Humulin M3 (Mixture 3) (Insulin Human (Rdna))

Humulin M3 is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus when a mixed insulin formulation is required to provide both basal and prandial glucose control.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults and children
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents are insufficient
• Adjunct to diet and exercise for patients needing combined basal‑prandial insulin
• Use in basal‑bolus regimens where a single injection can cover fasting and mealtime glucose
• Management of hyperglycemia during pregnancy under specialist guidance

• Humulin M3 delivers recombinant human insulin that binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers the intracellular tyrosine‑kinase cascade, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface, increasing glucose uptake. In the liver, insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis while stimulating glycogen synthesis, thereby lowering circulating glucose levels.

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

Common

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Injection‑site pain, redness or swelling
• Lipodystrophy or lipoatrophy at injection sites
• Mild weight gain
• Localized allergic rash or urticaria

Serious

• Anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction
• Severe hypoglycemia leading to seizures or loss of consciousness
• Edema or fluid retention
• Hypokalemia (low potassium) associated with prolonged hypoglycemia
• Acute insulin resistance requiring medical intervention

When using Humulin M3, several safety considerations should be observed.

• Regularly monitor blood glucose to detect hypo‑ or hyperglycemia early
• Adjust dose during illness, surgery, or changes in physical activity
• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced
• Discuss pregnancy, lactation, or planning for pregnancy with a healthcare professional
• Do not administer if signs of hypoglycemia are present; treat low blood sugar first
• Store the product according to label instructions and discard after the recommended period once opened
• Provide patient education on injection technique and rotation of sites

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

Avoid

• Concurrent use of sulfonylureas or meglitinides, which can cause severe hypoglycemia
• Alcohol excess, which may potentiate insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect
• Beta‑blockers that can mask hypoglycemia symptoms

Use with caution

• Thiazide diuretics, which may raise blood glucose levels
• Corticosteroids, which can increase insulin resistance
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may enhance insulin’s hypoglycemic action
• Thyroid hormones and growth hormone, which can alter glucose metabolism
• Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that may affect renal function and insulin clearance