Insulin Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Jump to: navigation, search

Man-made insulin is a prescription drug used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The synthetic insulin is used to replicate natural insulin in the body, balancing blood sugar levels.

Side effects experienced while on insulin may include dizziness, shakiness, redness or swelling of injection site, increased desire to eat, altered mood, clumsy movements and pale skin. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney or liver disease caused by diabetes or plan to change their level of activity may need dosage adjustments.[1]

Brands of insulin include Humalog, Novolog, Regular, Velosulin, NPH, Lente, Lantus and Humulin. The side effects of all brand names, as well as generic versions, are similar.[2]



Flickr: Melissa
Brand names Apidra, Humalog, Lantus, etc.
Manufacturer Various[2]
Uses Treats type 1 and 2 diabetes[1]
Common side effects Shakiness, mood changes, hunger, weakness, clumsiness[3]
Who should not take insulin Those allergic to insulin
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Insulin Side Effects

Common side effects of insulin include redness, itching and swelling at place where the insulin needle was injected, dizziness, shakiness, palid hue of the skin, weakness, hunger, clumsy movements, blurred vision and slurred speech, rapid heart rate.[1]

Serious side effects of insulin include loss of consciousness, seizures, confusion, frequent urination, severe thirst and severe hunger. These side effects require prompt medical attention, and can indicate serious complications.[1]

Patients who experience major side effects while taking insulin may file a report with the FDA through their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Side effects may be reported over the Web or by calling 1-800-332-1088.[3]

Drug Side Effects

Some of the adverse reactions of drugs like insulin

Insulin Allergic Reactions

Insulin is the active ingredient in brand name prescriptions of the drug and may cause allergic reactions in those who are susceptible. Inactive ingredients found in brand name insulin vary and may potentially cause allergic reactions in some patients.[2] Patients who inform their physicians of any known drug allergies can help avoid any potential reactions to insulin medications.[3]

Insulin Precautions and Warnings

  • Alcohol affects blood sugar levels, and patients who need insulin are advised to discuss potential alcohol risks with their physician.[1]
  • Stress can affect the amount of insulin required to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.[1]
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), antihistamines, beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), diuretics, drugs for human immunodeficiency virus like amprenavir (Agenerase), antipsychotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, hormonal contraceptives, oral medications for diabetes, oral steroids, salicylate pain relievers and thyroid medications may interact with insulin.[1]
  • Insulin is not safe to use when patients are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).[4]
  • Insulin can cause hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous. Signs of dangerous hypoglycemia include sweating, shaking, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and blurry eyesight. If this occurs, it may not be safe to operate a motor vehicle.[4]
  • Blood sugar can change exercise and activity level, affecting the amount of insulin required to treat their diabetes.[1]
  • Illness or increased levels of stress may result to altered insulin needs, and dosages may need to be adjusted.[3]
  • Patients who travel to different time zones may need to adjust their insulin regimens.[3]
  • Those taking insulin are advised to monitor their diets, and eat the same types of foods consistently without skipping meals or drastically changing the kind of foods consumed.[3]
  • Insulin patients are advised to inform their physicians of any history of diabetes-induced nerve damage, or of any illness of the liver, thyroid or kidneys.[3]
  • It is not safe for patients to alter their dosage or discontinue their insulin use without consulting a doctor first.[4]
  • Insulin users must check their blood sugar at regular intervals to avoid complications.[4]
  • Insulin needles and pens are for use by a single patient only, and are not to be shared.[4]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Diabetes Coupons, Insulin Coupons, Metformin Coupons, Lantus Patient Assistance Programs, Metformin HCL Patient Assistance Programs , Insulin and Alzheimer's

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000383/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://diabetes.webmd.com/diabetes-types-insulin
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682611.html#side-effects
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 https://www.lantusandapidrahelpteam.com/default.aspx?sau=true&WT.mc_id=LNWB2165
Retrieved from "http://www.pharmacydrugguide.com/Insulin_Side_Effects"



Personal tools