Novolin

Who is Novolin for ?

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. Insulin is necessary to move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is needed for energy. Insulin also helps the body to metabolize (process) carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from the diet. In a person with diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body's needs, so additional insulin is required. It must be injected because stomach acid would destroy it if taken by mouth. Insulin controls, but does not cure, diabetes. It must be taken regularly. People with diabetes gradually develop serious nerve, blood vessel, kidney, and eye problems, especially if the diabetes is not controlled properly. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Novolin ?

Before taking insulin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to beef or pork, insulin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins. Other medications can affect the action of insulin and can cause inaccurate results in urine tests for sugar or ketones. Do not take nonprescription medications, particularly cold and allergy medications, and medications that contain alcohol or sugar without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had thyroid, liver, or kidney disease or a severe infection.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking insulin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking insulin.

Side Effects

Although side effects from insulin are not common, they can occur. If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately; symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:

• shakiness
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating or confusion
• blurred vision
• headache
• numbness or tingling of the mouth
• weakness
• fatigue
• pale color
• sudden hunger

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

• thirst
• dry mouth
• tiredness
• flushing
• dry skin
• frequent urination
• loss of appetite
• trouble breathing

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site
• changes in the feel of your skin, fat build-up, or fat breakdown

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• exaggerated sunburn
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• light-colored stools
• dark urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• fever
• sore throat