Folmax 5 Tablet

Folmax Tablet is a combination of two medicine Insulin Aspart and Insulin Aspart Protamine. It belongs to the insulin group of medicine. Folmax Tablet is used to treat high blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This medicine is a fast-acting type of insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduce the chances of developing serious complications of diabetes. Insulin shall be taken at least 15-20 mins before or within 20min of starting the meal always. You should never skip the meal or the dose of insulin.

You should keep on rotating the administration site of insulin. Do not take insulin on the same site for a longer duration. It is recommended to keep sugar candy, or glucose handy as it has decreased blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) as its common side effect of Folmax Tablet.

However, if you experience these symptoms quite often, contact your doctor he might change the dose of this medicine.

Dosage

Overdose

• Excess insulin will lead to low blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia.
• Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, sweating and tremors may be seen.
• If you have the blood glucometer with you, test immediately and confirm.
• Whether or not you test your levels, it is important to take some glucose water/juice/eat sugar or chocolates immediately and then rush to your doctor.

Missed a Dose

• A missed dose may lead to high blood sugar levels which can cause symptoms like feeling thirsty, excessive urination, loss of appetite, drowsiness, the fruity smell from breath, etc.
• If you missed any dose of medicine take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's time for your next dose then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule.
• Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one as taking a double dose can cause a drastic fall in blood glucose which can be dangerous.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Insulin is crucial to allow the entry of blood glucose into each cell of the body.
• Inside the cell, this glucose is used as fuel.
• In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the body fails to produce adequate insulin.
• This leads to glucose accumulating in the blood and causes high blood glucose.
• Folmax Tablet lowers blood sugars by stimulating glucose uptake by cells, tissue and muscles, especially by skeletal muscles and fat and by inhibiting glucose production by the liver.

Directions for Use

• Take Folmax Tablet as per the technique suggested by your doctor or nurse.
• This injection is to be taken under the skin of the thigh or upper arm or abdomen.
• Do not take this injection in the vein or muscles.
• Pull a skin, fold up to take this injection.
• Wait for at least 6 seconds before removing the needle from the injection site.
• Always rotate the site of injection, do not take concurrent injections at the same site.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Folmax 5mg Strip Of 10 Tablets during pregnancy?

Folmax Tablet can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends. However, close monitoring of blood sugar levels is suggested as the dose requirements may change with each trimester of pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Folmax 5mg Strip Of 10 Tablets while breastfeeding?

Folmax Tablet is usually safe during breastfeeding. Thus, it can be taken while you are nursing an infant.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Folmax 5mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

Insulin is known to cause low blood sugar levels and these can lead to impairment in your driving ability.Always keep sugar or a bar of chocolate in your car with you while driving.In case you experience any of the symptoms of low blood glucose levels like dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances and sweating, stop driving immediately and have sugar/juice.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Folmax 5mg Strip Of 10 Tablets?

It is advisable not to consume alcohol when you are taking Folmax Tablet as it interferes with the way insulin works.Consumption of alcohol may lead to an increased risk of both low blood glucose level and high blood glucose level.Avoid excessive use of alcohol while taking insulin.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have recurrent low blood sugar levels.
• Be very careful about symptoms of low blood sugar like sweating, anxiety, fast heartbeat, headache, intense hunger, restlessness, dizziness, irritability. If you experience these, immediately have sugar (do not consume artificial sweeteners). Eat something as soon as possible. Do not take insulin in such a scenario. If still the symptoms persist, seek emergency medical help.
• You have frequent fever and infections.
• You have diseases related to the liver and kidney.
• You have thyroid disorders.
• You are switching to a different insulin medicine brand.
• You have pain, itching and swelling at the injection site, you should continuously change the site of the injection.
• Avoid doing heavy exercise.
• You are planning to change your diet preferences.
• You should always carry a sugar candy with you.
• You are taking insulin but not taking adequate meals, your blood glucose can drop drastically.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to insulin or any of the ingredients of Folmax Tablet.
• If you are suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level).

Side effects

• Low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Tiredness
• Feeling hungry
• Visual disturbances
• Headache
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Pale skin
• Skin rashes
• Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• You may have symptoms of low blood sugar if you are taking other medicines for diabetes, depression (fluoxetine), medicines for fever and pain (salicylates), ramipril, lisinopril.
• You may have high blood sugar if you are taking oral contraceptives, thiazide, steroids, thyroxine, medicines used to treat severe diarrhoea and abnormal growth of body organs like octreotide, lanreotide.
• If you are taking the medicine pioglitazone to treat diabetes, be cautious, as some cases of heart attack and heart failure have been reported.
• Some medicines block your body's response to low blood sugar, so you may not experience symptoms like headache, hunger pangs, sweating, anxiety when your blood sugar drops. This can lead to a serious fall in blood sugar. Inform your doctor if you are on medicines like Betablockers (Metoprolol, Propranolol, Atenolol), Clonidine, Guanethidine and Reserpine.

Interactions with food items

• This medicine is to be taken 15 minutes before meals or after meals.
• Maintaining a constant meal pattern is advisable when you are taking insulin.
• Avoid skipping or delaying meals when you are taking insulin.

Storage and disposal

• Store between 2°C to 8°C in the refrigerator.
• Do not freeze it.
• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Do not open the carton of vials to protect it from light.
• Any unused portion should not be stored and should be appropriately discarded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What food items I should avoid, as I'm a diabetic?

Avoid maida, white bread, noodles, corn flakes, poori, biryani, naan, fried rice, etc.Avoid custard apple, mango, jack fruit, fruit salads with ice cream, fruit-based desserts.Avoid cheese, milkshakes, ice creams.Try to avoid pork, beef, soft drinks, sugarcane juice, sweetened health drinks and beverages.

Can I stop taking Folmax Tablet if I am feeling uncomfortable after taking this medicine?

No, you can not stop taking your insulin without speaking with a doctor. It may lead to high blood sugar levels and may worsen your disease condition and land you in complications. In case of side effects or discomfort, talk to your doctor. You may need a dose adjustment.

Why should I always change the site for taking Folmax Tablet?

Taking Folmax Tablet at the same site may lead to a lump formation, local irritation and itching. Thus it is advisable not to take injections at the same site or maintain a gap of at least one day.

What other lifestyle modifications I need to consider to manage diabetes?

Diet should include chapatis, multigrain bread, puffed rice with vegetables, sprouts, roasted grams, plain cooked daal, soups, steamed vegetables, cooked vegetables with less oil, jamun, orange, guava, apple, watermelon, papaya, cow’s milk, curd, thin buttermilk, fish (grilled, baked or steamed), peanuts, cashew nuts and walnuts (handful)Limit sugar intakeA brisk walk daily for 30 minutesExercise regularlyMonitor your blood glucose regularlyTake your anti-diabetic medication on time

I develop low blood sugar levels often, what could be the possible reasons?

Risk factors for developing low blood glucose levels include taking too much insulin, not taking adequate meals or missing meals, too much alcohol consumption, fever and too much exercise.Some medicines, when used with insulin can result in such episodes as other diabetes medicine glimepiride, medicines used for fever and pain (salicylates), ramipril, etc.Report to your doctor about these episodes. You may need a dose of adjustment.

What type of insulin is Folmax Tablet?

Folmax Tablet is a mixture of rapid-acting insulin and a longer-acting insulin.

Does Folmax Tablet need to be refrigerated?

No, Folmax Tablet should not be kept in the refrigerator. Keep it at room temperature (not above 30°C / 86°F). It can be kept like this for up to 4 weeks.Before opening, store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

How many times can you take Folmax Tablet?

Your doctor will suggest the number of times Folmax Tablet should be taken each day and a starting dose. However, over time, the dose and frequency may need to be adjusted depending on your body's response to the treatment and blood glucose measurements.

Can I take Folmax Tablet after food?

You should take Folmax Tablet exactly as suggested by the doctor. However, it is usually administered within 15 minutes before a meal. For patients with type 2 diabetes, the dose may also be given after a meal.

What is Folmax Tablet storage temperature?

Folmax Tablet should be stored between 2°C to 8°C in the refrigerator. Do not freeze it.