruction sheets provided by your pharmacist. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions.
Wear a diabetes medical alert tag or have identification that lets others know you are diabetic in case of emergency. A medical expert should be able to know if you have diabetes.
Humulin 70/30 should be taken with meals. If you take a dose be sure to eat within 45 minutes. Do not take extra insulin if you miss an injection.
Refill prescriptions before they run out to ensure you have insulin on hand at all times.
Insulin overdose can be fatal. Seek medical attention if you overdose or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-122.
Symptoms of overdosing on insulin can include: confusion, drowsiness, numbness, blurred vision, trouble speaking and tingling in your mouth, seizures, muscle weakness, loss of consciousness and jerking movements.
Humulin 70/30 Warnings & Precautions
Humalog insulin should not be injected into a muscle or vein.
Do not use Humulin 70/30 insulin if you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Do not share syringes and needles with others as this can lead to spreading infection.
Do not use Humulin 70/30 if you have allergic reactions to insulin or experiencing a hypoglycemic episode.
This medication should not be used by anyone younger than the age of 18.
Notify your doctor if you:
- have any liver, heart or kidney disease
- have low levels of potassium (hypokalemia)
- if you are currently taking rosiglitazone or pioglitazone
- of any oral medications you are currently taking
- if you are breastfeeding or pregnant
Be sure to follow instructions by your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Managing diabetics is important during pregnancy since high blood sugars can cause complications for both mother and baby.
After mixing, Humulin 70/30 should look cloudy. Do not use if it appears to be clear or has particles or white material remains at the bottom. If medication looks compromised, contact your pharmacist to arrange a new one.
Read instructions that come with medication, follow instructions provided by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Do not withdraw insulin from the Humulin pen using a syringe.
Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until you understand how your body responds to the medication.
Do not drink alcohol after using. See affects of alcohol on diabetes.
Keep medication out of reach from children and pets.
Humulin 70/30 Side Effects
The most common side effect experienced with insulin is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Hunger
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- Irritability
- Headache
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
Severe cases of hypoglycemia can lead to:
- DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)
- Disorientation
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Death
To avoid the effects of hypoglycemia you should carry a glucose table, non-dietetic candy or sugary drink. Monitor blood sugar levels.
Changes in medication or dosages should be under the guide of a doctor.
Always check the carton or bottle before use to ensure its the correct insulin.
Do not use insulin after date of expiry stamped on the label.
Do not use medication if it has been frozen.
Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, vitamins or other prescription medication.
Hear failure can result if insulin is taken with thiazolidinediones (TZD’s)
Notify your doctor if your symptoms get worse or you are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, weight gain or welling of the ankles or feet.
