Insuman Basal

[CornwallBoy]

Just been put on 10 units of Insuman Basal last thing at night,
Anyone had good or bad reactions from taking this?

 

[Northerner]

It's not an insulin I am familiar with - is there any particular reason why the doctor recommended it to you, or is it what he/she normally prescribes do you think? Most basals work in a similar fashion, and their role is to match the glucose being released by your liver throughout the day and night. Ideally, they should have a 'flat' profile i.e. no peaks or troughs in activity, and should last for 24 hours between injections (or more injections if duration is shorter). It should therefore reduce your waking and between-meal levels.

 

[Copepod]

I'd not heard of Insuman Basal, either, so looked on BNF website. It's an intermediate acting insulin, like Humalin I and Insulatard. All of which are lots cheaper than long acting insulins like Levemir and Lantus. Taking last thing before bed, means that the peak action may oocur around early morning, when natural insulin resistance is usually at its highest. So, the lack of a flat profile may actually be helpful.

The really important thing with any new medication is to carefully read the patient information leaftet and to ask questions to dispensing pharmacist and / or prescribing doctor or nurse if anything is not clear.

There is also an Insuman Rapid, Comb 15, 25 and 50, so obviously it's very important to use the full name and to check what the pharmacist hands to you.

 

[CornwallBoy]

To give it its full title it is Insuman Basal Solostar
My morning readings are too high so they hope this will bring it down by taking 10 units last thing at night - if after a week my readings are not between 5 & 7 i have to increase by 2 units
Also on Metformin and Gliclizide

 

[Copepod]

Solostar is actually the name of the prefilled pen device - the same insulin also comes in vials for use with syringes, and cartridges for use in reusable pens. If you find the refilled pens too bulky in your fridge and when disposing, or you prefer to waste less plastic, it might be worth asking about cartridges and a resusable pen.

 

[vikki]

About to begin with this insulin changing from another make but wont be using solostar pen as they dribble so not accurate as to how many units have actually gone in ,shame really as i really like the style and size of solostar