Humulin® S, Humulin® I, Humulin® M3 100 Units/ml (insulin human): Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Do not reuse needles. Dispose of the needle in a responsible manner. Needles must not be shared. Vials, cartridges and Humulin KwikPens can be used until empty, then properly discard. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Instructions for use and handling

Vials

Humulin I (isophane insulin) and Humulin M3 vial (30% soluble/70% isophane insulin)

A suspension for injection in a 10ml vial to be used in conjunction with an appropriate syringe (100 IU/ml markings).

Humulin S (soluble insulin) vial

A solution for injection in a 10ml vial to be used in conjunction with an appropriate syringe (100 IU/ml markings).

KwikPen

Humulin I KwikPen and Humulin M3 KwikPen

A suspension for injection in a pre-filled / disposable pen injector containing a 3ml cartridge. Humulin KwikPen delivers up to 60 units per dose in single unit increments.

Cartridges

The cartridges should only be used in conjunction with a Lilly reusable insulin pen and should not be used with any other reusable pen, as the dosing accuracy has not been established with other pens.

To prevent the possible transmission of disease, each pen or cartridge must be used by one patient only, even if the needle or needle on the delivery device is changed.

a) Preparing a dose

Vials containing Humulin I or Humulin M3 formulations should be rotated several times in the palms of the hands before use to completely resuspend the insulin, until it appears uniformly cloudy or milky. If not, repeat the above procedure until contents are mixed.

Do not shake vigorously as this may cause frothing, which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose.

Cartridges and Humulin KwikPens containing Humulin I or Humulin M3 formulations should be rolled in the palms of the hands ten times and inverted 180° ten times immediately before use to resuspend the insulin until it appears uniformly cloudy or milky. If not, repeat the above procedure until contents are mixed. Cartridges contain a small glass bead to assist mixing. Do not shake vigorously as this may cause frothing, which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose.

The vials, cartridges and pre-filled pens should be examined frequently and should not be used if clumps of material are present or if solid white particles stick to the bottom or wall of the vial, cartridge giving a frosted appearance.

Vials and cartridges containing Humulin S formulation do not require resuspension and should only be used if it is clear, colourless, with no solid particles visible and if it is of water-like appearance.

The cartridges are not designed to allow any other insulin to be mixed in the cartridge. Cartridges are not designed to be refilled.

The manufacturer's instructions with each individual pen must be followed for loading the cartridge, attaching the needle and administering the insulin injection.

When using vials with a syringe: Prepare your syringe prior to injection, as directed by your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse. Use an insulin syringe marked for the strength of insulin being administered.

Follow the instructions with Human Insulins KwikPens for attaching the needle and administering the insulin injection.

For Human Insulins KwikPens, a needle must always be attached before priming, dialling and injecting an insulin dose. Human Insulins KwikPens should always be primed before each injection. Failure to prime Human Insulins KwikPens may result in an inaccurate dose.

Mixing of insulins (Humulin I and Humulin S in vials only)

The shorter acting insulin should be drawn into the syringe first, to prevent contamination of the vial by the longer acting preparation. It is advisable to inject directly after mixing. However, if a delay is necessary, a consistent routine must be followed.

Alternatively, a separate syringe or, separate cartridges of Humulin S and I, can be used for administration of the correct amount of each formulation.

b) Injecting a dose

Inject the correct dose of insulin, as directed by your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse. Use of the injection sites should be rotated so that the same is not used more than approximately once a month.

Each pack contains a patient information leaflet with instructions on how to inject insulin.

Reference

Humulin S 100 cartridge Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin S 100 vial Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin I 100 cartridge Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin I 100 SPC KwikPen Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin I 100 SPC vial Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin M3 100 cartridge Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin M3 100 KwikPen Summary of Product Characteristics

Humulin M3 100 vial Summary of Product Characteristics