Novolin GE 50/50 Penfill Cartridges (100 Units/mL)

Description

Novolin GE 50/50 is premixed insulin that combines intermediate-acting insulin (insulin NPH) with fast-acting insulin (insulin regular). Patients find using the ratio with this premixed insulin to work best for them.

Novolin GE 50/50 comes in a penfill cartridge. Each mL contains 100 units (50 units of insulin isophane, human biosynthetic – NPH insulin, and 50 units of regular insulin). Other non-medical ingredients in Novolin GE 50/50 include metacresol, phenol, protamine sulfate, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, glycerol, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and water for injection.

This premixed insulin starts working 30-60 minutes after injection, has a maximum effect between 2-8 hours, and lasts up to 18 hours.

A physician may have prescribed this medication for reasons not discussed here. If you are unsure why you have been prescribed this medication, consult with your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine unless instructed by your doctor.

Insulin medication should not be shared with anyone else, even if they share similar symptoms. This medication can be harmful to those who have not received a prescription from their doctor.

The insulin should appear cloudy and white. Do not use if you notice the contents of the vial remain clear after you roll the suspension in your hands, seems to be discolored, is unusually thick, looks grainy or lumpy, sticks to the vial, seems unusually thick, contains crystals, or if the bottle looks frosted.

Novolin also comes in 40/60 cartridges, 30/70 cartridges and NPH cartridges and vials. Ensure you are ordering the correct mixture, as it can be easy to confuse Novolin products amongst each other.

Warnings and Precautions

Before you start taking Novolin GE 50/50, be sure to inform your doctor of any existing medical conditions, allergies, medications you are currently taking, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and essential facts about your health. This information can affect dosage or how you take this medication.

Many factors can affect blood glucose levels and insulin requirements, such as certain medical conditions (i.e. thyroid conditions, kidney or liver disease, infections). These medications affect blood glucose levels, diet, illness, exercise, injury, stress, surgery, and traveling across different time zones.

It is essential to keep your doctor informed of your medical situation, medical concerns, or changes that may impact your insulin dosage. Your doctor should instruct you on how to monitor blood glucose levels and frequency.

Usage

Your doctor will prescribe your insulin dosage based on several factors such as how much natural insulin your body produces, overall lifestyle and health, blood glucose values, and other factors.

Insulin is taken by injecting under the skin. Your doctor or nurse will instruct you on how to administer your medication. When taking your dose of insulin, do not inject it into a muscle or vein. Insulin is measured in international units (IU), and each mL contains 100 IU. Novolin GE 50/50 is commonly taken 30 minutes before certain meals (typically before breakfast or dinner). There are various ways to take insulin, but it’s best to follow the guidance of your doctor.

Before using premixed insulin, roll the bottle between your hands. The suspension should appear white and cloudy. Refrain from using insulin if it seems unusually thick, grainy, lumpy, sticks to the bottle or vial, or seems to be discolored. Do not use if the suspension remains clear after rolling between your hands.

Side Effects

A side effect is an unwanted response due to regular dosages of medication. Side effects can range from temporary to permanent and mild to severe. If you are concerned about any of the side effects of this medication, consult with your doctor about the possible risks.

Speak to your doctor if you experience any side effects. Your pharmacist may be able to provide additional information on how to manage side effects better. If side effects are not addressed, they may lead to serious health complications that may require immediate medical attention.

The side effects have been reported in 1% of patients who have taken this medication. Most of the side effects can be managed and go away with time. The side effects include redness, swelling, and itching at the site of injection, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, hunger, nervousness, numbing or tingling of the fingers, lips, or tongue, weakness, trembling.

If you experience blisters and rash all over the body, seizures, and unconsciousness, stop taking medication and seek medical attention.

If you experience any signs of severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or neck, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or itchy skin or rashes, stop taking this medication and consult a doctor.