Humulin M3 (30/70) Cartridge (Insulin Human)

Humulin M3 (30/70) is indicated for the management of blood glucose in adults with diabetes mellitus.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus requiring basal and prandial insulin coverage.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents and lifestyle measures are insufficient.
• Situations where a premixed insulin simplifies dosing schedules.
• Use in patients who prefer a single daily injection of a mixed formulation.
• Adjunct to diet and exercise in insulin‑dependent diabetes.
• Management of fluctuating glucose levels during periods of variable carbohydrate intake.
• Combination therapy with other antidiabetic agents when tighter glycemic control is required.

• Humulin M3 contains human insulin molecules that bind to insulin receptors on cell membranes. Binding activates the receptor’s intrinsic tyrosine‑kinase activity, promoting translocation of glucose‑transport proteins (GLUT4) to the cell surface and enhancing glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue. The rapid‑acting component quickly lowers post‑prandial glucose, while the intermediate‑acting isophane fraction provides a prolonged basal insulin effect, together reducing hepatic glucose production.

Adverse reactions reported with Humulin M3 can be grouped into common and serious categories.

Common

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
• Injection site pain or erythema
• Lipodystrophy at the injection site
• Weight gain
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia leading to loss of consciousness
• Allergic reactions such as urticaria or anaphylaxis
• Insulin antibody formation causing resistance
• Lipohypertrophy with repeated injections
• Acute pancreatitis (rare)
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)
• Persistent hypoglycemia
• Hypersensitivity with skin rash

When using Humulin M3, several precautions should be considered to minimize risks and ensure safe therapy.

• Monitor blood glucose regularly, especially when initiating or adjusting dose.
• Adjust dose during periods of illness, stress, or changes in diet and physical activity.
• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced.
• Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycemia promptly.
• Store the cartridge at controlled temperatures and discard after the indicated in‑use period.

Humulin M3 may interact with other medicines or substances that affect blood glucose levels or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment.
• High‑dose beta‑blockers that mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Systemic corticosteroids that increase insulin resistance.
• Use of insulin secretagogues such as meglitinides without adjusting Humulin M3 dose.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that can potentiate hypoglycemia.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may enhance insulin sensitivity.
• Alcohol consumption, especially on an empty stomach.
• Thyroid hormone therapy, which can alter insulin requirements.
• Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors, which may affect glucose metabolism.