What is this medication for?
Lente insulin (insulin zinc) is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about
your treatment options.
Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps our body use or store the glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body's requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream. Insulin injected under the skin helps to lower blood glucose levels.
Long-term control of blood glucose levels is an important step in preventing diabetes complications such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease. This medication works best for people who are following a proper dietary and exercise plan.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Novolin® L is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well the body is able to use it. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the appropriate dose for you according to various lifestyle factors and the blood glucose values obtained while monitoring your blood glucose.
Your dose of insulin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator. The dose of insulin is measured in international units (IU). Each 1 mL of insulin contains 100 IU. While the dose may vary from time to time as prescribed by the doctor, lente insulin is usually injected twice daily. There are many types of insulin. In addition to lente insulin, doses of a rapid- or fast-acting insulin are also used to control the impact of food intake on blood glucose levels during the day.
Mix lente insulin by slowly rolling the vial between your hands. Do not use the insulin if it looks lumpy or grainy, seems unusually thick, sticks to the bottle or vial, or seems to be discolored. Do not use it if it contains crystals, if the bottle or vial looks frosted, or if the suspension remains clear after being rolled between your hands.
Keep unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator until needed. They may be used until the expiry date on the label. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin that is currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days only and then discarded. Do not expose insulin to extremely hot temperatures or to sunlight. Keep insulin out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that you use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial for keeping blood glucose under control and preventing unwanted side effects.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Lente insulin should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to insulin or any ingredients of the medication
- is in a state of diabetic coma
- has low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)