Biphasic isophane insulin injection I.P.

What is Biphasic isophane insulin injection I.P. by Novo Nordisk Labs?

Biphasic isophane insulin injection I.P. is a premixed human insulin produced by Novo Nordisk Labs, a name long associated with insulin. "Biphasic" means that it contains two forms of insulin in one suspension: soluble insulin that starts working fairly quickly, and isophane (NPH) insulin, which is bound to protamine and released slowly over many hours. The letters "I.P." show that it meets the standard of the Indian Pharmacopoeia. The strength is 100 IU/ml.

To be clear about what this product is: it contains insulin, not somatropin (growth hormone). The two hormones are often mentioned together in bodybuilding, but they work in completely different ways, and insulin has a direct and powerful effect on blood sugar.

What does insulin do?

Insulin is the hormone of the pancreas that regulates blood glucose. In medicine it is used to treat diabetes, and premixed insulins like this one are typically given before meals once or twice a day. In the body, insulin:

• moves glucose from the blood into muscle, liver and fat cells;
• helps to refill glycogen stores in muscles and liver;
• supports protein synthesis and slows down protein breakdown;
• promotes fat storage and blocks the release of stored fat.

These anabolic properties are the reason some bodybuilders are interested in insulin. The same properties make it one of the most dangerous substances to misuse, because the line between an effect and a medical emergency is very thin.

How is it used?

The suspension is meant for injection under the skin and must never be given into a vein. Before each use it is mixed by rolling it gently between the palms until it looks evenly cloudy, and the dose is measured with a syringe marked for 100 IU/ml insulin. Unopened stock is kept in a refrigerator and must never be frozen.

There is no standard dose. For diabetic patients the amount is calculated individually and adjusted to regular glucose readings. Because the isophane part keeps working for many hours, a premixed insulin is especially unpredictable outside that medical setting, and low blood sugar can appear long after the injection, even during sleep. For this reason we do not quote bodybuilding doses for this product. Any use of insulin, including the dose and the duration, must be agreed with a qualified medical professional and accompanied by glucose monitoring.

Possible side effects

The main risk is hypoglycemia. Its signs include sweating, shaking, a racing heart, sudden hunger, confusion and blurred vision; severe cases lead to seizures, loss of consciousness and can be fatal. Other effects are weight gain, low potassium, swelling at the start of treatment, lumps or skin changes at injection sites and, rarely, allergic reactions. Insulin must not be used during a hypo or with an allergy to any of its ingredients, and extra care is needed with kidney or liver disease, alcohol and intense exercise.

Package and ordering

Biphasic isophane insulin injection I.P. is made by Novo Nordisk Labs at a strength of 100 IU/ml. It is listed in our Hormones & Peptides category and can be ordered on MaxLabs.co.