Actrapid is a fast-acting insulin. This means that it will start to lower your blood sugar about half an hour after you take it, and the effect will last for approximately 8 hours. Actrapid is often given in combination with longer-acting insulin products.

How to use this insulin

Actrapid is for injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Always vary the sites you inject, to avoid lumps (see 5 Possible side effects). The best places to give yourself an injection are: the front of your waist (abdomen); your buttocks; the front of your thighs or upper arms. Your insulin will work more quickly if you inject it around the waist.

Actrapid vials are for use with insulin syringes with the corresponding unit scale.

Actrapid may also be administered intravenously in special situations by medical professionals.

How to inject Actrapid on its own

1. Draw air into the syringe, in the same amount as the dose of insulin you need

2. Inject the air into the vial: push the needle through the rubber stopper and press the plunger

3. Turn the vial and syringe upside down

4. Draw the right dose of insulin into the syringe

5. Pull the needle out of the vial

6. Make sure there is no air left in the syringe: point the needle upwards and push the air out

7. Check you have the right dose

8. Inject straight away.