Drug interactions
Insulin isophane protamine human + Metformin
Severity: Minor
Insulin isophane protamine human and Metformin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Metformin with insulin is a standard combination that gives additive glucose lowering; hypoglycemia risk rises mildly and insulin doses may need reduction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin isophane protamine human and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Insulin isophane protamine human belongs to Endocrine; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Complementary effects: metformin reduces hepatic glucose output and improves insulin sensitivity while insulin supplies exogenous hormone.
What to do
Monitor glucose when starting or stopping metformin and adjust insulin as required. Check renal function periodically since metformin is renally cleared.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Insulin isophane protamine human
- Ethanol + Insulin isophane protamine human Major
- Insulin isophane protamine human + Pioglitazone Major
- Insulin isophane protamine human + Rosiglitazone Major
- Acarbose + Insulin isophane protamine human Moderate
- Albiglutide + Insulin isophane protamine human Moderate
- Alogliptin + Insulin isophane protamine human Moderate
Other interactions of Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Insulin isophane protamine human with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Insulin isophane protamine human and Metformin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metformin with insulin is a standard combination that gives additive glucose lowering; hypoglycemia risk rises mildly and insulin doses may need reduction.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin isophane protamine human and Metformin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor glucose when starting or stopping metformin and adjust insulin as required. Check renal function periodically since metformin is renally cleared.
What other medicines interact with Insulin isophane protamine human?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Insulin isophane protamine human with, for example, Ethanol, Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone. The full list is on the Insulin isophane protamine human page.
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