Humulin 50/50 Overdose: An Introduction
As of July 2009, Eli Lilly and Company has decided to stop producing Humulin 50/50 due to low product demand. It is estimated that current supplies of the medication may last until April 2010. If you are currently taking Humulin 50/50, your healthcare provider will need to switch you to one of the other types of insulin.
Humulin
® 50/50 (NPH
insulin/
regular insulin) is an insulin medication used to treat
diabetes. An overdose on this medication can be lethal, as can an overdose with any type of insulin. The specific effects of a Humulin 50/50 overdose may vary, depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the dosage, dietary or exercise changes, and whether Humulin 50/50 was taken with any other medications or substances.
An overdose of Humulin 50/50 can be caused by several factors, such as inaccurately measuring a dose or misjudging how much insulin is needed. Also, not eating after taking a dose of Humulin 50/50 may result in overdose symptoms, even if an appropriate dosage was taken.
A Humulin 50/50 overdose can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be very dangerous.
Some of the early symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Shakiness
- Dizziness
- Extreme hunger
- Sweating and/or cold sweats
- Blurry vision.
More severe, later symptoms can include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Loss of life.
You will probably discover that you have your own unique set of low blood sugar symptoms. It is a good idea to ask your friends and relatives if they have noticed any low blood sugar signs (you might be surprised at your particular low blood sugar signs). Sometimes, seemingly unrelated actions or behaviors (such as scratching your nose) might be signs of low blood sugar levels.
Any time you suspect that you may have low blood sugar levels, make sure to take immediate action. Also, it is a good idea to let others around you know how to spot your particular signs of low blood sugar (and how to react), as you may be too confused (due to low blood sugar) to recognize the signs and respond adequately.
