Description
This medication is typically used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Following injection, its action starts after a few hours.
Find a PharmacyInstructions
This product must be injected under the skin (subcutaneously), according to the technique you were shown. Be sure to choose a different injection site each time.
This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Use it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.
Insulin users should be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar, which include confusion, headache, hunger, mood changes, palpitations, rapid breathing, cold sweats and shakiness. These symptoms require immediate treatment, to bring your blood sugar back up to a safe level. This can be done with a quick source of sugar, such as: - 4 or 5 glucose tablets
- 59 to 79 mL of liquid glucose
- 15 to 20 mL (3 or 4 teaspoons) of honey, maple syrup or corn syrup
- 6 to 8 LifeSavers type candies
- 150 to 200 mL (2/3 to 3/4 cup) of fruit juice or regular soft drink (not a diet soft drink)
- 4 or 5 packets of white sugar (3 or 4 teaspoons) dissolved in water
Inform your health care professional if these symptoms have occurred, as it may mean that your diet and/or medication needs to be adjusted.
Insulin users must check their blood sugar levels regularly using an appropriate device. Dispose of used syringes and needles safely. Your pharmacist can tell you the best way to do this.
You should take this medication at approximately the same time each day. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. If more than 3 days have elapsed since the last dose, contact your pharmacist.
In order not to cause hypoglycemia, avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
Side Effects
In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
- it may cause headaches;
- it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting;
- it may cause diarrhea;
- it may cause redness and swelling at the injection site.
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
Storage
Keep this product in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. After its first use, keep it at room temperature and discard any unused portion after 21 days.
Additionnal Information
This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.
General Notes
When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:
- Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
- If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
- If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
- The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.
