
Actrapid is fast-acting human insulin that can be combined with intermediate or long-acting insulin medications. Subcutaneous injections of Actrapid are given in the abdominal wall, gluteal region, thigh, or deltoid region. Only a doctor or nurse can administer Actrapid intravenously. The dose is usually between 0.3 and 1.0 international units per kilogram of body weight per day.
Actrapid is a solution for injection that contains the active substance human insulin. It is available in vials, prefilled pens, or cartridges. Actrapid is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This medicine can be used with a prescription only.
Actrapid is human insulin made by recombinant DNA technology. It has a structure and function similar to those of natural insulin. Insulin regulates glucose metabolism, stimulates ingestion, and helps in the utilization of glucose by the liver, muscle, and fat tissue. The replacement insulin acts in the same way as naturally produced insulin.
- The insulin human (rDNA) R usually starts its action 0.5 hours after injection, reaches its peak effect at 1.5 to 3.5 hours, and lasts about 7 to 8 hours.
- The insulin human (rDNA) N starts its action within 1.5 hours after injection, reaches its peak effect at 4 to 12 hours, and lasts about 24 hours.
- Insulin human (rDNA) N is never to be administered intravenously.
What should you do before injecting insulin?
Before pulling the injection, check for any air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles, put the syringe upside and tap the syringe to discharge the bubbles.
- Clean your hands
- Shake the solution uniformly
- Draw air into your syringe equal to the amount of insulin needed
- Puncture the needle into the vial and inject the air completely
- Withdraw the insulin into the injection
Choosing the ideal injection site
- Choose the area where the skin is less tight.
- To avoid tissue damage, choose the injection site 1 cm away from the previous injection site.
Proper injection technique
- The injection site should be washed with an alcohol swab
- Enter the skin at 45°
- Insert the needle into the skin and inject insulin
- Pull the needle out
- Put pressure over the injection site for seconds
- Do not rub the injection site
Studies have reported that HbA1c levels are steady after using Actrapid for six months.
How does Actrapid insulin work and what are the risk factors?
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce the required amount of insulin to control blood sugar levels. Actrapid is almost similar to the insulin produced by the pancreas.
- The active ingredient of Actrapid is produced by a method called “recombination technology.”
- In this method, the yeast produces insulin, which has a gene that enables it to produce insulin.
- This insulin acts as the natural human insulin and prevents an increase in blood glucose levels.
- Symptoms and complications of diabetes are reduced by regulating blood glucose levels.
Risk factors associated with Actrapid
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergic to insulin
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, and redness)

QUESTION
Diabetes is defined best as... See AnswerSafety advice and how to store vaccines
Actrapid is contraindicated in people who are hypersensitive to human insulin.
- Safe: Insulin in pregnant and nursing mothers does not have any restrictions. Insulin does not pass the placental barrier; hence, it is safe during pregnancy.
- Unsafe: Avoid alcohol as it may impair blood glucose control.
- Caution: Actrapid HM 100 IU/mL Penfill should be used cautiously in people with kidney disease.
- Caution: Actrapid HM 100 IU/mL Penfill should be used cautiously in people with liver disease.
Storing vaccines properly
Do not freeze. Store at 35.6°F to 46.4°F (2°C to 8°C) in the refrigerator. The insulin in use can be kept at room temperature for one month.
What are the precautionary measures?
Inadequate dosing or discontinuation in type I diabetes may lead to hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia may occur if the insulin dose is too high about the insulin requirement.
- Do not use it if you are allergic to human insulin or any other medicine.
- Avoid using Actrapid if you suspect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
- Do not use it if the cap is loose or missing.
- If it is not stored properly or frozen, you should replace it with another vial.
- If the insulin does not appear clear and colorless, do not use it or change the vial.
What are the side effects of Actrapid?
Serious allergic reaction is one of the severe but rare side effects of Actrapid that may cause potentially life-threatening dangers. It may affect very few people (1 in 1,000).
Some common side effects may include:
- Signs of localized allergic reactions
- Vision problems
- Painful neuropathy
- Swelling in the joints
Rare side effects include:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3849/pil#gref
https://www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder/actrapid-10-m-l-vial
Top What Is Actrapid Insulin Related Articles
Diabetes: Best Diets When You Have Diabetes
Which popular eating plans are safe and effective? The right diet will help you control your blood sugar, get a handle on your weight, and feel better. Learn more from this WebMD quiz.Body Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes or prediabetes. The drugs that treat it sometimes cause low blood sugar too. WebMD helps guide you through the effects of both.Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.Diabetes Quiz
Take the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do with obesity and diet? Learn about life as a diabetic.Diabetes Treatment: Medication, Diet, and Insulin
The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with:
- insulin,
- exercise,
- and a diabetic diet.
Type 2 diabetes is first treated with:
- weight reduction,
- a diabetic diet,
- and exercise.
When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
Insulin Pump for Diabetes
An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin directly to a patient with diabetes. They are about the size of a standard beeper. The pump is attached to under the skin (usually on the abdomen). The amount of insulin required will depend on lifestyle (exercise, sleep patterns, activity level, and diet).Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into muscle and other tissues. There are no signs or symptoms of insulin resistance. Causes of insulin can include conditions such as stress, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and steroid use. Some of the risk factors for insulin resistance include fatty liver, heart disease, strokes, peripheral vascular disease, high cholesterol, and smoking. Treatment for insulin resistance are lifestyle changes and if necessary, medication.Type 1 Diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes? There are new treatments for juvenile diabetes, and more people with diabetes can be treated than ever before. Learn the symptoms of T1D, the causes, and find ways to control your blood glucose levels naturally.Type 1 Diabetes Quiz
What are the causes of type 1 diabetes? Take this quiz and challenge your knowledge of causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for this common condition, formerly known as juvenile diabetes.Type 2 Diabetes Quiz
What causes type 2 diabetes? Can it be prevented? Take this online quiz and challenge your knowledge of this common condition. Also, get the truth about myths and facts!Type 2 Diabetes Signs
Learn about type 2 diabetes warning signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Find out why thirst, headaches, and infections could be signs of diabetes. Discover the treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes, including medicines and lifestyle improvements.What Types of Insulin Are Used for Sliding Scale Therapy?
The types of insulin used for sliding scale therapy include long-acting insulin, short-acting insulin, and premixed insulin.How Many Units of Insulin Do I Need for 400 Blood Sugar?
Theoretically, to reduce 400 mg/dL blood sugar to about 100 mg/dL, you would need at least 10 units of insulin. However, this depends on your weight and other factors.Diabetes Urine Tests
Urine tests for individuals with diabetes is important to check for diabetes-related kidney disease and severe hypoglycemia. With proper monitoring of blood glucose levels, diabetic-kidney disease can be avoided.What Is a High Insulin Level?
Insulin is a hormone (a chemical substance that acts as a messenger in the human body) that is secreted by an abdominal organ called the pancreas. High insulin levels are levels of the hormone that are higher than they should be after ingesting glucose.What Tests Are Done for Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause serious complications if left untreated, which is why timely diagnosis is important. Learn about tests for type II, type I, and gestational diabetes.