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Health Centres - Velosulin (discontinued in the UK - June 2007)
How does it work?Velosulin vials contain human soluble insulin. They are used to treat diabetes.
People with diabetes have a deficiency or absence of a hormone manufactured by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for the control of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
People with type one diabetes need to have injections of insulin to control the amount of glucose in their bloodstream. Insulin injections act as a replacement for natural insulin, and allow people with diabetes to achieve normal blood glucose levels.
The insulin works in the same way as natural insulin, by binding to insulin receptors on cells in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle and fat tissue to increase their uptake of glucose from the bloodstream. It also decreases the production of glucose by the liver, and has various other effects that lower the amount of glucose in the blood.
Velosulin contains a type of insulin called soluble (or neutral) insulin. When it is injected under the skin it works rapidly, within 30 to 60 minutes, and its effects last for about eight hours. Velsosulin is intended for use in an insulin infusion pump that continuously delivers insulin into the body. Usually, the pump delivers 40 to 60 per cent of the total daily insulin dose continuously, to provide background lowering of blood sugar. The remainder of the daily dose is then divided between the three main meals. A dose is usually injected 30 minutes before each meal, to control the increasing blood glucose levels after eating.
Soluble insulin is often given in combination with intermediate or longer-acting types of insulin, which provide control over blood glucose throughout the day.
It is important to monitor your blood glucose regularly and adjust your insulin dose as required. Your doctor or diabetic team will explain how to do this. Keeping your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible, and not too high or too low, significantly reduces the risk of developing late-stage diabetic complications.
What is it used for?
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Diabetes.
Warning!
- NovoNordisk is discontinuing Velosulin vials for commercial reasons. Velosulin will be unavailable from 15 June 2007. If you currently use this type of insulin, you will need to transfer to an alternative insulin before this time. You should make an appointment with your doctor or diabetes specialist so that your insulin treatment can be reviewed and this can be arranged.
- Your insulin should only be changed on your doctor's advice.
If you are transferred to a different insulin, eg different type (short, intermediate or long acting), different species (human or animal), different brand, or different strength of insulin, your doctor may need to alter your dose, and your warning symptoms of low blood sugar may be slightly different.
- People treating their diabetes with insulin should regularly check their blood sugar level. Make sure you discuss how to do this and how often with your GP, pharmacist or diabetes specialist.
- Your insulin requirements may increase when you are ill, especially if you have an infection or fever. Your insulin dose may also need adjusting during periods of emotional disturbance, or if you increase your physical activity or change your usual diet. Insulin requirements may be reduced if you have impaired kidney or liver function. Discuss this with your doctor or diabetes nurse to make sure you optimise control of your blood sugar.
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Low blood sugar can often occur as a side effect of insulin therapy. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia usually occur suddenly and may include cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, anxious feeling, unusual tiredness or weakness, confusion, difficulty in concentration, excessive hunger, temporary vision changes, headache, nausea and palpitations. You should talk to your doctor about this to make sure you know what to do if you experience these symptoms.
- Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if you have low blood sugar, and this can cause problems driving or operating machinary. You should take precautions to avoid low blood sugar when driving - discuss this with your doctor.
- People with diabetes who are on insulin should only drink alcohol in moderation and accompanied by food. This is because alcohol can make your warning signs of low blood sugar less clear, and can cause delayed low blood sugar, even several hours after drinking.
- Each time you inject your insulin make sure you use a different site within the area you use. This helps to prevent the skin thickening and pitting, which can occur if the injection is repeatedly given in the same site.
Not to be used in
.
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Low blood sugar levels .
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- Insulin does not cross the placenta and provides no risk to the developing baby.
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