What is Humulin R?
Insulin is a hormonal substance that lowers the levels of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Humulin R, a short-acting form of insulin, starts working within 30 minutes, peaks 2 to 3 hours later, and continues to work for up to eight hours.Humulin R helps to control blood sugar levels in children and adults with type 2 diabetes.Humulin R can be used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Side effects of Humulin R
If you experience any of the following symptoms: swelling, redness, itching, a rash on your entire body, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, feeling as if you may pass out, or swelling in either your tongue or throat, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Low sodium: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Some of the common side effects that Humulin R may cause include:
- Low blood sugar
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Weight gain or weight gain.
- The skin may become thicker or hollower where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have an episode of low sugar (hypoglycemia), then insulin should be avoided.
Before you take this drug
Humulin R should not be used if you have an allergy to insulin or hypoglycemia.Humulin R has not been approved for children younger than two years of age. Humulin R is not recommended for treating type 2 diabetes among children of any age.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Humulin R will be safe for you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart failure.
You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take certain oral diabetes medications while taking Humulin R. Inform your doctor if any of your medications contain pioglitazone or rosiglitazone.Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about using Humulin R.
Similar/related drugs
Ozempic, Lokelma, Mounjaro, Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, and Victoza
How to take Humulin R?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label.Humulin R can be injected into the skin. You can learn how to use the medication properly by yourself from a healthcare provider. Humulin R cannot be administered with an insulin pump. Humulin R should not be injected into a vein or muscle.Please read and adhere to all instructions for use included with your medication. If you require assistance, contact either your doctor or pharmacist.Only prepare an injection when you are ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Your healthcare provider will show you where and how to inject insulin. Each time you inject insulin, use a new location. Don't inject in the same spot twice.
This medicine should not be injected into damaged skin that is scaly or hard, has a bruise, is tender or bruised, has pits, is thickened or pitted, or is irritated.You should eat within 30 minutes after using Humulin R.Even if you have changed the needle, never share a syringe. Shared syringes may allow infection or disease to spread from person to person.If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel shaky, anxious, confused, or dizzy. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar quickly (such as fruit juice, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency.Watch for signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), such as increased thirst and urination.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor before adjusting your medication or dose schedule.Insulin is just one part of an overall treatment plan that can include other things like diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood sugar testing and medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.Wear or carry medical identification in case of an emergency to alert others that you have diabetes.Humulin R should be stored in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. Insulin should not be frozen or stored near the cooling element of a fridge. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Humulin R:
- Use within the expiration date.
- Keep at room temperature, and use the product within the specified number of days.
Storing Humulins R:
- Keep at room temperature, and use the product within the specified number of days.
Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Always keep insulin handy. Refill your prescription before you run completely out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include confusion, blurred or cloudy vision, numbness in the mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, and jerky or clumsy movements.
What should be avoided?
Not all brands of insulin and/or syringes can be interchanged. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist which brands are interchangeable.Insulin can cause low sugar levels. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have determined how Humulin R affects you.Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with diabetes treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose or insulin levels. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs. This makes it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have stopped using. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
