Humulin R is a short-acting insulin that is a recombinant insulin functioning as an exact copy of the insulin the body makes naturally. Humulin R can be used for treatment of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and like all short-acting insulins it works to provide immediate but more temporary lowering of blood sugar levels after they are elevated from the individual having eaten a meal. Insulin human works by moving glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells to lower the blood sugar levels, and dose titration and sliding scale dosing are possible based on your doctor’s recommendation and the fact this is a short-acting insulin.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C257H383N65O77S6 |
| License | FDA approved |
| Bioavailability | Approximately 70% (subcutaneous) |
| Legal status | Rx-Only |
| Chemical Name | Regular Insulin human |
| Elimination half-life | 1-1.5 hours (subcutaneous) |
| Dosage (Strength) | 100 units/ml-33mcg/ml (pre-filled SoloStar 3ml pens), 3ml cartridges, 3ml vials, 10ml vials |
| Pregnancy | Generally considered safe |
| Brands | Humulin R |
| Protein binding | None |
| PubChem CID | 16132418 |
| MedlinePlus | a682611 |
| ChEBI | 16169 |
| ATC code | A10AB01 |
| DrugBank | DB00030 |
| KEGG | D04475 |
| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous injection |
Standard dosage guidelines for Humulin R is to administer injection 30 minutes before each meal of the day.
Injection may be administered into one of 4 acceptable injection sites: back of upper arm / thighs / abdomen (excluding a 2” radius around navel) / buttocks.
Choose a different injection site for every new injection. Do not inject at the same injection site twice to avoid lipodystrophy.
Wash your hands.
Remove the cap and look to confirm the medication is clear and has no color.
Prepare syringe for injection, including attaching needle if required depending on the type of syringe you are using.
Insert needle tip through vial covering and into Humulin R insulin solution and pull back on plunger handle to fill syringe with insulin, measuring correct amount by looking at measurement points on the syringe.
Once syringe is filled to the correct amount, remove the needle from the vial and keep needle in upright position and firmly in hand as you prepare to administer the injection.
Give yourself the insulin injection in one the three spots listed above.
The needle should stay in your skin for at least 5 seconds to make sure you have injected all of your insulin dose.
The active ingredient in Humulin R is Insulin Human.
Tell your doctor if you have any history of heart failure, kidney or liver problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), or allergic reactions before starting on Humulin R insulin.
Medication is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Keep Humulin R insulin stored at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) or at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) as indicated in your medications.
Possible negative drug interactions between Humulin R and other Rx medications:
Tell your doctor of all medications you are taking before receiving a medication and proceeding to buy Humulin R insulin from Canada.
Side effects from using Humulin R insulin are possible, and some users may experience injection site skin irritation, lipodystrophy, weight gain, headache, or edema (swelling in feet and / or ankles). If side effects are seen you may want to discontinue use and speak to your doctor again about insulin vial alternatives to Humulin R for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes treatment.
What is Humulin R?
Humulin R is a short-acting insulin used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It begins working within 30 minutes of injection, peaks in 2 to 3 hours, and remains effective for up to 8 hours.
Who should not use Humulin R?
Do not use Humulin R if you are allergic to insulin or experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is not approved for anyone under 2 years old and should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes in children.
How should Humulin R be administered?
Humulin R is injected subcutaneously, typically in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It should not be injected into a vein, muscle, or with an insulin pump. The injection site should be rotated with each dose.
What are the precautions for preparing and injecting Humulin R?
Inspect the insulin before use; it should be clear and colorless. Avoid using it if discolored, cloudy, or contains particles. Inject into a different body area each time, avoiding areas that are tender, bruised, or scarred.
What should be done after using Humulin R?
Eat a meal within 30 minutes of injecting. Never share syringes, even with a changed needle, to prevent infection transmission.
How to recognize and treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?
Symptoms include hunger, dizziness, irritability, confusion, and shakiness. Treat with fast-acting sugar sources like fruit juice or candy. In severe cases, a glucagon injection may be necessary.
What lifestyle measures should accompany Humulin R use?
Follow a specific meal plan, exercise regularly, and monitor blood sugar levels as directed. Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, exercise, alcohol, or meal skipping.
How should Humulin R be stored?
Store unopened vials in the refrigerator but not near the cooling element or freezer. Once opened, vials can be kept at room temperature for a limited time. Do not use frozen insulin.
What to do in case of a missed dose or overdose?
For a missed dose, take it as soon as possible unless it's nearly time for the next dose. In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical help as it can cause severe hypoglycemia.
What should be avoided while using Humulin R?
Avoid changing insulin brands or syringes without consulting your doctor. Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you understand its effects. Avoid alcohol as it can interfere with diabetes treatment.
What are the possible side effects of Humulin R?
Side effects can include allergic reactions, low potassium, low blood sugar, swelling in hands or feet, weight gain, and skin changes at the injection site. Contact your doctor for advice on side effects.
How do other drugs interact with Humulin R?
Many drugs can affect blood sugar levels and alter insulin's effects. Inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
