Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

Uses of Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Type II Diabetes Mellitus

How does Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge work?

Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge is a long-acting modified form of insulin that works similarly to human insulin. It improves blood sugar control by enhancing glucose uptake from the blood into body tissues and also by preventing the production of glucose in the liver.

How to self-administer Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

These instructions are important for individuals who need to manage their diabetes and administer insulin on their own. Here's a summarized version of the self-injection procedure:

Preparation:

• Wash your hands before handling insulin.
• Gently roll the insulin bottle between your palms.
• Wipe the rubber top of the insulin bottle with an alcohol swab.

Prepare the Syringe:

• Pull the plunger of the syringe down to the prescribed number of insulin units.
• Push the needle into the insulin bottle and push the syringe plunger down to draw the required dose.
• Once again, pull the plunger down to the prescribed units to ensure accuracy.

Injection Site Preparation:

• Select an injection site (upper arm, thigh, or abdominal wall).
• Clean the chosen site with an alcohol swab.
• Pinch up the skin at the injection site.

Administer the Injection:

• Insert the needle into the pinched-up skin at a 90-degree angle.
• Push the plunger in to inject the insulin.
• Keep the needle under the skin for at least 6 seconds to ensure the complete dose is delivered.

After Injection:

• Withdraw the needle gently.
• Safely dispose of the used syringe in a sharps container.
• You can have your meal or snack as prescribed.

Injection Site Rotation:

• Change (rotate) your injection sites within the chosen area for each dose.
• This practice reduces the risk of developing lipodystrophy (pitted or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites.
• Do not repeatedly use the same spot for injections.
• Avoid injecting where the skin is pitted, thickened, lumpy, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or otherwise damaged.

It's important to note that these instructions are a general guide. Patients should always follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider and should receive proper training on insulin injection techniques. If any concerns or uncertainties arise, individuals should consult their healthcare professional for clarification and guidance. Proper insulin administration is crucial for effective diabetes management.

Side Effects of Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

• Decreased blood glucose levels
• Reaction at the injection site
• Skin Rash
• Thickening or hollowing of the skin at the injection site
• Weight gain

Quick Suggestions:

• Insulin Glargine is injected under the skin. It needs to be injected once daily, at the same time every day.
• Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
• Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
• Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other diabetes medicines (if prescribed) alongside.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Hence, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is required while taking this medicine.
• Always carry some high-sugar food such as sugar candy or glucose candy, fruit juice, and Glucose with you so that you can take it when you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremors, weakness, and anxiety.
• Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
• Do not use it if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless, or if it contains particles.

Indication of Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge is used for the treatment of diabetes in children and adults. It is a long-acting insulin that consistently works for several hours after injection and provides effective blood sugar control throughout the day.

Pharmacology

Sterile Solution: Insulin glargine is a sterile solution intended for subcutaneous injection. It's administered via injection to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.

Recombinant Human Insulin Analog: Insulin glargine is a synthetic version of human insulin that has been modified to have a longer duration of action. It falls under the category of long-acting parenteral hypoglycemic agents, meaning it helps lower blood sugar levels over an extended period.

Long-Lasting Action: One of the significant attributes of insulin glargine is its prolonged action, which can last up to 24 hours. This prolonged action helps provide consistent blood sugar control throughout the day.

Recombinant DNA Technology: Insulin glargine is produced using recombinant DNA technology, a biotechnological process that involves manipulating DNA to create the desired product. In this case, the goal is to produce insulin glargine that closely mimics the effects of natural insulin.

Regulation of Glucose Metabolism: The primary function of insulin glargine is to regulate glucose metabolism in the body. It helps lower blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose absorption in peripheral tissues, mainly skeletal muscle, and fat. Additionally, it inhibits the liver's production of glucose.

Effects on Lipolysis, Proteolysis, and Protein Synthesis: Insulin glargine and other insulin analogs have a variety of effects on metabolism. They inhibit lipolysis (breakdown of fats), and proteolysis (breakdown of proteins), and promote protein synthesis. These actions contribute to overall metabolic balance.

This information highlights the scientific basis of insulin glargine and its role in managing diabetes by effectively regulating blood sugar levels. As always, individuals with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including the use of insulin glargine, to ensure optimal blood sugar control and overall health.

Dosage & Administration of Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge

Adult Dose:

• For Type 1 Diabetes: Start with approximately one-third of the total daily insulin requirements. The remaining two-thirds should be fulfilled by short-acting, premeal insulin. Insulin glargine is used in combination with short-acting or rapid-acting insulin.
• For Type 2 Diabetes: Initial dose for patients not on insulin is 10 units (or 0.2 units/kg) once daily. Dosage should be individualized based on blood glucose measurements.
• Converting from other insulins: Adjustments in the timing and amounts of shorter-acting insulins may be needed.

Child Dose: For children with Type 1 Diabetes:

• <6 years: Safety and efficacy are not established.

6 years: Start with about one-third of the total daily insulin requirements subcutaneously. Rapid-acting or short-acting insulin should cover the remaining two-thirds. Usual daily maintenance in adolescents is <1.2 units/kg/day during growth spurts.

Renal Dose: Dose adjustments might be necessary for individuals with renal impairment.

Dosing Considerations: Insulin glargine is meant for once-daily subcutaneous administration at the same time every day. It exhibits a relatively constant glucose-lowering profile over 24 hours. Blood glucose monitoring is crucial to determine the appropriate dose. Injection sites should be rotated to avoid lipodystrophy.

Exercise and Other Factors: Factors like exercise, stress, illness, changes in coadministered drugs, and meal patterns can affect insulin absorption, onset, and duration of action.

Administration: 

• Insulin glargine is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in the upper arm, thigh, or abdominal wall. Injecting into the abdominal wall leads to faster absorption. It should not be administered intravenously (IV) or via an insulin pump, as IV administration of the standard subcutaneous dose can cause severe hypoglycemia.

As always, individuals with diabetes should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most suitable dosing regimen for insulin glargine and other aspects of their diabetes management. Personalized treatment plans, regular blood sugar monitoring, and adherence to medical advice are essential for effective diabetes control.

Interaction

Drug-Drug Interactions:

• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge may interact with various medications, including:
  • Antidiabetic pills (e.g., sitagliptin)
  • Blood sugar enhancers (e.g., diazoxide)
  • Blood pressure-lowering pills (e.g., metoprolol, clonidine)
  • Antidepressants (e.g., lithium, fluoxetine)
  • Pain killers (e.g., aspirin, pentoxifylline, propoxyphene)
  • Anti-TB drug (isoniazid)
  • Growth hormone (somatropin)
  • Thyroid hormone-related drugs (e.g., levothyroxine)
  • Antipsychotic medicines (e.g., phenothiazine, clozapine, olanzapine)
  • Anti-cholesterol drugs (e.g., fenofibrate)
  • Anti-asthmatic medications (e.g., epinephrine, salbutamol, terbutaline)
  • Female hormones (e.g., estrogens and progestogens)

Drug-Food Interactions:

• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge may interact with alternative medicine products like ayurvedic, homeopathy, Unani, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter (OTC) items. It's important to inform your doctor if you are using any of these products. Additionally, it's advised to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while using Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge, as alcohol can affect blood sugar levels.

Drug-Disease Interactions:

• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge should not be used by individuals with certain medical conditions, including:
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Low blood sugar/glucose level (hypoglycemia)
  • Low potassium level (hypokalemia)

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to insulin or any of the ingredients of this medicine.
• If you are suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy:

• Insulin glargine is categorized as Pregnancy Category C. This means that it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits before using insulin glargine.

Breastfeeding:

• It's not known whether insulin glargine is excreted in human breast milk. Many drugs, including human insulin, can pass into breast milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering insulin glargine to nursing women.
• Women who are breastfeeding may need adjustments to their insulin dosage and dietary considerations. Careful monitoring and guidance from a healthcare provider are essential to ensure proper management.

Precautions & Warnings

• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge is intended for subcutaneous (under the skin) use only and should never be administered intravenously (IV) or in the veins.
• If you're changing the brand of insulin or need to change your injection method, it should be done under strict medical supervision.
• Cases of heart failure were reported when pioglitazone was used with insulin, especially in patients at high risk of cardiac heart failure.
• Initial symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may include excessive thirst, dry mouth, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, loss of appetite, and acetone odor of the breath. These symptoms should be closely monitored.
• Use caution when using Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge in individuals with renal or hepatic impairment (kidney or liver problems).
• Use during pregnancy should be carefully considered, with the potential benefit weighed against the possible risk to the fetus. Medical guidance is crucial.
• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge is considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but medical advice should still be sought before using it while breastfeeding.
• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge is not recommended for use in children under 6 years old.
• When transitioning from one insulin regimen to another, medical supervision is necessary to ensure proper dosing and management.
• Regular monitoring of serum glucose levels, potassium, electrolytes, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) is important.
• Extra caution should be exercised if using Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge during concurrent illness, particularly infections.
• Symptoms such as heart failure, weight gain, and fluid retention (edema) should not be ignored or dismissed.
• It's advisable to avoid alcohol consumption, as it can potentially affect blood glucose levels.
• Traveling across more than two time zones requires caution. Your doctor may need to adjust your insulin schedule to accommodate changes in time zones.
• Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge may decrease potassium levels, leading to hypokalemia. If left untreated, this condition could result in respiratory paralysis, irregular heartbeat rhythm, coma, and even death.
• Do not use Abasaglar SC Insulin-3ml Cartridge if you have low blood glucose levels, kidney, liver, or heart problems, or issues with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs.

Storage Conditions

• Store it between 2°C to 8°C in the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze it.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Do not open the carton of vials to protect it from light.
• Any unused portion should not be stored and should be appropriately discarded.