Kirsty Special Precautions

If the patient forgets to use Kirsty: If the patient forgets to take the insulin, blood sugar may get too high (hyperglycaemia).
This may also happen: If the patient repeatedly take less insulin than needed.
If the patient gets an infection or a fever.
If the patient eats more than usual.
If the patient exercise less than usual.
The warning signs appear gradually. They include: increased urination; feeling thirsty; losing appetite; feeling sick (nausea or vomiting); feeling drowsy or tired; flushed, dry skin; dry mouth and a fruity (acetone) smell of the breath. These may be signs of a very serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (build-up of acid in the blood because the body is breaking down fat instead of sugar). If the patient does not treat it, this could lead to diabetic coma and eventually death. If the patient gets any of the signs mentioned previously, test the patient's blood sugar level, test the urine for ketones if possible, then seek medical advice immediately.
If the patient stop using: Do not stop taking insulin without speaking with a doctor, who will tell what needs to be done. This could lead to very high blood sugar (severe hyperglycaemia) and ketoacidosis. See Side Effects.
If the patient have any further questions on the use of this product, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
While the patient is using Kirsty: Things the patient must do: Eat a meal or snack containing carbohydrates within 10 minutes of the injection to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Things the patient must not do: Do not take any insulin if the patient feel a hypo coming on.
Always carry glucose tablets, sweets, biscuits or fruit juice, just in case.
Inform relevant people that the patient have diabetes and what the consequences may be, including the risk of passing out (becoming unconscious) due to hypo.
Inform relevant people that if the patient pass out, the patient must be turned on the side and get medical help straight away. The patient must not be given any food or drink. It could choke the patient.
If prolonged severe hypoglycaemia is not treated, it can cause brain damage (temporary or permanent) and even death.
If the patient have a hypo that makes the patient pass out, or a lot of hypos, talk to a doctor. The amount or timing of insulin, food or exercise may need to be adjusted.
Things the patient must be careful of: Some conditions and activities can affect the patient's need for insulin. Consult a doctor: If the patient is having trouble with kidneys or liver, or with adrenal, pituitary or thyroid glands.
If the patient exercises more than usual or if the patient wants to change the usual diet.
If the patient is ill, carry on taking the insulin and consult a doctor.
If the patient is going abroad: travelling over time zones may affect the patient's insulin needs and the timing of injections. Consult a doctor if the patient is planning such travelling.
If the patient drinks alcohol, the need for insulin may change as blood sugar level may either rise or fall. Careful monitoring is recommended.
Driving and using machines: Ask a doctor whether the patient can drive a car or operate a machine: If the patient have frequent hypoglycaemia.
If the patient finds it hard to recognise hypoglycaemia.
If the blood sugar is low or high, the patient's concentration and ability to react might be affected and therefore also the ability to drive or operate a machine. Bear in mind that this could endanger the patient or others.
Kirsty has a rapid onset of effect therefore if hypoglycaemia occurs, the patient may experience it earlier after an injection when compared to soluble human insulin.
Kirsty contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, i.e. Kirsty is essentially 'sodium-free'.
Use in special patient groups: If the patient has reduced kidney or liver function, or if the patient is above 65 years of age, the patient needs to check the blood sugar more regularly and discuss changes in insulin dose with a doctor.
Use in Children: Kirsty can be used in adolescents and children aged 1 year and above instead of soluble human insulin when a rapid onset of effect is preferred. For example, when it is difficult to dose the child in relation to meals.