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Brand Names: Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L

Generic Name: insulin zinc (Pronunciation: IN suh lin ZINK)

• What is insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What are the possible side effects of insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What is the most important information I should know about insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• How should I use insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What happens if I overdose (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What should I avoid while using insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• What other drugs will affect insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas. Insulin enables the body to use the sugar in food as a source of energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, the condition is called diabetes mellitus. This condition allows sugar levels in the blood to become very high. Diabetics must use man-made insulin or insulin that comes from pigs (which is very similar to human insulin) to lower these high blood sugar levels.

Insulin zinc is used is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Insulin zinc may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?

Rarely, people have allergic reactions to insulin. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

The side effects of insulin therapy result mostly from blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low. You should be familiar with the symptoms of both high and low blood sugar levels and know how to treat both conditions. Also, be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Low blood sugar may occur when too much insulin is used; when meals are missed or delayed; if you exercise more than usual; during illness, especially with vomiting or diarrhea; if you take other medications; after drinking alcohol; and in other situations.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, has the following symptoms: shaking; nausea; headache; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; fast heartbeat; sweating; pale, cool skin; anxiety; and difficulty concentrating.

Keep sugary candy, fruit juice, or glucose tablets on hand to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Increased blood sugar may occur if not enough insulin is used, if you eat significantly more food then usual, if you exercise less than usual, if you take other medications, if you have a fever or other illness, and in other situations.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, has the following symptoms: increased thirst, increased hunger, and increased urination.

Monitor your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if your blood sugar levels are too high.

Side effects may also occur at the site of injection. If the area becomes thickened, hard, or pitted, talk to your doctor before injecting at that site again.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about insulin zinc (Humulin L, Iletin Lente, Insulin Lente Pork, Novolin L)?

Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which include shaking; nausea; headache; drowsiness; weakness; dizziness; fast heartbeat; sweating; pale, cool skin; anxiety; and difficulty concentrating. Carry a piece of candy or glucose tablets with you to treat episodes of low blood sugar.

Follow any diet and exercise plan that you have developed with your doctor or nurse. Changes in what you eat or how much you exercise can change the amount of insulin that you need to control your blood sugar levels.

Ask your doctor or nurse what to do if you are sick with a cold, flu, or fever. These illnesses may change your insulin requirements.

Do not change the brand of insulin zinc or syringe that you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.