Novolin ge Toronto Vial

What are Novolin GE Toronto Vials?

The active ingredient in Novolin GE Toronto Vial is Regular insulin for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It is a biosynthetic human insulin bioengineered using baker’s yeast that is structurally identical to naturally occurring human insulin. The vials come in 10 mL sizes.

What is it used for?

Novolin GE Toronto Vial is used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. It may also be used in combination with glucose (sugar) to lower potassium (K+) levels in those with hyperkalemia.

How does it work?

Regular insulin, sometimes called neutral or soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting man-made insulin. After injection Regular insulin has an onset of action 30 minutes and a duration of activity that lasts about 6 to 8 hours. It can be used as a mealtime insulin to help protect you against the blood sugar level spikes observed after meals if you take it at least 30 minutes before your meals. Regular insulin is a bioengineered insulin that works by simulating the action of naturally occurring insulin which is normally produced in an organ near your stomach called the pancreas. When sugar builds up in your bloodstream, it is not available for your cells to use it as energy. Insulin lowers your blood sugar levels by increasing the absorption of sugar from out of your blood into other tissues in your body, such as fat, liver and muscle cells.

Side effects

Common negative effects may include:

• Hypoglycemia

Less common negative effects may include:

• Lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Insulin allergy

Hypoglycemia is when you have low blood sugar and is the most common side effect of all insulin products including Novolin ge Toronto. It may occur because you are taking too much insulin, missing or delaying meals, strenuously exercising or working too hard just prior a meal, or because you have an infection or illness. You should always carefully monitor your blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar, if left untreated, can lead a loss of consciousness, coma or even death.

Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA is a serious condition that occurs when your do not have enough insulin in your body. This can happen if you forget your dose or take less insulin than you are prescribed, eat a lot more than you should or you develop a fever or infection. The symptoms usually come on slowly and may include a flushed face, thirst, loss of appetite and feeling drowsy. If left uncontrolled it can result in the unconsciousness, coma, or even death. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel you may be experiencing these symptoms.

A less common, but potentially dangerous side effect is a generalized insulin allergy otherwise called anaphylaxis, which may cause sudden drop in blood pressure, sweating, wheezing, a rash or hives over your body, a faster pulse or a shortness of breath. Generalized allergy reactions are serious and require immediate treatment. If you think you may be having a generalized allergic reaction seek medical help immediately.

The subcutaneous injection of Novolin GE Toronto Vial can also result in localized skin reactions such as lipoatrophy, which is the loss of fat around the injection site, or lipohypertrophy, which is the accumulation of fat near the injection site. Call your doctor if you experience either of these side effects. Changing your injection technique may help eliminate or reduce these localized skin reactions.

How to take this medication

Novolin GE Toronto is for the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. To help avoid skin site reactions remember to change or rotate your injection site within the same region. The best places to administer your injection are:

• Your buttocks
• Your upper arm
• The front of your thigh
• Your abdomen

Remember that insulin works faster when you inject it around your waist. Novolin GE Toronto Vial are supposed to be used with insulin syringes which are marked for use with IU-100 insulin. If you do not use the correct syringe it can cause errors in dosage.

Dosage

Subcutaneous administration of Novolin GE Toronto is typically given three or more times a day before your meals. Your dose and schedule should be individualized by your doctor for your specific needs.

For insulin treated patients the average range of total daily insulin for maintenance therapy is between 0.5 and 1 unit/kg/day. If you are taking insulin for the first time you can start on Novolin GE Toronto in the same way as you would on an animal-source insulin. Your blood sugar levels should be closely monitored during your adjustment period. If you are switching from an animal-source insulin you might need a change in your dosage. These adjustments can be made with your first dose or over the first few weeks. Any changes in insulin should always be made carefully and under your doctor’s supervision.

Novolin GE Toronto is a short-acting insulin and should be combined together with longer-acting insulin or with insulin infusion pump to help maintain your blood sugar level control for the entire day.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use it if:

• Are experiencing a hypoglycemic reaction (low blood sugar)
• You are have allergies to insulin, metacresol or any of the other ingredients in Novolin ge Toronto insulin
• If it has not been stored correctly or has been frozen
• It does not appear clear and colorless

Talk to your doctor if you:

• At risk of dehydration (diarrhea, vomiting or are eating less than usual)
• Have any problems with your kidneys or liver, or with your pituitary, adrenal or thyroid glands
• Are sick
• Regularly drink alcohol
• Drive or use tools or machines
• Have a fever, infection or have had surgery recently
• Are planning to travel over time zones
• Are exercising more than usual
• Are planning to change your diet
• Are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy or are breast-feeding