Insulin Human
Class: Short-acting Insulins
ATC Class: A10AB01
VA Class: HS501
Molecular Formula: C257H383N65O77S 6
CAS Number: 11061-68-0
Brands: HumuLIN N, HumuLIN R, NovoLIN N, NovoLIN R
Warning
Special Alerts:
A standardized concentration for this drug has been established through Standardize 4 Safety (S4S), a national patient safety initiative to reduce medication errors, especially during transitions of care. The drug is included in a standard concentration list which may apply to an IV or oral compounded liquid formulation. For additional information, see the ASHP website [Web].
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS):
FDA approved a REMS for insulin human to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. The REMS may apply to one or more preparations of insulin human and consists of the following: communication plan. See https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/.
Introduction
Antidiabetic agent; a biosynthetic protein that is structurally identical to endogenous insulin secreted by the beta cells of the human pancreas. Commercially available as short-acting or intermediate-acting insulins.
Uses for Insulin Human
Diabetes Mellitus
Replacement therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus. Human insulin manufactured using recombinant DNA technology has replaced insulins of animal origin (no longer commercially available in the US).
Insulin is required in all patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and mandatory in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.
Also used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when weight reduction, proper dietary regulation, and/or oral antidiabetic agents have failed to maintain satisfactory glycemic control in both the fasting and postprandial state.
Diet should be emphasized as the primary form of treatment when initiating therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who do not have severe symptoms; caloric restriction and weight reduction are essential in obese patients.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and many clinicians recommend the use of physiologically based, intensive insulin regimens (i.e., 3 or more insulin injections daily with dosage adjusted according to the results of multiple daily blood glucose determinations [e.g., at least 4 times daily], dietary intake, and anticipated exercise) in most type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients who are able to understand and carry out the treatment regimen, are not at increased risk for hypoglycemic episodes, and do not have other characteristics that increase risk or decrease benefit (e.g., advanced age, end-stage renal failure, advanced cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, other coexisting diseases that shorten life expectancy).
Goals of insulin therapy in all patients generally should include maintenance of blood glucose as close as possible to euglycemia without undue risk of hypoglycemia; avoidance of symptoms attributable to hyperglycemia, glycosuria, or ketonuria; and maintenance of ideal body weight and of normal growth and development in children.
