Description

Somaliq Pen 60IU (Insulin Glulisine) Solution

Composition

Each Somaliq Pen 60IU contains 60 International Units (IU) of the active substance Insulin Glulisine, a rapid-acting insulin analog. Other components include metacresol, sodium chloride, tromethamine, polysorbate 20, hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), and water for injection.

Description

Somaliq Pen 60IU is a prefilled, disposable insulin pen designed for subcutaneous injection. Insulin glulisine is a recombinant human insulin analog with a rapid onset and short duration of action, used for the control of blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Pharmacological Action

Insulin glulisine mimics the body’s natural insulin response after meals. It begins to act within 15 minutes of injection and has a shorter duration of action compared to regular human insulin. It facilitates cellular glucose uptake and inhibits hepatic glucose output, thus lowering blood glucose levels.

Indications

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults and children requiring rapid-acting insulin to improve glycemic control

Dosage and Administration

• Administer subcutaneously into the abdominal wall, thigh, or upper arm.
• Injection should be given 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal.
• Dosage must be individualized based on blood glucose monitoring and glycemic targets.
• May be used in combination with long-acting insulin or oral antidiabetic medications.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or any excipients in the formulation
• During episodes of hypoglycemia

Warnings and Precautions

• Monitor for hypoglycemia, especially with changes in diet, exercise, or insulin regimen
• Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment
• Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy
• Use cautiously in patients with hypoglycemia unawareness
• Adjust dose when switching between insulin types or brands

Drug Interactions

• May potentiate hypoglycemia: Oral antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, sulfonamides, alcohol
• May reduce effect of insulin: Corticosteroids, diuretics, sympathomimetics, thyroid hormones, oral contraceptives
• Beta-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia

Side Effects

• Very common: Hypoglycemia
• Common: Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling), lipodystrophy
• Less common: Weight gain, allergic reactions, rash
• Rare but serious: Anaphylaxis, severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia

Overdose

Overdose may cause severe and prolonged hypoglycemia. Immediate treatment includes consumption of sugar or glucose. In severe cases (e.g., unconsciousness), emergency medical attention is required with intravenous glucose or glucagon injection.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pregnancy Category B: No evidence of harm in animal studies, but use only if clearly needed during pregnancy
• Unclear if excreted in breast milk; use caution during lactation

Storage

• Store unopened pens in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C). Do not freeze.
• After first use, store at room temperature (<30°C) and discard after 28 days.
• Protect from direct heat and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Scientific References

• Insulin glulisine pharmacokinetics – PubMed
• Insulin Therapy in Diabetes – NCBI