Humulin 70/30 Pen Side Effects

Generic name: insulin isophane / insulin regular

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 12, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about insulin isophane / insulin regular. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Humulin 70/30 Pen.

Applies to insulin isophane / insulin regular: subcutaneous suspension.

Serious side effects of Humulin 70/30 Pen

Along with its needed effects, insulin isophane/insulin regular may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking insulin isophane/insulin regular:

Incidence not known

Anxiety
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blurred vision
chest tightness
chills
cold sweats
coma
confusion
cool, pale skin
cough
decreased urine
depression
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
dry mouth
fast heartbeat
headache
hives, itching, or rash
increased hunger
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
nightmares
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects of Humulin 70/30 Pen

Some side effects of insulin isophane / insulin regular may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Weight gain
redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to insulin isophane / insulin regular: subcutaneous suspension.

General

Adverse reactions observed with insulin therapy include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, pruritus, weight gain, and edema.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Local reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Systemic reactions^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity side effects have included both local and systemic reactions. Local reactions have presented as erythema, swelling, heat, or subcutaneous nodules. They usually occurred within the first two weeks of therapy and then disappear. Systemic allergy is a generalized allergy to insulin which may present as a rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, drop in blood pressure, fast pulse, or sweating. Severe cases may be life-threatening.

There have been rare reports of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to human insulins who have tolerated insulins of animal origin.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Insulin may cause sodium retention and edema, especially if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lipodystrophy

Frequency not reported: Rash, pruritus^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Ocular

Refraction anomalies may occur upon initiation of insulin; symptoms are usually transient. Intensification of insulin therapy may be associated with temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Refraction anomalies, temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy^[Ref]

Local

Injection site reactions including pain, redness, hives, inflammation, bruising, swelling, and itching, may occur. These reactions are usually transitory and may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants in the skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique.^[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions^[Ref]