Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU)

Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU) – Biphasic Human Insulin 40 IU/ml Injection

What is Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU)?

Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU) is a U-40 concentration biphasic human insulin in a 10 ml vial, manufactured by Drug International Ltd., Bangladesh. It contains the same 30% soluble + 70% isophane (NPH) human insulin ratio as the standard Maxsulin 30/70 (100 IU/ml) — but at the older 40 IU/ml concentration. This U-40 formulation is intended for patients using U-40 (40 IU/ml) insulin syringes, which are still in use in some settings in Bangladesh alongside the now more common U-100 syringes. The pharmacological action of the 30/70 premix (post-meal bolus + intermediate basal) is identical; only the concentration and required syringe type differ.

Critical Safety Notice — U-40 vs U-100

Important: Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU) is a U-40 insulin (40 IU/ml). Always use U-40 (40 IU/ml) insulin syringes when drawing up this product. Never use a U-100 syringe with U-40 insulin — doing so will result in a dose that is 2.5 times higher than intended, causing potentially severe hypoglycaemia. Confirm the concentration on the vial label before every injection.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml contains: 12 IU soluble human insulin + 28 IU isophane human insulin = 40 IU/ml. The insulin ratio (30% soluble, 70% NPH) and pharmacokinetic profile are identical to U-100 Maxsulin 30/70: onset 30 min, peak 2–8 hrs, duration up to 24 hrs. The difference is concentration only — a given volume delivers fewer IU than the same volume of U-100 insulin. Dose volumes are therefore larger for the same IU dose.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes — patients prescribed U-40 insulin requiring a 30/70 premix formulation
• Patients already stabilised on U-40 insulin syringes who do not wish to switch to U-100
• Settings where U-40 syringes remain the primary available syringe type

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

Pharmacologically identical to Maxsulin 30/70 (100 IU/ml). The soluble fraction provides an early peak at 2–4 hours for post-meal glucose control; the NPH fraction provides sustained intermediate-acting basal coverage peaking at 4–12 hours. Two injections per day (before breakfast and dinner) control 24-hour glucose. The only difference from U-100 is concentration — the IU per ml is lower (40 vs 100), requiring larger injection volumes for the same dose.

Dosage and Administration

Inject 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner using a U-40 (40 IU/ml) syringe. Dose in IU as prescribed by physician. Roll the vial 10 times to resuspend the NPH fraction before drawing up — suspension must be uniformly milky white. Inject SC into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — especially 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
• Use with U-100 syringes (risk of 2.5× overdose)

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Human insulin is the standard of care; close monitoring required. Lactation: No clinically significant passage into breast milk.

Precautions and Warnings

• Always use U-40 syringes with this product. Using U-100 syringes causes dangerous overdose.
• Resuspend before every draw — roll vial 10 times; do not shake.
• Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia — most dangerous risk is wrong syringe use (U-100 syringe with U-40 insulin delivers 2.5× intended dose). Mild: oral glucose. Severe: IV dextrose 20–50% or IM glucagon 1 mg. NPH duration up to 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 Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU) and Maxsulin 30/70 (100 IU)?
The insulin ratio (30% soluble + 70% NPH) and the pharmacological action are identical. The only difference is concentration: 40 IU/ml (U-40) vs 100 IU/ml (U-100). U-40 requires a U-40 syringe; U-100 requires a U-100 syringe. Never mix syringe types — using the wrong syringe causes dangerous under- or overdosing. Ask your diabetologist which concentration and syringe type you should be using.

Q2: Is U-40 insulin still recommended?
U-100 (100 IU/ml) is now the international standard and the most widely used concentration globally, including in Bangladesh. U-40 (40 IU/ml) is still available and may be used by patients who have been on U-40 for years and are stable on that system. However, new patients initiating insulin therapy today are typically started on U-100. If you are currently using U-40, consult your diabetologist about whether switching to U-100 is appropriate for you.

Q3: Who manufactures Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU)?
Drug International Ltd., Bangladesh — a domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer. The Maxsulin range includes both U-40 (40 IU/ml) and U-100 (100 IU/ml) concentrations of the 30/70 premix, as well as the 30/70 penset and 50/50 (100 IU/ml).

Q4: Can I switch from Maxsulin 40 IU to Maxsulin 100 IU on my own?
No. Switching from U-40 to U-100 requires physician-supervised dose conversion and syringe change. The dose in IU remains the same, but the injection volume changes and you must switch to U-100 syringes. A miscalculated switch can cause severe hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia. Always consult your diabetologist before changing insulin concentration.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Maxsulin 30/70 (40 IU) is Rx-only. Use only with U-40 (40 IU/ml) syringes. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.