1. No category

Detail-Document #251005
−This Detail-Document accompanies the related article published in−
PHARMACIST’S LETTER / PRESCRIBER’S LETTER
October 2009 ~ Volume 25 ~ Number 251005
How to Switch Between Insulin Products
Switching insulins should always be done with prescriber approval and close monitoring. Advise patients to closely monitor blood glucose levels
after switching insulins. If switching between human insulin brands (e.g., Humulin R to Novolin R, Humulin N to Novolin N, or Humulin R/N or
Novolin R/N to “store brand” R/N), keep the number of units each day the same. However, because these brands are not AB rated you may need to
contact the prescriber for approval to switch between brands. See our Comparison of Insulins chart for meal timing, onset, peak, duration of action,
and other information. Also see our algorithm Initiation and Adjustment of Insulin Regimens for Type 2 Diabetes.
Clinical Scenario
NPH to Long-acting
NPH to insulin detemir (Levemir)
Recommendation/Comments
•
•
•
•
NPH to insulin glargine (Lantus)
•
•
•
Long-acting to NPH
Insulin detemir (Levemir) to NPH
Insulin glargine (Lantus) to NPH
Convert unit-per-unit.1
Some patients on basal-bolus insulin may require more Levemir
than NPH.1
Give Levemir once daily, or divided twice daily if necessary for
control.1
Do not mix Levemir with other insulins.1
NPH once daily: convert unit-per-unit and give once daily.2
NPH twice daily: reduce daily dose by 20% and give once
daily.2
Do not mix Lantus with other insulins.2
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3
Give NPH at bedtime or split twice daily (e.g., 50:50 or 2/3 in
AM and 1/3 before dinner or at bedtime).3,4,5
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3
Give NPH at bedtime or split twice daily (e.g., 50:50 or 2/3 in
AM and 1/3 before dinner or at bedtime).3,4,5
More. . .
Copyright © 2009 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #251005: Page 2 of 4)
Clinical Scenario
Long-acting to long-acting
Insulin detemir (Levemir) to insulin glargine (Lantus)
Insulin glargine (Lantus) to insulin detemir (Levemir)
Recommendation/Comments
•
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.2
Give once daily, or divided twice daily if necessary for control.15
Do not mix Lantus with other insulins.2
•
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.1,6
Give once daily, or divided twice daily if necessary for control.1
A higher daily dose may be needed, especially if divided twice
daily.14
Do not mix Levemir with other insulins.1
•
Regular to rapid-acting
Regular human insulin (Humulin, Novolin) to rapid-acting insulin analog
(insulin aspart [Novolog], insulin glulisine [Apidra], insulin lispro
[Humalog])
Rapid-acting to regular
Insulin aspart (Novolog), insulin glulisine (Apidra), or insulin lispro
(Humalog) to regular human insulin (Humulin, Novolin)
Rapid-acting to rapid-acting
Insulin aspart (Novolog), insulin glulisine (Apidra) or insulin lispro
(Humalog) to Insulin aspart (Novolog), insulin glulisine (Apidra) or
insulin lispro (Humalog)
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3,7,8,9
Rapid-acting insulin analogs have a faster onset of action and a
shorter duration of action than human regular insulin. Give rapid
acting insulin analogs about 10 minutes before meals or with
meals. See Comparison of Insulins for specifics of meal
timing.10
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3,7,8,9
Rapid-acting insulin analogs have a faster onset of action and a
shorter duration of action than human regular insulin. Give
regular insulin about 30 minutes before meals. See Comparison
of Insulins for specifics of meal timing.10
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3,7,8,9,11
Give rapid-acting insulin analogs about 10 minutes before meals
or with meals. See Comparison of Insulins for specifics of meal
timing.10
More. . .
Copyright © 2009 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #251005: Page 3 of 4)
Clinical Scenario
Premixed to premixed
Premixed NPH/regular insulin (Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30) to
Premixed protamine/rapid-acting analog (insulin lispro protamine/insulin
lispro [Humalog Mix 75/25], insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart
[Novolog Mix70/30])
Recommendation/Comments
•
•
Premixed protamine/rapid-acting analog (insulin lispro protamine/insulin
lispro [Humalog Mix 75/25], insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart
[Novolog Mix70/30]) to premixed NPH/regular insulin (Humulin 70/30,
Novolin 70/30)
•
•
Premixed NPH/regular insulin (Humulin 50/50) to insulin lispro/insulin
lispro protamine (Humalog Mix 50/50)
•
•
•
Convert unit-per-unit.3,12,13
Premixed insulin analogs have a faster onset of action but similar
duration of action compared to human premixed insulin. Give
insulin analogs about 10 minutes before meals or with meals. See
Comparison of Insulins for specifics of meal timing.10
Convert unit-per-unit.3,12,13
Premixed insulin analogs have a faster onset of action but similar
duration of action compared to human premixed insulin. Give
human premixed insulins (Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30) about
30 minutes before meals. See Comparison of Insulins for
specifics of meal timing.10
Convert unit-per-unit.1
Give Humalog 50/50 about 10 minutes before meals or with
meals. See Comparison of Insulins for specifics of meal timing.10
Humulin 50/50 insulin is being discontinued due to declining
usage. Humulin 50/50 insulin is expected to be unavailable as of
April 2010 (see http://www.humalog.com/pdf/humulindiscontinued.pdf).
Users of this document are cautioned to use their own professional judgment and consult any other necessary or appropriate sources prior to making clinical
judgments based on the content of this document. Our editors have researched the information with input from experts, government agencies, and national
organizations. Information and Internet links in this article were current as of the date of publication.
More. . .
Copyright © 2009 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #251005: Page 4 of 4)
Project Leader in preparation of this DetailDocument: Melanie Cupp, Pharm.D., BCPS
7.
References
9.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Product information for Levemir. Novo Nordisk Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540. May 2007.
Product information for Lantus. Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
LLC. Bridgewater, NJ 08807. March 2007.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information
regarding insulin storage and switching between
products
in
an
emergency.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/
ucm085213.htm. (Accessed September 7, 2009).
Carlise BA, Kroon LA, Koda-Kimble MA. Diabetes
mellitus. In: Koda-Kimble MA, Young LY, Kradjan
WA, Guglielmo BJ, editors. Applied therapeutics:
th
the clinical use of drugs. 8 edition. Philadelphia,
PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
American College of Physicians Diabetes Care
Guide.
http://diabetes.acponline.org/custom_resources/ACP
_DiabetesCareGuide_Ch08.pdf?dbp.
(Accessed
September 9, 2009).
Hall DL, Drab SR, Havrilla PL. Advances in diabetes
therapy: rapid and long-acting insulin analogs. Drug
Topics continuing education. September 28, 2006.
http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/dat
a/articlestandard/drugtopics/402006/376897/article.
pdf (Accessed September 7, 2009).
8.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Product information for Humalog. Eli Lilly and
Company. Indianapolis, IN 46285. March 2009.
Product information for Apidra. Sanofi-Aventis U.S.
LLC. Bridgewater, NJ 08807. February 2009.
Product information for Novolog. Novo Nordisk Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08540. July 2009.
Comparison
of
insulins.
Pharmacist's
Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2006;22(9):220910.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
Pharmacy
Benefits
Management
Services.
Recommendations for converting from insulin lispro
to
insulin
aspart.
January
2005.
http://www.pbm.va.gov/Clinical%20Guidance/Therap
eutic%20Interchange%20Guidance/Insulin%20lispro
%20to%20Insulin%20aspart%20conversion.pdf
(Accessed September 7, 2009).
Product information for Novolog Mix 70/30. Novo
Nordisk Inc. Princeton, NJ 08540. March 2008.
Product information for Humalog Mix 75/25. Eli Lilly
and Company. Indianapolis, IN 46285. March 2009.
Rosenstock J, Davies M, Home PD, et al. A
randomized, 52-week, treat-to-target trial comparing
insulin detemir with insulin glargine when
administered as add-on to glucose-lowering drugs in
insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetologia 2008;51:408-16.
DeVries JH, Nattrass M, Pieber TR. Refining basal
insulin therapy: what have we learned in the age of
analogues? Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2007;23:44154.
Cite this Detail-Document as follows: How to switch between insulin products. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s
Letter 2009;25(10):251005.
Evidence and Advice You Can Trust…
3120 West March Lane, P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ TEL (209) 472-2240 ~ FAX (209) 472-2249
Copyright © 2009 by Therapeutic Research Center
Subscribers to Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber’s Letter can get Detail-Documents, like this one, on any
topic covered in any issue by going to www.pharmacistsletter.com or www.prescribersletter.com
Detail-Document #241101
−This Detail-Document accompanies the related article published in−
PHARMACIST’S LETTER / PRESCRIBER’S LETTER
November 2008 ~ Volume 24 ~ Number 241101
Initiation and Adjustment of Insulin Regimens for Type 2 Diabetes1,2,3
Note: Insulin therapy should be individualized according to blood sugar values, A1c, diet, medications, lifestyle, etc.
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
A1c > 7% (eAG > 154 mg/dL)
Assess current therapy
Lifestyle change
Monotherapy usually with metformin
Metformin
Add sulfonylurea if A1c < 8.5%, add insulin if A1c > 8.5%
Combination oral therapy**
Failure to control blood sugar*
Motivated patient
Willing to frequently monitor
blood sugars
Basal insulin with rapid-acting
mealtime insulin (~4 doses/day)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Example of initial insulin regimen
o 10 units NPH or 0.2 units/kg at bedtime
o 10 units glargine or 0.2 units/kg once daily
o 10 units detemir or 0.2 units/kg once daily
o 10 unitsmealtime
premixedinsulin
insulin once or twice daily
(prebreakfast and/or predinner)
Twice daily provides better glucose control in most patients
Pioglitazone or exenatide + metformin in select patients**3
Rosiglitazone NOT recommended3
Consider insulin as initial therapy in severe hyperglycemia
(plasma glucose levels >250 mg/dL), random glucose levels
consistently >300 mg/dL, or an A1c >10%)
Failure to control blood sugar*=A1c>7%, eAG>154 mg/dL
Stop sulfonylurea, pioglit, or exenatide when start insulin3
Start/intensify insulin therapy
High fasting, high postprandial glucose
Premixed insulin daily or BID (doses harder
to adjust since fixed combination)
Types of Insulin
Rapid-acting insulin: lispro
(Humalog), aspart (NovoLog),
glulisine (Apidra)
Regular short-acting insulin:
Humulin R, Novolin R
Intermediate-acting (basal) insulin:
NPH (Humulin N, Novolin N)
Long-acting (basal) insulin:
glargine (Lantus),
detemir (Levemir)
Premixed insulin:
Rapid acting: NovoLog Mix 70/30,
Humalog Mix75/25 or 50/50
Short-acting: Humulin 70/30 or 50/50
Novolin 70/30
Oral medications controlling
postprandial glucose, but high fasting
glucose. Good for timid insulin users.
Basal insulin (intermediate
or long-acting) once daily
Failure to control blood sugar*
Failure to control blood sugar*
Once daily basal insulin with rapid-acting
mealtime insulin
Add rapid-acting insulin before meals where postprandial
hyperglycemia occurs OR premixed insulin daily or BID
Failure to control blood sugar*
Copyright © 2008 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
More. . .
(Detail-Document #241101: Page 2 of 2)
Users of this document are cautioned to use their own
professional judgment and consult any other necessary
or appropriate sources prior to making clinical
judgments based on the content of this document. Our
editors have researched the information with input from
experts,
government
agencies,
and
national
organizations. Information and Internet links in this
article were current as of the date of publication.
Project Leader in preparation of this DetailDocument: Neeta Bahal O’Mara, Pharm.D., BCPS
References
1.
2.
3.
Hirsch IB, Bergenstal RM, Parkin CG, et al. A realworld approach to insulin therapy in primary care
practice. Clin Diabetes 2005;23:78-86.
Nathan DM, Buse JB, Davidson MB, et al.
Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes: a
consensus algorithm for the initiation and adjustment
of therapy. Diabetes Care 2006;29:1963-72.
Nathan DM, Buse JB, Davidson MB, et al.
Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes: A
consensus algorithm for the initiation and adjustment
of therapy. Diabetes Care (Dec) 2008;31:1-11.
Cite this Detail-Document as follows: Insulin use in patients with type 2 diabetes. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s
Letter 2008;24(11):241101.
Evidence and Advice You Can Trust…
3120 West March Lane, P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ TEL (209) 472-2240 ~ FAX (209) 472-2249
Copyright © 2008 by Therapeutic Research Center
Subscribers to Pharmacist’s Letter and Prescriber’s Letter can get Detail-Documents, like this one, on any
topic covered in any issue by going to www.pharmacistsletter.com or www.prescribersletter.com
Detail-Document #220910
−This Detail-Document accompanies the related article published in−
PHARMACIST’S LETTER / PRESCRIBER’S LETTER
September 2006 ~ Volume 22 ~ Number 220910
Comparison of Insulins
―Based on U.S. product information―(Last modified December 2008)
—Information for the non-insulin agents, Byetta and Symlin, is located at the end of the chart—
Rapid-acting
Insulin Lispro Solution
Brand, Maker
Availability
Description
Onset16
Peak16
Duration16
Administration
Meal timing
Formulations
Appearance
Compatibility
Stability of inuse products at
room temp
AWP
19
Insulin Aspart Solution
Insulin Glulisine
NovoLog, Novo Nordisk
Apidra,21,30 Aventis
All are prescription.
Human insulin analog (rDNA)
15 to 30 minutes
10 to 20 minutes
10 to 15 minutes22
30 minutes to 2.5 hours
1 to 3 hours
1 to 1.5 hours22
3 to 6.5 hours
3 to 5 hours
3 to 5 hours22
FDA-labeled for SC injection and SC infusion (NovoLog approved for IV infusion in clinical settings).
Give SC injection within 15
Give SC injection within 15 minutes before or immediately after Give 5 to 10 minutes before meals.
minutes before or within 20
meals.1
min. after starting a meal.21
Give pump bolus immediately before meal.6
100 units/mL. 10 mL vials,
100 units/mL. 10 mL vials, 3 mL cartridge and disposable pen.
100 units/mL. 10 mL vials, 3 mL cartridge
3 mL cartridge
(latex-free),24 3 mL disposable FlexPen.
Clear1, 10
• Can mix with NPH (draw aspart into
• Can mix with NPH or ultralente (draw lispro into syringe first
• Can mix with NPH only
syringe first and inject immediately after
and inject immediately).19
(draw glulisine into syringe
• Mixture with NPH (Humulin N) stable in vials for 28 days at
mixing).16
first and inject
room temperature and refrigeration (prefilled syringes stable for • No data on mixing with regular, lente, or
immediately).21
35
24
14 days refrigerated).
ultralente.
• Can mix with Lilly diluent to dilutions of 1:2 (U-50) or 1:10
• Discard pump insulin if exposed to >37° C.
(U-10). Diluted solutions stable for 28 days at
• Do not mix with glargine (see note under
5° C (41° F) and 14 days at 30° C (86° F).
Lantus).
• Do not mix with glargine (see note under Lantus).
• Discard pump insulin if exposed to >37° C.
Vial, cartridge, pen: 28 days
Vial, cartridge, pen: 28 days
Vial, cartridge: 28 days.
External pump: 48 hours.24
External pump: 48 hours for most parts; 7 days for 3 mL
External pump: 48 hours.1
cartridge in D-TRON or D-TRON plus.
$80.35/10 mL vial
$83.71/10 mL vial
$80.87/10 mL vial
$156.18/5 of 3 mL cartridge
$155.52/5 of 3 mL cartridge
$162.68/5 of 3 mL cartridge
$161.69/5 of 3 mL pen
$161.73/5 of 3 mL FlexPen
More. . .
Humalog Eli Lilly
20
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 2 of 12)
Short-acting (ie, Regular insulin)
Brand, maker
Humulin R, Eli Lilly
Species
Availability
Onset16
Peak16
Duration16
Administration
Meal timing
Formulations
Appearance
Compatibility
Stability of inuse products at
room
temperature
AWP
Novolin R, Novo Nordisk
Human (rDNA)
Iletin II Regular,25 Eli Lilly*
Pork
Human (rDNA)
Non-prescription (except 500 units/mL Humulin R).
As of July 2005, Lilly will discontinue Iletin II Regular; stock depletion expected by end of 2005.
30 to 60 minutes; onset more rapid with human than pork.
1 to 5 hours; peak may be more rapid with human than pork.
6 to 10 hours; longer with pork than human. May be longer with U-500.
4 to 12 hours
SC, IM, IV (unlabeled).
SC, IM, IV.39
SC, IV (unlabeled), but not IM.
500 units/mL SC only.
SC injection: 30 minutes before meals.1 Pump bolus: 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.6
100 units/mL: 10 mL vial.
100 units/mL: 10 mL vial, 3 mL cartridge,
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial.
500 units/mL: 20 mL vial.
3 mL Innolet.
Clear and colorless.1
• Can mix with NPH; use immediately or store for future use.1 Mixture in vials stable at
• Can mix with Iletin II Lente if
room temperature for 1 month, refrigerator for 3 months, but must consider possibility of
administered immediately.6
16,36
• Can mix with NPH.5
microbial contamination.
• Mixing with lente/ultralente can delay onset of regular; may not reach binding
• Can mix with ultralente.5
equilibrium for 24 hours. Per ADA, mix with lente only if patient already stabilized on
• Do not mix with glargine.
regimen. Standardize interval between mixing & injecting (either immediately or ≥24
• Diluent no longer available for
hours after mixing).1, 5, 6
Iletin II Regular.18
18
• Humulin R stable for 1 month at room temp after dilution with Lilly insulin diluent.
• Do not mix with glargine.
• Can mix with Water for Injection or 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection for use in SC
infusion pump. Use within 24 hours.16
Vial: 28 days42
Vial: 30 days43
Vial: 28 days42
3 mL cartridge & Innolet: 28 days
$36.19/10 mL vial (U-100)
$219.46/20 mL vial (U-500)
$37.71/10 mL vial
$119.34/5 of 3 mL cartridge
$80.28/5 of 3 mL Innolet
$47.98/10 mL vial
Discontinued
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 3 of 12)
Intermediate-acting
Brand, maker
Species
Availability
Onset16
Peak16
Duration16
Administration
Meal timing
Formulations
Appearance
Compatibility
Room temp
stability, in-use
products
AWP
Lente (Insulin zinc suspension; contains zinc and
acetate buffers)5
Humulin L, Lilly
Human
NPH (Isophane insulin suspension; contains zinc and protamine)5
Novolin N, Novo Nordisk Humulin N,25 Lilly Iletin II NPH,25 Lilly
Human
Human
Pork
Non-prescription.
As of July 2005, Lilly will discontinue Humulin L and Iletin II NPH; stock depletion expected by end of 2005.
1 to 3 hours
1 to 2 hours; onset more rapid with human than pork
6 to 14 hours
6 to 14 hours
16 to 24 hours
16 to 24+ hours; duration of human < pork
SC only.16 Re-suspend before injection.6
SC only.16 Re-suspend before injection.6
• Inject within 15 minutes before meals when NPH mixed with rapid-acting insulin.1
• Usually injected 30 minutes before meals when mixed with regular.1
• Individualize based on blood glucose.8
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial.
100 units/mL. 10 mL
100 units/mL. 10
100 units/mL. 10 mL
vial, 3 mL cart, 3 mL
mL vial, 3 mL
vial.
Innolet.
cartridge.
Cloudy1
• Do not mix with regular insulin unless patient
• Can mix with aspart or lispro.5 Draw up rapid-acting insulin first and
stabilized on regimen (delays onset of regular
inject immediately.24 (See additional stability information in lispro
insulin). Standardize interval between mixing and
section).
injecting (either immediately or at least 24 hours
• Can mix with regular. Draw up regular insulin first; can be used
after mixing).1, 5 Mix with Iletin II regular
immediately or stored for future use.1 Mixture in vials stable at room
6
immediately before injecting.
temperature for 1 month and in refrigerator for 3 months.5
5
• Can mix with ultralente.
• Lilly NPH products stable for 1 month at room temperature after
1
dilution with Lilly insulin diluent.6, 18
• Do not mix with NPH or glargine.
18
• Do not mix with lente, ultralente, or glargine.1, 5
• Diluent no longer available for Humulin L.
Vial: 28 days42
Vial: 30 days43
Vial: 28 days42
Vial: 28 days42
3 mL cart, Innolet: 14
3 mL pen: 14 days
days
$29.85/10 mL vial
$37.71/10 mL vial
$36.19/10 mL vial
$47.98/10 mL vial
Discontinued
$119.44/5 of 3 mL cart
$119.43/5 of 3 mL Discontinued
$80.28/5 of 3 mL Innolet pens
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 4 of 12)
Long-acting
Ultralente (Extended insulin zinc suspension)
Humulin U, Lilly
Non-prescription. Will be discontinued;
expect stock depletion by end of 2005.
Human (rDNA)
4 to 6 hours
8 to 20 hours
24 to 28 hours with 0.5 units/kg; somewhat
dose-dependent.6
Brand, maker
Availability
Insulin glargine solution
Lantus,12 Aventis
Prescription only.
Species
Onset16
Peak16
Duration16
Human insulin analog (rDNA)
1.1 hours
No significant peak
24 hours
Administration
• Once daily SC at same time each day.
• Give equivalent dose of Lantus after
conversion from once daily human
NPH/lente; reduce Lantus dose by 20%
after twice daily NPH.
• No need to shake before administration.
• Low pH may cause pain at injection site.
• Re-suspend before injection.6
• SC injection only.
Meal timing
Not applicable.
Formulations
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial, 3 mL cart for
Opticlik.
Clear1
• Do not mix with other insulins; diluent has
low pH (4).1
Note: In initial studies, mixing glargine with
lispro or aspart did not affect glycemic
control. The mixture was cloudy.13,40
• Inject within 15 minutes before meals if mixed
with rapid-acting insulin.1
• Usually injected 30 minutes before meals if
mixed with regular.1
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial.
Appearance
Compatibility
Room temp
stability, in-use
products
AWP
10 mL vial: 28 days
3 mL cartridge: 28 days
$80.21/10 mL vial; $163.44/5 of 3 mL cart
Cloudy1
• Can mix with insulin lispro (inject within 5
minutes), regular (standardize time from mixing
to injecting), or lente.4, 5 Do not mix with NPH.1
• Mixture with lente stable at room temp for 1
month, refrigerated for 3 months.26
18
• Diluent no longer available for Humulin U.
10 mL vial: 28 days42
$29.85/10 mL vial (Discontinued)
Insulin Detemir solution
Levemir,34 Novo Nordisk
Prescription only.
Human insulin analog (rDNA)
0.8 to 2 hours (dose-dependent)39
Relatively flat
Dose-dependent; 12 hours for 0.2
units/kg, 20 hours for 0.4 units/kg, up to
24 hours. Binds to albumin.
• Give SC once or twice daily. Give
once-daily dose at evening meal or hs.
Give equivalent dose of Levemir after
conversion from another basal insulin.34
• Type 2 diabetes: Some pts may need
higher doses of Levemir than NPH.
Insulin-naïve pts with poor control on
PO drugs: 0.1-0.2 units/kg once daily in
evening or 10 units once/ twice daily. 34
• Evening dose can be given at dinner or
hs. In twice-daily regimens, it can also
be given 12 h after morning dose.34
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial,
3 mL disposable FlexPen.
Clear14
Do not mix with other insulins or
diluent. Mixing with Levemir reduced
levels of insulin aspart substantially.34
Has neutral pH (7.4).2,34
10 mL vial, 3 mL FlexPen: 42 days. Inuse vials can be refrigerated; other forms
cannot.43
$83.70/10 mL vial; $161.69/5 FlexPen
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 5 of 12)
Insulin Mixtures (Information for Humalog Mix 50/50 is at the end of this chart)
Brand,
Maker
Availability
Species
Onset
Peak
Duration
Administration
Meal timing
Formulations
Appearance
Compatibility
Stability of inuse products at
room temp
Cost
30% insulin aspart,
25% insulin lispro,
70% insulin aspart
75% insulin lispro
protamine
protamine
Novolog Mix 70/3028
Humalog Mix 75/2527
Novo Nordisk
Eli Lilly
Prescription only
Human insulin analog (rDNA)
10 to 20 minutes39
Faster than Humulin 70/30
Mean 2.4 hours
Mean 2.6 hours
Range 1 to 4 hours
Range 1 to 6.5 hours
70% NPH,
30% regular
Humulin 70/3025
Eli Lilly
30 to 60 minutes7
Mean 4.4 hours
Range 1.5 to 16 hours
50% NPH,
50% regular
Novolin 70/3025
Novo Nordisk
Non-prescription
Human (rDNA)
30 to 60 minutes7
2 to 12 hours
Humulin 50/50
Eli Lilly
30 to 60 minutes7
Mean 3.3 hours
Range 2 to 5.5
hours
Effective: 10 to 16
hours9
Max: Up to 18 to
24 hours9
Effective: 10 to 16
Effective: 10 to 16
hours9
hours9
Max: Up to 18 to 24
Max: Up to 18 to 24
hours9
hours9
SC only. Re-suspend before injection.6
• Give within 15 minutes of a meal.
• Give approx. 30 minutes before meals.1
8
• Individualize based on blood glucose.
• Individualize based on blood glucose.8
100 units/mL. 10 mL
100 units/mL. 10 mL vial, 3 100 units/mL. 10 mL
100 units/mL. 10 mL
100 units/mL. 10
vial, 3 mL cart, 3 mL
mL disposable pen
vial,
vial, 3 mL cartridge, 3
mL vial
disposable FlexPen
3 mL disposable pen
mL Innolet
Cloudy
• Do not mix with other insulins. • Humalog Mix 75/25, Humulin 70/30, and Humulin 50/50 stable for 1 month at room
temperature after dilution with Lilly insulin diluent. 18
Vial: 28 days
Vial: 28 days
Vial: 28 days
Vial: 30 days43
Vial: 28 days
Pen: 14 days
Pen: 10 days
Pen: 10 days
3 mL cart, Innolet: 10
3 mL cart: 14 days
days
$83.71/10 mL vial
$80.35/10 mL vial
$36.19/10 mL vial
$37.71/10 mL vial
$36.19/10 mL vial
$155.52/5 of 3 mL
$161.69/5 of 3 mL pen
$119.43/10 of 3 mL
$119.44/5 of 3 mL cart
cart
pen
$80.28/5 of 3 mL
$161.73/5 of 3 mL pen
Innolet
Effective: 15 to 18
hours
Max: Up to 24 hours
Up to 24 hours (similar to
Humulin 70/30).
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 6 of 12)
Insulin Administration Devices
Device
Manufacturer
Description
Dosage range
and precision
Autopen Classic
AN3810 and AN3800
Owen Mumford
800-421-6936
www.owenmumford.com
Reusable
pen
1-21 units in 1unit increments
or 2-42 units in
2-unit
increments
Lilly pens
Eli Lilly
800-545-5979
www.lillydiabetes.com
(See next pg. for
HumaPen
Memoir/Luxura)
Innolet
Novo Nordisk
www.innolet-us.com
Prefilled
disposable
pen
Insulin Used
AWP
Comments
3 mL cartridges
from Lilly or CP
Pharmaceuticals
Storage &
stability of
in-use pens
According to
insulin cartridge
specifications
$40
Automatic side injection button.
Comes with Unifine Pentip needles
(1/2” or 5/16”, both 29 G), but can
use other needles. Cannot easily
correct “over-dialed” dose without
losing insulin.
1-60 units in 1unit increments
3 mL with:
Humalog 75/25
Humalog 50/50
Humalog
Humulin N
Humulin 70/30
Room temp for:
10 days
10 days
28 days
14 days
10 days
$161.69
for 5 pens
Humalog
$119.43
for 5 pens
Humulin
Can use with 28 G BD pen needles or
equivalent. Has magnifying dose
window. Also additional magnifier
that snaps on the pen. Humalog
products are prescription only.
Prefilled
disposable
device
1-50 units in 1unit increments
3 mL with:
Novolin N
Novolin 70/30
Novolin R
Room temp for:
14 days
10 days
28 days
$62.95/5
of 3 mL
dosers
Uses NovoFine or BD pen needles.
Has large dosage dial and numbers.
Audible clicks.a Dial dose up/down
for dose correction. Resets to zero
after shot.
Levemir FlexPen
Novo Nordisk
www.insulindevice.com
Prefilled
disposable
pen
1-60 units in 1unit increments
3 mL with
Levemir
42 days at room
temperature
$161.69
for 5 pens
Uses NovoFine or BD pen needles.
Large window. Audible clicks.a Dial
dose up/down for dose correction.
Resets to zero after shot.
NovoLog FlexPen
Novo Nordisk
Prefilled
disposable
pen
1-60 units in 1unit increments
3 mL with
NovoLog
28 days at room
temperature
$161.73
for 5 pens
NovoLog Mix 70/30
FlexPen
Novo Nordisk
Prefilled
disposable
pen
1-60 units in 1unit increments
3 mL with
NovoLog Mix
70/30
14 days at room
temperature
$161.73
for 5 pens
Uses NovoFine or BD pen needles.
Large window. Audible clicks.a Dial
dose up/down for dose correction.
Resets to zero after shot.
Uses NovoFine or BD pen needles.
Large window. Audible clicks.a Dial
dose up/down for dose correction.
Resets to zero after shot.
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 7 of 12)
Device
Manufacturer
Description
Dosage range
and precision
Insulin Used
NovoPen 3
Novo Nordisk
Reusable
pen
2-70 units in 1unit increments
NovoPen Junior
Novo Nordisk
Reusable
pen
1-35 units in ½
unit increments
OptiClik
Aventis
www.opticlik.com
Reusable
pen
1-80 units in 1
unit increments
HumaPen Memoir
Eli Lilly
www.humalog.com/patient
/humapen_memoir.jsp
HumaPen Luxura HD
Eli Lilly
Reusable
pen with
memory
1-60 units in 1unit increments
3 mL Humalog
cartridges only,
from Lilly
Reusable
pen
1-30 units in ½unit increments
(after 1st unit)
3 mL Humalog
cartridges only,
from Lilly
3 mL Novo
Nordisk PenFill
cartridges
(Novolin N, R,
70/30, NovoLog,
NovoLog Mix
70/30)
3 mL Novo
Nordisk PenFill
cartridges
(Novolin N, R,
70/30, NovoLog,
NovoLog Mix
70/30)
3 mL Lantus
cartridges
3 mL Apidra
cartridges
Storage &
stability of
in-use pens
Room temperature;
duration according
to specific
cartridge
AWP
Comments
$12.50
(pen)
Uses Novofine or BD pen needles.
Can add PenMate attachment to hide
needle and autoinject.
Room temperature;
duration according
to specific
cartridge
$37.49
(pen)
Uses NovoFine or BD pen needles.
Can add PenMate attachment to hide
needle and autoinject.
28 days at room
temperature. Allow
cartridge to reach
room temperature
(1-2 hours) before
using in pen.
28 days at room
temperature per
Humalog cartridge
specifications
28 days at room
temperature per
Humalog cartridge
specifications
Free
Do not store in the refrigerator, as
that may damage electronics inside
the pen body. If the pen
malfunctions, the insulin can be
drawn from the cartridge and
injected.
Do not refrigerate. Battery operated.
$100
($45 with
coupon)
N/A
(product
avail April
2007)
Do not refrigerate.
Chart is based on U.S. product labeling.
Further information on insulin pens available online at: http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/diabetes/supply_syringes.asp;
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_06_360.htm; http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_06_361.htm.
a
Patients should not rely on clicking sound as a means of determining the dose.
—Continue to the next page for information about Humalog Mix 50/50, Byetta, and Symlin—
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
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(Detail-Document #220910: Page 8 of 12)
Inhalation Insulin
Brand (Generic)
Maker
Exubera,37,38
(Recombinant
human insulin),
Pfizer.
Product
Discontinued
Onset
Peak
Duration
Administration
Meal timing
Formulation
10 to 20
minutes
30 to 90
minutes
6 hours
Oral inhalation
Within 10
minutes of
meal ingestion
1 mg, 3 mg unit
dose blisters
SC only.
Resuspend
before injection.
Give within 15
min. of a meal.
100 U/mL,
3 mL disposable
pen
Stability (in-use at
room temperature)
U.D. blister: 3
months after opening
foil overwrap
AWP
$140.00 (Combo
Pack 12)
$175.00 (Combo
Pack 15)
$187.50 (Kit)
Insulin Mixture-Disposable Pen Only
Humalog Mix
50/5046
(Insulin lispro
50%, insulin
lispro protamine
50%),
Human insulin
analog (rDNA),
Eli Lilly.
Prescription only
Faster
than
Humulin
50/50
Mean2.3 hrs
Similar to
Humulin
50/50
Pen: 10 days
$161.69/5 of 3 mL
pen
Individualize
based on blood
glucose
Range0.8 to
4.8 hrs
Misc. Non-insulin Injectable Agents
Brand (Generic)
Maker
Byetta (exenatide)44
Amylin.
Prescription only.
www.amylin.com
Therapeutic Class
Incretin mimetic
Administration
Subcutaneous
injection
Meal Timing
Within 60 minute
period before
morning and evening
meals
Formulation
5 mcg per dose, 60
doses, 1.2 mL
prefilled pen
10 mcg per dose, 60
doses, 2.4 mL
prefilled pen
Symlin
(pramlintide)45
Amylin.
Prescription only
www.amylin.com
Synthetic amylin
analogue
Subcutaneous
injection
Immediately before
meals containing
>250 Kcal or
>30 gm of
carbohydrate
0.6 mg per mL,
5 mL vials
Stability (in-use)
AWP
Store unused pen in
refrigerator. After 1st
use, may be kept at
room temperature
(up to 77ºF) for up to
30 days. Discard
after 30 days.
$194.78 (1.2 mL)
$228.59 (2.4 mL)
Discard 28 days after
first use. May be
refrigerated or kept
at room temperature.
$107.34
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 9 of 12)
Insulins
Lead author: Jill Allen, Pharm.D., BCPS
Insulins are categorized in the tables above according to their onset and duration of action: rapid-, short-,
intermediate-, long-acting, and premixtures of rapid or short-acting insulin combined with intermediateacting insulin. A second table also provides information about insulin pens and other administration
devices.
Availability. The new insulin analogs and U-500 insulin are available by prescription only. Other
insulins are available OTC, but a prescription may be required for insurance company reimbursement.
Type. Species of insulin available in the U.S. will soon be limited to human insulins and human insulin
analogs. Years ago, beef insulins were removed from the U.S. market because of a theoretical concern
for transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). For information on obtaining
beef insulin from other countries, go to http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/beefandporkinsulin/ default.htm. In
July 2005, Lilly announced the discontinuation of it’s pork insulins (Iletin II regular and NPH), with the
expectation that stock will be depleted by the end of the year.29 Demand for these products has declined
in recent years and recombinant human insulin products are easier to manufacture. The dose is usually
similar when converting from animal to human insulin. Consider reducing the initial human insulin dose
by 10% to 20% in patients receiving more than 100 units per day of animal insulin.33 Lilly will also
discontinue two long-acting human insulins, Humulin L (lente) and Humulin U (ultralente), with stock
depletion also expected by the end of 2005.29
A recent statement from the International Diabetes Federation concludes that, in the absence of strong
evidence favoring one species of insulin over another, patients should not be converted to a different
species unless it has a clear advantage for the patient.31 Since all insulins have slightly different
properties, a particular patient may better tolerate one species of insulin better than another. In the past,
anecdotal reports raised concern that human insulins might have a higher risk of hypoglycemia, but this
concern has not been supported by further clinical research.31
Onset, peak, duration. The tables above compare the onset, peak, and duration of action of insulin
formulations after subcutaneous injection. These values are approximate since many factors can affect
the pharmacokinetics of insulin.1 Rapid-acting insulin analogs (insulins lispro, aspart, and glulisine) have
small modifications to the insulin amino acid sequence that makes them dissociate into monomers more
quickly after subcutaneous injection. This allows more rapid absorption into the systemic circulation.
There is also less variability in absorption with rapid-acting insulin analogs than regular insulin.3 Rapidacting analogs may provide better postprandial glucose control and less nocturnal hypoglycemia than
regular insulin, but it is unclear that these benefits translate into long-term improvements in outcome.31, 32
After SC injection, intermediate- and long-acting insulin molecules aggregate into hexamers (groups of
six molecules) at the injection site. They slowly dissociate into dimers and monomers which are absorbed
into the systemic circulation. Insulin detemir is acylated (linked to a fatty acid chain). This promotes
hexamer formation and reversible binding to albumin after it reaches the bloodstream.2 This helps
prolong it’s duration of action. The time-action profile of insulin detemir is less variable than NPH.2
This may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain.3 Interindividual variability is less with insulin
glargine than with NPH and ultralente.4 Insulin lispro protamine and NPH insulin have similar
pharmacokinetic profiles.5 Newer basal insulins, like insulin glargine, reduce nocturnal hypoglycemia.
However, it is unclear whether this benefit improves long-term glycemic control.31
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
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www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 10 of 12)
Administration. Insulin suspensions should be gently shaken before each injection. Pens and
cartridges of insulin suspensions should be rolled and tipped back and forth ten to 20 times to re-suspend
the insulin and then primed before each injection.6, 7 Insulin mixtures or dilutions should not be used in
external pumps.
Meal timing. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that rapid-acting insulin analogs
(alone or with intermediate- or long-acting insulin) be injected within 15 minutes before or immediately
after a meal.1 It may be helpful to give the dose after a meal in young children who are unreliable eaters.8
Regular insulin is usually given 30 minutes before meals. Meal-timing for premixed formulations is
based on whether the mixture contains rapid-acting or regular insulin. In one algorithm, the interval
between injecting insulin and starting a meal depends on blood glucose monitoring. For regular insulin,
the interval is 20 to 30 minutes for a blood glucose of 65 to 150 mg/dL, 30 to 45 minutes for >150 to 250
mg/dL, and 50 to 60 minutes for >250 mg/dL. Insulin lispro can be injected immediately before meals
when blood glucose is 65 to 150 mg/dL. The interval between injecting and eating is 10 to 20 minutes for
>150 to 250 mg/dL, and 20 to 30 minutes for >250 mg/dL.8 A more detailed algorithm is outlined in the
ADA’s book, Intensive Diabetes Management.9
Formulations and delivery devices. All insulins are available in 10 mL vials (U-100; 100 units/mL).
The only exception is U-500 (500 units/mL) regular human insulin (20 mL vial), which is available from
Lilly by prescription only for patients who require more than 200 units/day.5 Some formulations are
available in prefilled disposable pens or reusable pens with disposable insulin cartridges. These products,
reviewed in a table above, are for SC injection. Although they may be more expensive than vials, they
can make insulin administration simpler, more convenient, and less error-prone than withdrawing insulin
from a vial and injecting with a syringe. Injections with an insulin pen may also be less painful; the
needles are small and are not dulled by the withdrawal of insulin from a vial to syringe. Jet injectors
(such as AdvantaJet, Medi-Jector, and Vitajet) avoid the use of needles, cost approximately $250-$500,
weigh about 8 oz, and require frequent cleaning.10, 11 Exubera, approved January 2006, was the first
insulin formulation to be administered by oral inhalation. In October 2007, due to poor acceptance by
patients and prescribers, Pfizer announced it would be discontinuing sales of Exubera.
Appearance. Patients and clinicians should check the appearance of an insulin before using it. Rapid-
and short-acting insulins and insulin glargine should be clear; the others should be cloudy.1,
patients that insulin glargine can be mistaken for a shorter-acting insulin because it looks clear.
5
Warn
Compatibility. Human and pork insulins can probably be mixed, but there is no reason to do so.6
There is no information on the compatibility between Novolin and Humulin insulins; incompatibility
could result from differences in buffering agents between the two product lines. When mixed with
another insulin, a rapid- or short-acting insulin should be drawn up in the syringe first in order to maintain
clarity in the vial. The manufacturer recommends against mixing insulin glargine with other insulins. In
an animal study, mixing it with regular insulin delayed the onset and peak of regular insulin.12 A
preliminary study in 14 diabetics found no effect on glycemic control when insulin glargine was mixed
with lispro or aspart. The mixture did turn cloudy.13 Pramlintide (Symlin), a synthetic amylin analog, is
administered by SC injection. The manufacturer recommends against mixing pramlintide with insulin.14
However, a recent study found that mixing it with short- or long-acting insulin in the same syringe before
SC injection did not affect the pharmacokinetics of either agent or change glucose pharmacodynamics.15
Although some insulin mixtures are chemically stable under refrigeration for up to three months, the
possibility of microbial contamination must be considered.16
A diluent is not available for Novo Nordisk insulins.17 In the past, there were three Lilly diluents. Now, a
single diluent is available (call 317-276-1610) for use with Humalog and Humalog 75/25 or 70/30;
Humulin R, N, 70/30 and 50/50; Iletin II pork NPH and U-500.18 It cannot be used for Humulin L or R, or
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 11 of 12)
Regular Iletin II pork insulin. Opened vials of diluent and most diluted insulins are stable for one month
at room temperature.6 Diluted Humalog is stable at room temperature for 14 days.19
Stability. Unopened insulin products should be stored in the refrigerator (36 to 46˚ F; 2 to 8˚ C) with the
exception of packaged Exubera unit dose blisters (stored at room temperature, 25ºC [77ºF]). Once the
stopper or seal has been punctured by a needle, the product is considered to be “open” or “in-use.” In-use
insulin vials are usually kept at room temperature (59 to 86˚ F; 15 to 30˚ C) to make injections less
painful. At room temperature, opened vials are stable for about 28 days (Levemir is the exception at 42
days). The duration of stability at room temperature varies for other insulin products. In-use insulin pens
and cartridges should be stored at room temperature. For Exubera, once the foil overwrap is opened (inuse), the unit dose blisters should be stored at room temperature and used within three months. [Note:
Exubera has been discontinued.]
Users of this document are cautioned to use their own
professional judgment and consult any other necessary
or appropriate sources prior to making clinical
judgments based on the content of this document. Our
editors have researched the information with input from
experts,
government
agencies,
and
national
organizations. Information and Internet links in this
article were current as of the date of publication.
References
1.
American
Diabetes
Association.
Insulin
administration. Diabetes Care 2004;27 (suppl
1):S106-S107.
Available
online
at:
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/27/su
ppl_1/s106. (Accessed June 6, 2005).
2. Goldman-Levine JD, Lee KW. Insulin detemir -- A
new basal insulin analog. Ann Pharmacother
2005;39:502-7.
3. Hirsch IB. Insulin analogues. N Engl J Med
2005;352:174-83.
4. Lepore M, Pampanelli S, Fanelli C, et al.
Pharmacokinetics
and
pharmacodynamics
of
subcutaneous injection of long-acting human insulin
analog glargine, NPH insulin, and ultralente human
insulin and continuous subcutaneous infusion of
insulin lispro. Diabetes 2000;49:2142-8.
5. American Pharmaceutical Association. APhA special
report: New approaches to insulin therapy for
diabetics. Washington, DC; 2001.
6. Eli Lilly & Company. Personal communication. 2002.
7. Jehle PM, et al. Inadequate suspension of neutral
protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin in pens. Lancet
1999;354:1604-7.
8. American
Diabetes
Association.
Medical
management of type 1 diabetes. 3rd ed: Available
online at: http://store.diabetes.org/; 1998.
9. American Diabetes Association. Intensive diabetes
management. 2nd ed: Available online at:
http://store.diabetes.org/; 1998.
10. Guthrie DW, Guthrie RA. Methods of insulin delivery.
Excerpt from Diabetes Sourcebook. Available online
at: www.my.webmd.com. Accessed September 9,
2002.
11. American Diabetes Association. Resource Guide
2005, Diabetes Forecast. Available online at:
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-forecast/resourceguide.jsp. (Accessed June 4, 2005).
Aventis Pharmaceuticals. Lantus (insulin glargine [r
DNA origin] injection) package insert. Kansas City,
MO; 2004.
Kaplan W, Rodriguez LM, Smith OE, et al. Effects of
mixing glargine and short-acting insulin analogs in
glucose control. Diabetes Care 2004;27:2739-40.
Amylin
Pharmaceuticals.
Symlin
(pramlintide
acetate) injection package insert. San Diego, CA:
2005.
Weyer C, Fineman MS, Strobel S, et al. Properties of
pramlintide and insulin upon mixing. Am J Health
Syst Pharm 2005;62:816-22.
McEvoy GK, editor. AHFS Drug Information.
Bethesda: American Society of Health-System
Pharmacists; 2002.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Drug products with limited availability. Available
online at: http://www.ashp.org/shortage/availabilitynotices.cfm. (Accessed June 9. 2005).
Eli Lilly & Company. Personal communication. 2005.
Eli Lilly and Company. Humalog package insert.
Indianapolis, IN: 2004.
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals. NovoLog package
insert. Princeton, NJ 08540. October 2005.
Aventis Pharmaceuticals. Apidra (insulin glulisine)
injection package insert. Kansas City, MO:
December 2005.
Retnakaran R, Zinman B. Using insulin effectively in
the management of diabetes. Endocrinology Rounds.
Available
online
at:
http://www.endocrinologyrounds.ca/crus/endocdneng
_060704.pdf. (Accessed June 8, 2005).
European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal
Products. Levemir product information. Available
online
at:
http://www.emea.eu.int/humandocs/Humans/EPAR/l
evemir/levemir.htm. (Accessed June 3, 2005).
Novo
Nordisk
Pharmaceuticals.
Personal
communication. 2002.
Physicians' Desk Reference Electronic Library.
Montvale: Medical Economics Company; 2001.
Olin B, editor. Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis:
Facts and Comparisons, Inc; 2000.
More. . .
Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
Pharmacist’s Letter / Prescriber’s Letter ~ P.O. Box 8190, Stockton, CA 95208 ~ Phone: 209-472-2240 ~ Fax: 209-472-2249
www.pharmacistsletter.com ~ www.prescribersletter.com
(Detail-Document #220910: Page 12 of 12)
27. Eli Lilly. Humalog Mix 75/25 package insert.
Indianapolis, IN; 2004.
28. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals. Novolog Mix 70/30
package insert. Princeton, NJ: 2004.
29. Eli Lilly, Discontinuation of Humulin U Ultralente
(Human insulin [rDNA origin] extended zinc
suspension) and Humulin L Lente (human insulin
[rDNA origin]. Available online at www.fda.gov.
(Accessed July 12, 2005).
30. Pray WS, Pray JJ. New products for patients with
diabetes. US Pharmacist. Available online at:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/494672.
(Accessed July 14, 2005).
31. International
Diabetes
Federation.
Position
statement: Animal, Human, and Analogue Insulins.
Available online at: http://www.idf.org. (Accessed
July 14, 2005).
32. Plank J, Siebenhofer A, Berghold A, et al. Systematic
review and meta-analysis of short-acting insulin
analogues in patients with diabetes mellitus. Arch
Intern Med 2005;165:1337-44.
33. Eli Lilly Medical Communications. Humulin:
Transferring patients from animal-source to human
recombinant insulin. Written communication. July 14,
2005.
34. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals. Levemir (insulin
detemir [rDNA origin] injection) package insert.
Princeton, NJ: 2005.
35. Personal communication. Humalog—mixing with
other
insulins.
Lilly
Medical
Information.
Indianapolis, IN 46285. July 2005.
36. Personal
communication.
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Cite this Detail-Document as follows:
2006;22(9):220910.
Comparison of insulins.
Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter
Evidence and Advice You Can Trust…
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Copyright © 2006 by Therapeutic Research Center
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