Humulin 70/30 Cartridges

Humulin 70/30 is composed of human insulin isophane and regular human insulin. This combination includes an intermediate-acting insulin and a short-acting insulin. This medication is used to help patients improve glycemic control in adult patients diagnosed with diabetes. There are already thousands of patients filling their prescriptions at Insulin Outlet. Patients doing so can get Humulin 70/30 and other similar medications from licensed Canadian pharmacy partners and receive up to 80% savings compared to typical U.S. prices. This helps make essential medications more affordable to those who need them.

Humulin 70/30 is a mixture of insulin isophane human and insulin human. These insulin types are made up of an intermediate-acting human insulin and a short-acting human insulin. This medication is used to help patients improve glycemic control in adult patients diagnosed with diabetes. It can be used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. This medication works by helping the patient’s body absorb/store the sugar that is within their bloodstream and also prevents the liver from producing sugar. This medication can be used on its own or in combination with certain other oral diabetes medications.

• This medication combines the use of both intermediate‑acting and short-acting insulins
• The use of Humulin 70/30 may reduce the number of separate insulin types that the patient will have to take
• This medication is available as vials and prefilled pens
• Humulin 70/30’s mixture of different insulin types allows the medication to start working as quickly as regular insulin, but with effects that last longer

This injectable medication is usually 100 units/mL and may be found in the form of a 10 mL multi-use vial or a 3 mL prefilled Kwikpen that is intended for single-patient-use. The exact amount of this medication that the patient will be instructed to use by their healthcare provider varies depending on the patient and their specific needs.

Patients using the Humulin 70/30 pen should follow some specific instructions for taking their medication.

Step 1

The patient should start by pulling the pen cap straight off and the rubber seal should be cleaned with an alcohol swab. The pen label should not be removed and the needle should not be attached yet.

Step 2

The patient should roll the pen back and forth in their hands at least 10 times to mix the contents.

Step 3

The patient should then turn the pen upside down and right-side up 10 times (rolling and inverting the pen helps mix the insulin evenly).

Step 4

The liquid inside the pen should be checked to make sure that it appears white and cloudy after mixing. The pen should not be used if the liquid inside of it appears clear or if any lumps/particles are present.

Step 5

A new needle should be selected and the paper tab should be removed from the outer needle shield.

Step 6

Firmly attach the capped needle to the pen by pushing it straight on. Twist it until it is secure.

Step 7

The outer needle shield should be removed and kept for later use. The inner needle shield should be removed and discarded.

Step 8

The pen will then need to be primed. Priming clears air from the needle and cartridge to ensure the pen delivers the correct amount of insulin. The pen should be primed before each injection. This process can be started by turning the dose knob to select 2 units.

Step 9

Position the pen so the needle is pointing upward and lightly tap the cartridge holder to help any trapped air bubbles rise.

Step 10

The dose knob should be pushed in fully until “0” appears in the dose window while holding the pen upright. Hold the knob in and count slowly to five. A small drop of the medication should show up at the tip of the needle. Steps 8-10 may be repeated up to four times if insulin does not appear. The needle should be replaced and the priming steps repeated if insulin still does not appear. However, patients should be aware that small air bubbles are normal and usually do not affect the dose.

Step 11

This is the step where the correct dose needs to be selected. The pen can deliver 1 to 60 units in one injection. More than one injection may be required if more than 60 units are required. A healthcare provider can help determine how to divide the dose if needed. The dose knob should be turned until the correct number of units appears in the dose window.

Notes: The dose should not be set by counting clicks. The knob can be turned forward or backward to correct the dose if needed. The dial will not work if there are more units than the amount remaining in the pen. A small amount of insulin remaining in the pen after use is normal.

Step 12

Patients should then be ready to administer the injection after the correct dose has been selected. An injection site should be chosen from the abdomen or buttocks. It may also be given in the upper legs or arms. The skin should be cleaned with an alcohol swab and allowed to dry. Injection sites should be rotated to reduce the risk of skin changes such as thickened skin or lumps. Patients should avoid any areas that are damaged, bruised, or scarred.

Step 13

The needle should be inserted into the skin to give the injection and the dose knob should be pressed all the way in. Patients should keep the knob pressed while counting slowly to 5 before removing the needle. The insulin will not be delivered by turning the dose knob.

Step 14

The needle should be removed from the skin after the injection has been given. A tiny drop of the medication making an appearance on the needle tip is normal. Patients should check to make sure that their full dose was delivered by checking the dose window and making sure that it shows “0.” The needle should be inserted again to complete the injection without redialing the dose if the “0” is not displayed. Gentle pressure may also be applied to the area with a gauze or an alcohol swab if any bleeding occurs. Do not rub this area.

Step 15

The outer needle shield should be carefully placed back onto the needle after the injection has been made.

Step 16

The capped needle should be unscrewed and disposed of properly. The pen should never be stored with the needle attached (as this can cause leaks or allow air to enter the cartridge).

Step 17

Put the pen cap back on by aligning the cap clip with the dose indicator. Then press it straight onto the pen.

Step 1

The patient should roll the vial back and forth in their hands at least 10 times to mix the contents.

Step 2

Turn the vial upside down and back for a minimum of 10 times. at least 10 times. Proper mixing is necessary to make sure that the correct dose is being given. The medication should appear white and cloudy after it has been mixed. The vial should not be used if the liquid appears clear or contains any lumps or particles.

Step 3

The plastic protective cap should be removed if it is a new vial that is being used. The rubber stopper should remain in place.

Step 4

Thoroughly clean the rubber stopper using an alcohol swab.

Step 5

Hold the syringe so that the needle is facing in the upward direction. The plunger should then be pulled down until it reaches the line that matches the prescribed dose.

Step 6

Gently insert the needle through the directed area of the vial’s rubber stopper.

Step 7

Fully push the plunger to inject air into the vial.

Step 8

The vial and syringe should be turned upside down. The plunger should then be pulled down slowly until it is slightly past the prescribed dose. The syringe can be tapped gently so the bubbles rise to the top if the air bubbles appear.

Step 9

The plunger should be pushed up slowly until it aligns with the correct dose line. Check the syringe afterwards to confirm the correct amount of insulin.

Step 10

Remove the syringe from the vial.

Step 11

This is the step where the injection can start to be made. Injection sites should be rotated to reduce the risk of skin problems such as thickened skin or lumps. Areas with bruises/scars or damaged skin should be avoided. An injection site should be chosen from the abdomen or buttocks. It can also be made into the upper legs or upper arms.

Step 12

Place the needle into the skin at the chosen injection site.

Step 13

The plunger should be pushed down to inject the insulin. The needle should remain in the skin for at least 5 seconds to make sure that the full dose is delivered.

Step 14

Remove the needle from the skin after the injection has been made. Gentle pressure may be applied with gauze or an alcohol swab if any bleeding occurs. The injection site should not be rubbed and the needle should not be recapped – as this can increase the risk of needle-stick injury.

The devices used for injecting this medication should never be shared between patients. This includes even if the needle was changed. The development of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia is possible while taking this medication – especially if changes are being made to the patient’s insulin regimen. Changes to these regimens should only be made under close medical supervision and monitoring. Hypoglycemia can also occur as a result of medication errors. This is why it is important to make sure all medication labels are being checked before any injections are made.

Other possibly life-threatening issues may also result from this medication – such as hypersensitivity reactions. These issues should be monitored and immediately treated if they occur. Patients who are at known risk of hypokalemia should also have their potassium levels monitored and also be immediately treated if this issue is indicated. Patients using Humulin 70/30 alongside thiazolidinediones are at increased risk of developing heart failure or fluid retention. Patients should be observed for signs of these issues. Patients should consider discontinuing the medication or reducing their dosage if heart failure occurs while they are taking it.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects for those using this medication include those such as:

• Low blood sugar
• Allergic reactions at the site of the injection
• Lipodystrophy
• Weight gain
• Rash or itching
• Swelling of the feet or hands

Any of these side effects that do not resolve on their own or become serious should be accompanied by medical attention.

Severe Side Effects

More serious side effects can also occur for some patients taking this medication. However, these are usually rarer. Patients experiencing any of these side effects should seek immediate medical attention.

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Serious allergic reactions
• Hypokalemia
• Heart failure

A doctor should instruct the patient on what to do in the case that they miss a dose of this medication. Patients who miss a meal are often told to do things such as make a substitution with sugar or sugar-sweetened beverages. Blood sugar levels should be tested afterwards and the patient should then notify their doctor.

Patients who mistakenly take too much of this medication should eat sugar or a product that is sweetened with sugar to prevent serious issues and correct their blood sugar levels. Those who start to experience confused/delirious or start to lose memory from their missed dose should be orally given orange juice with sugar or diluted corn syrup. Those with more severe symptoms may require someone else to help them. Patients who lose consciousness or are unable to orally take any of these temporary solutions will need to be given an IV administration of glucose in a hospital setting. Those who experience any type of hypoglycemic reaction should let their doctor know immediately.

Pens that are not in use (and that have not been opened) may be kept in refrigerated environments with temperatures between 36° and 46°F (or 2° and 8°C) until their expiration date. They can also be stored at room temperature – up to 86°F (30°C) – for as long as 10 days. This applies to both opened and unopened pens. Open pens should not be refrigerated.

Vials that are not in use (and that have not been opened) may also be kept in refrigerated environments with temperatures between 36° and 46°F (or 2° and 8°C) until their expiration date. They can also be stored at room temperature – up to 86°F (30°C) – for up to 31 days. This guideline applies to both opened and unopened vials. Opened vials can be left in refrigeration or left in a safe space at room temperature for up to 31 days.

Patients buying their medication from Insulin Outlet experience:

• Up to 80% savings on their medication’s U.S. prices
• Real medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies
• Flat $29.99 cold shipping
• Medications and services with a 4.9-star average rating from more than 4,000 users

Buy Humulin 70/30 cartridges from Canada today.