Products
Porcine insulin was commercially available as an injectable (insulin hypurin porcine). It was available as rapid-acting insulin, isophane insulin, and mixed insulin. Porcine insulin is stored in a refrigerator. It should not be frozen or exposed to high heat. Insulin Hypurin Porcine was withdrawn from the market in many countries on October 31, 2015.
Structure and properties
Porcine insulin is the purified, natural, antidiabetic substance from the pancreas of pigs. It exists as a white powder that is virtually insoluble in water. Porcine insulin has the same structure as human insulin except for the B30 position of the B chain, where it has an alanine instead of a threonine.
Effects
Porcine insulin (ATC A10AB03) has blood glucose-lowering and antidiabetic properties. It promotes the uptake of blood glucose into tissues (e.g., muscle, adipose tissue). The effects are based on binding to insulin receptors.
Indications
For the treatment of diabetes mellitus if insulin therapy is required.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The amount to be injected is determined individually. The drug is administered subcutaneously (e.g., abdomen, thigh, buttocks). It must not be injected intravenously. The injection site should be changed with each injection and it should not be massaged.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypoglycemia
- Insulinoma
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effect is hypoglycemia. Other possible adverse effects include local injection site reactions, visual disturbances at baseline, and hypersensitivity reactions.