Mixtard 30 100IU/ml Injection

Human insulin biphasic 30/70 is a premixed insulin used to control blood sugar in diabetes, when the body does not make enough of its own insulin.

It contains two types of human insulin in one cloudy suspension:

• about 30% soluble insulin, which starts working quickly
• about 70% isophane insulin (insulin with protamine), which works for longer

This mix helps cover mealtimes and part of the day with one injection.

Use it exactly as your doctor or diabetes team tells you, including when to inject in relation to meals.

• Check the label each time to be sure you have the right insulin.
• Before each injection, gently roll and turn the pen or vial about 10 times until evenly cloudy. Do not shake hard. Do not use if there are clumps or white flakes.
• Inject under the skin, never into a vein. Change the injection spot each time, at least 1 cm from the last.
• Use a new needle every time. Never share pens or needles.
• Do not change your insulin type or brand without your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and ask your diabetes team. Do not inject a double dose.

The most common problem is low blood sugar (hypo): shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger or confusion. Treat it at once with glucose tablets or a sugary drink, then a starchy snack.

Other side effects include redness or itching where you inject, lumps or dents under the skin, and ankle swelling when starting treatment.

Get medical help straight away if:

• a hypo makes you drowsy, confused or unable to swallow, or you pass out
• you have a whole-body rash, wheezing, trouble breathing or feel faint (allergy)
• you have very high sugar with thirst, sickness, fruity breath or heavy breathing

Talk to your doctor or diabetes team if you:

• are ill, especially with vomiting or diarrhoea. Keep taking insulin even if you are not eating, and follow your sick-day rules.
• change how much you exercise or eat, or drink alcohol
• have kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal problems
• take other medicines, as many (including steroids, beta-blockers and some antidepressants) can change your insulin needs
• take pioglitazone and notice breathlessness, rapid weight gain or swelling
• are travelling across time zones

Before first use, keep in a refrigerator (2 to 8°C); do not freeze. Once in use, keep at room temperature below 30°C for up to 28 days, away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insulin needs often change during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Speak to your diabetes team if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Driving: a hypo can affect concentration. Check your blood sugar before driving and talk to your doctor if you have frequent hypos or few warning signs.

Be prepared: always carry sugar and something that shows you have diabetes.