Humulin M3 (Mixture 3) (Insulin Human)

Humulin M3 is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in patients requiring a combination of rapid‑acting and intermediate‑acting insulin to achieve glycemic control.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus – basal and mealtime insulin coverage.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus – adjunct to diet, exercise, and oral agents when basal insulin alone is insufficient.
• Adults and pediatric patients (≥2 years) who need a mixed‑insulin regimen.
• Situations where multiple daily injections are not feasible, providing both short‑ and intermediate‑duration action in one dose.

• Humulin M3 contains recombinant human insulin that binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers autophosphorylation and downstream signaling through the PI3‑K/Akt pathway, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface and increasing glucose uptake. In the liver, insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, reducing endogenous glucose production. The mixed formulation provides an initial rapid onset from the short‑acting component and a prolonged effect from the intermediate‑acting component.

Adverse reactions to Humulin M3 may vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
• Injection‑site pain, redness or swelling.
• Weight gain.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance.
• Allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
• Insulin‑induced edema or heart‑failure exacerbation.

Patients using Humulin M3 should be aware of several precautions to minimize risks.

• Monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust dose as needed.
• Recognize signs of hypoglycemia and have a rapid source of glucose available.
• Use caution in renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced.
• Pregnancy and lactation safety have not been established; consult a healthcare professional.
• Discontinue use if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
• Adjust insulin requirements during illness, stress, or changes in physical activity.
• Store the product according to label instructions to maintain potency.

Humulin M3 can interact with other medicines, affecting blood‑glucose control.

Avoid

• Simultaneous use of other insulin products that may cause overlapping insulin action.
• Co‑administration with sulfonylureas or meglitinides without dose adjustment, due to increased hypoglycemia risk.

Use with caution

• Beta‑blockers, which may mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Corticosteroids, which can raise blood glucose and may require insulin dose changes.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may potentiate insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect.