Insulin pork
Also known as: Animal insulin, Hypurin Porcine, Iletin II, Insulin (pork), Pig insulin, Porcine insulin, Pork Regular Insulin
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Summary
Porcine insulin (Insulin pork) is a 51‑amino‑acid peptide hormone historically extracted from pig pancreas and used to treat diabetes mellitus by lowering blood glucose. It is structurally similar to human insulin and retains full biological activity.
Mechanism of Action
Binds insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, activating PI3K/Akt pathway to increase cellular glucose uptake and inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Hyperkalemia managementElectrolyte ManagementModerate
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) managementAcute Metabolic EmergencyModerate
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetesMetabolicHigh
- Glycemic control in type 1 diabetesMetabolic / EndocrineHigh
- Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitusEndocrine / MetabolicHigh
- Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitusEndocrine / MetabolicHigh
Contraindications
- Religious or cultural restriction to porcine productsCultural/ethicalModerate
- Known hypersensitivity to porcine insulin or excipientsImmunologicHigh
- Insulin allergyImmunologicModerate
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypokalemiaElectrolyteUncommon
- HypoglycemiaMetabolicCommonAbnormally low blood glucose
- Injection site reactions (lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy)Dermatologic/localCommon
- Weight gainMetabolicCommonIncrease in body weight
- Allergic reactions (local or systemic)ImmunologicUncommon
- Injection site lipodystrophyLocalUncommon
- Insulin antibody formationImmunologicCommon
Drug Interactions
- Oral antidiabetic agents (sulfonylureas)Moderate
- Oral hypoglycemics (e.g., sulfonylureas)High
- Beta‑blockersModerate
- Beta-blockersModerate
- AlcoholModerate
- CorticosteroidsModerate
- MAO inhibitorsModerate
- Thiazide diureticsLow
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
- Renal impairmentOrgan ImpairmentRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Children <2 yearsAgeRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot marketed; recombinant insulin preferred.
- United StatesWithdrawnNo FDA‑approved porcine insulin product; replaced by recombinant human insulin.
- United KingdomUnapprovedSame as EU.
No longer marketed in the United States; withdrawn from FDA approval in favor of recombinant human insulin. May be available in limited markets for patients with specific insulin allergies.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Insulin pork?
Porcine insulin (Insulin pork) is a 51‑amino‑acid peptide hormone historically extracted from pig pancreas and used to treat diabetes mellitus by lowering blood glucose. It is structurally similar to human insulin and retains full biological activity.
What is Insulin pork used for?
Insulin pork is educationally associated with: Hyperkalemia management, Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, Glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus, Glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Insulin pork administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intramuscular, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Insulin pork?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypokalemia, Hypoglycemia, Injection site reactions (lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy), Weight gain, Allergic reactions (local or systemic), Injection site lipodystrophy, Insulin antibody formation. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Insulin pork?
Recorded contraindications: Religious or cultural restriction to porcine products, Known hypersensitivity to porcine insulin or excipients, Insulin allergy, Hypoglycemia. Consult a qualified clinician before use.