Insulet 50%+50% in 100 IU/ml Injection

Insulet 50/50 – Biphasic Human Insulin 50% + 50% 100 IU/ml Injection

What is Insulet 50/50?

Insulet 50/50 is a premixed biphasic human insulin in a 10 ml vial, manufactured by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Bangladesh. It contains an equal ratio of 50% soluble (regular) human insulin and 50% isophane (NPH) human insulin — providing stronger and more immediate post-meal glucose-lowering action than a standard 30/70 premix, combined with intermediate-acting basal coverage. The 50/50 ratio is particularly suited to patients with higher post-prandial glucose excursions who need more immediate bolus effect per injection than the 30/70 formulation delivers. It is part of the Insulet range by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, which also includes Insulet 30/70, Insulet N (NPH), and Insulet ASP (insulin aspart).

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml contains: 50 IU soluble human insulin + 50 IU isophane human insulin = 100 IU/ml. The equal ratio means half the dose acts as a rapid bolus (onset 30 min, peak 2–4 hrs) and half acts as an intermediate basal (peak 4–12 hrs, duration 16–24 hrs). Compared to 30/70 premix, the 50/50 formulation provides a more pronounced post-meal glucose-lowering effect at the cost of a reduced inter-meal basal component — suited to patients whose post-meal spikes are the primary glucose control challenge.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes with prominent post-prandial glucose excursions requiring a stronger bolus component
• Patients inadequately controlled on 30/70 premix who require more immediate post-meal coverage
• Twice-daily premixed insulin regimen where post-meal glucose management is prioritised
• Type 1 diabetes — only in selected regimens under specialist supervision

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

After SC injection, the soluble fraction (50%) provides a rapid early peak at 2–4 hours — aggressively controlling the glucose rise from the adjacent meal. The isophane fraction (50%) dissolves more slowly, providing an intermediate secondary peak at 4–12 hours that covers post-absorptive and inter-meal glucose. The higher soluble ratio gives Insulet 50/50 a more pronounced early glucose-lowering effect than Insulet 30/70, making it suitable for patients with larger or faster post-meal glucose spikes.

Dosage and Administration

Inject 30 minutes before main meals (typically breakfast and dinner). Dose individualised by physician based on glucose monitoring. Roll the vial 10 times to resuspend the isophane fraction — the suspension must be uniformly milky white before drawing up. Use a U-100 insulin syringe. Inject SC into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — higher bolus fraction increases post-injection hypoglycaemia risk if meals are delayed. Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain. Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema. Rare: Hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Enhance hypoglycaemia: OADs, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol. Reduce effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, thiazides, oral contraceptives. Mask symptoms: Beta-blockers, clonidine.

Contraindications

• Active hypoglycaemia
• Hypersensitivity to human insulin or excipients
• Intravenous use (vial suspension for SC injection only)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Human insulin is the standard of care; 50/50 premix requires careful dose management due to higher bolus fraction. Specialist monitoring essential. Lactation: No clinically significant passage into breast milk.

Precautions and Warnings

• Higher hypoglycaemia risk than 30/70 premix — the 50% bolus fraction requires strict meal timing (eat within 30 minutes of injection).
• Resuspend before every use — roll vial 10 times; never shake. Discard if clumped or non-uniform.
• Do not mix with other insulins in the same syringe.
• Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia. The higher soluble fraction means faster onset of hypoglycaemia than 30/70 premix. Mild: oral glucose. Severe: IV dextrose or IM glucagon 1 mg. The NPH component sustains effect for 16–24 hrs — monitor closely and repeat treatment as needed.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened vial: 2–8 degrees C. Do not freeze.
• In-use vial: Below 25 degrees C. Protect from light.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Insulet 50/50 and Insulet 30/70?
Insulet 30/70 = 30% soluble + 70% NPH: stronger basal component, lower hypoglycaemia risk, suited for patients whose fasting glucose is the main concern. Insulet 50/50 = 50% soluble + 50% NPH: more aggressive post-meal coverage, higher hypoglycaemia risk, suited for patients with larger post-meal glucose spikes. A physician decides which ratio is more appropriate based on glucose monitoring patterns.

Q2: Who manufactures Insulet 50/50?
Insulet 50/50 is manufactured by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Bangladesh — a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer producing the full Insulet range: Insulet 30/70, Insulet 50/50, Insulet N (NPH), Insulet GN (insulin glargine), and Insulet ASP (insulin aspart).

Q3: Is Insulet 50/50 the same as Humulin 50/50 or Mixtard 50?
Yes — all three are 50% soluble + 50% NPH human insulin at 100 IU/ml with equivalent clinical profiles. Humulin 50/50 is manufactured by Eli Lilly; Mixtard 50 by Novo Nordisk; Insulet 50/50 by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Bangladesh. The locally manufactured Insulet is more affordable and widely available in Bangladesh.

Q4: Can I switch from Insulet 30/70 to Insulet 50/50 on my own?
No — switching between premix ratios requires physician guidance and dose adjustment. The higher bolus fraction in 50/50 means the same total daily dose will cause more pronounced post-meal glucose lowering and carries a higher hypoglycaemia risk. Always consult your diabetologist before changing the ratio.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Insulet 50/50 is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.