DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: repaglinide, rosiglitazone.

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet.

Beta-blocker medications (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your blood sugar. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, vision changes, nervousness, tiredness, seizures, loss of consciousness.

NOTES: Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.

It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment, including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications, and getting regular eye, foot, and medical exams.

Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects and response to therapy.

Wear or carry identification stating that you have diabetes and are using this drug. (See Medical Alert section.)

MISSED DOSE: It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.

STORAGE: Insulin is usually stored in the refrigerator, but because different types of insulin have different storage requirements, it is important to learn and follow storage directions for your particular product. In general, store the unopened vial/cartridge/pen in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Some devices for giving insulin should not be refrigerated. Consult your pharmacist about how to store your brand of insulin.

Once opened, the vial may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store in the carton to protect from light. Depending on your brand, discard the vial either 31 days or 42 days after opening. Check with your pharmacist regarding your specific brand. Check the labeling on the cartridge or pen for storage after opening and while in use. Most of these products are stored at room temperature for different lengths of time (e.g., 7-14 days). Do not freeze. Discard the insulin if it has been frozen or if it is past the expiration date.

Protect insulin from light, heat, and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised April 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.