Ansulin 30/70 (100 IU/ml) Pen Cartridge

Ansulin 30/70 – Biphasic Human Insulin 100 IU/ml Pen Cartridge

What is Ansulin 30/70 Pen Cartridge?

Ansulin 30/70 is a premixed biphasic human insulin in a 3 ml pen cartridge format, manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Bangladesh. It combines 30% soluble (regular) human insulin and 70% isophane (NPH) human insulin in a single preparation — providing both post-meal glucose control and inter-meal/overnight basal coverage without separate insulin injections. The 3 ml cartridge is designed for use with compatible insulin delivery pens, making it convenient for patients managing Type 2 diabetes on a twice-daily insulin regimen.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml contains: 30 IU soluble human insulin + 70 IU isophane human insulin = 100 IU/ml. The soluble (R) fraction acts rapidly (onset 30 min) to control post-meal glucose. The isophane (NPH) fraction is absorbed more slowly, providing an intermediate action profile (peak 4–12 hrs, duration up to 24 hrs) that covers basal requirements between meals and overnight. The combined profile allows a simplified twice-daily dosing schedule.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring premixed insulin therapy
• Patients transitioning from oral antidiabetics to insulin
• Patients needing convenient twice-daily pen injection regimen
• Situations where separate basal and bolus insulins are impractical

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

After SC injection, the two insulin fractions are absorbed at different rates. The soluble fraction dissociates rapidly and peaks at 2–4 hrs, covering carbohydrates from the adjacent meal. The isophane fraction is slowly absorbed from its crystalline suspension, providing a broad intermediate peak at 4–12 hrs that suppresses hepatic glucose output and controls fasting glucose. Together, they reduce HbA1c by both post-meal and fasting glucose mechanisms with a single injection twice daily.

Dosage and Administration

Inject 30 minutes before main meals (typically breakfast and dinner). Starting dose: 0.2–0.3 IU/kg/day divided into two injections, or as directed by a physician. The pen cartridge is loaded into a compatible reusable pen device. Always roll the pen 10 times before injection to resuspend the isophane fraction — a cloudy uniform suspension indicates correct mixing. Inject SC into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — especially if meal is delayed after injection. Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain. Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema, visual changes at initiation. Rare: Hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Increase hypoglycaemia risk: Oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, MAO inhibitors, alcohol. Decrease effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, thiazide diuretics, oral contraceptives. Mask hypoglycaemia symptoms: Beta-blockers, clonidine.

Contraindications

• Hypoglycaemia (active episode)
• Hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipient
• IV use (pen cartridges are for SC injection only)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Human insulin is the standard of care; intensive glucose monitoring required. Lactation: Insulin does not pass into breast milk in clinically significant amounts; use as directed by physician.

Precautions and Warnings

• Resuspend before use: Roll the loaded pen 10 times — never shake. Inspect: should appear uniformly milky white, not clumped.
• Eat within 30 minutes of injection — soluble fraction onset means delay risks hypoglycaemia.
• Do not freeze. Protect in-use cartridge from light.
• Do not mix with other insulins in the pen cartridge.
• Sick-day management: monitor glucose every 4 hours; consult physician for dose adjustment during illness.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia. Mild: oral glucose or carbohydrate. Severe: IV dextrose 20–50% or IM glucagon 1 mg. NPH component has a prolonged action — monitor glucose 8–12 hours post-event and be prepared to repeat glucose/glucagon treatment.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened: 2–8 degrees C. Do not freeze.
• In-use cartridge (loaded in pen): Below 25 degrees C. Protect from direct light and heat.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between the Ansulin 30/70 pen cartridge and a pre-filled pen?
The pen cartridge is loaded into a reusable pen device and can be replaced when empty. A pre-filled disposable pen contains the same insulin but is discarded once empty — no cartridge change is needed. Cartridges generally offer a lower cost-per-unit and less plastic waste; pre-filled pens are more convenient for travel. DiabetesStore stocks both formats where available.

Q2: Can Ansulin 30/70 be used once daily?
It is primarily designed for twice-daily use (before breakfast and dinner). Once-daily dosing may be considered for select patients under physician supervision, but the 30/70 profile is optimised to cover two meals. Single-dose regimens typically use a long-acting basal insulin rather than a premix.

Q3: How does Ansulin 30/70 compare to Mixtard 30/70 or Insuman Comb 25?
All three contain 30% soluble human insulin + 70% NPH human insulin at 100 IU/ml. Clinical profiles are equivalent. Ansulin is locally manufactured by Eskayef (Bangladesh), making it more affordable and widely available in Bangladesh than imported brands like Mixtard (Novo Nordisk) or Insuman Comb (Sanofi).

Q4: Who manufactures Ansulin?
Ansulin is manufactured by Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (a Square Group company), one of Bangladesh's leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. The range includes Ansulin 30/70 pen cartridge and other formulations for comprehensive insulin therapy coverage.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Ansulin 30/70 is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.