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Humulin 70/30 Pen Side Effects

Generic name: insulin isophane / insulin regular

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 30, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Humulin 70/30 Pen Side Effects associated with insulin isophane / insulin regular. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically 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

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to insulin isophane / insulin regular: subcutaneous suspension.

General adverse events

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

Hypersensitivity

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]

Dermatologic

Metabolic

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]

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]

Other

Weight gain has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glycosuria.[Ref]

Immunologic

Nervous system

Fast improvement in blood glucose has been associated with acute painful neuropathy, which is generally reversible.[Ref]

References

1. (2002) "Product Information. Humulin 70/30 (insulin isophane-insulin regular)." Lilly, Eli and Company

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Humulin 70/30 Pen side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer