What is Humulin R (Concentrated) (U-500)?
Insulin works by decreasing the levels of sugar in the blood. The concentrated (U-500), long-acting form of insulin starts working several hours after the injection. It continues to function evenly throughout the 24 hours. U-500 is five times more concentrated than U-100.U-500 Insulin is used for improving blood sugar control among adults and children who suffer from diabetes mellitus, as well as those with significant insulin requirements (more than 20 units daily).U-500 Insulin can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Humulin R (Concentrated) (U-500)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where you received an insulin injection; a skin itch or rash on your entire body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats; or feeling as if you may pass out.
Humulin R concentrate can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Fluid Retention: weight gain, swelling of the hands and feet, shortness of breath, or
- Low potassium—leg cramps Constipation: increased thirst and urination; numbness, tingling, weakness, or feeling of limpness
Some of the most common side effects associated with Humulin R Concentrated include:
- Low blood sugar
- Mild rash;
- The skin may become thicker or more hollow where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, always seek medical advice from your physician first. To report side effects to the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not share a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen with anyone else, even after the needle is changed.
Before you take this drug
If you have an episode of hypoglycemia, you should avoid using Humulin R.
If you've ever:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These drugs may be combined with glimepiride or metformin. You may be at greater risk for serious heart issues if you take certain diabetic medications while using insulin.Inform your physician of any pregnancy or nursing issues.If you're pregnant, or if you get pregnant in the future, follow your doctor’s advice about insulin.
How to take Humulin R (Concentrated) (U-500)?
The U-500 insulin is concentrated, and each milliliter contains 500 insulin units. It is five times as concentrated as regular U-100, which has 100 units in each mL. Use U-500 carefully and measure each dose. Too much insulin could cause insulin shock or even death.Please adhere to all the instructions on your prescription label.Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for a longer period of time.Under the skin, insulin is injected. You can learn how to use this medication properly by yourself from a healthcare professional.U500 insulin should not be used with insulin pumps or other insulins. U500 insulin shouldn't be injected into veins or muscles.Please read and heed all instructions that accompany your medication, if there are any that are unclear please reach out to your pharmacist or physician for clarification. If the instructions remain confusing please reach out for help from them directly or contact your pharmacy/doctor immediately for guidance.
Only prepare an injection when you are prepared to administer it. If the medication is cloudy, looks different, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.You will be shown by your healthcare provider where to inject U500 insulin. Each time, inject in a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.This medicine should not be injected into damaged skin, whether it is scaly or a hard lump or scar.You should consume a meal in 30 minutes after using U-500.Use only the U-500 injection pen if you are using an injection pen. Before each injection, attach a fresh needle. Don't transfer insulin directly from the pen to a syringe. You can set the correct dosage of U500 insulin using a dial located on your injection pen.Use only the U-500 syringe if you are using U-500 from a bottle (vial). Use only the U-500 insulin syringe.Use the U-500 pen for injection or the U-500 syringe to administer your medication.
Do not share a syringe, a cartridge, or an injection pen with anyone else, even after the needle is changed. This can cause infection or the spread of disease.Only use a needle or syringe once, and place it in the "sharps container" to prevent punctures. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how you should dispose of the container. Keep away from pets and children to prevent accidental access.If you have hypoglycemia, then you may feel very hungry or dizzy. You might also be confused, anxious, or even shaky. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, candy bars, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor might prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your close family members or friends are familiar with how to administer this medication in case of an emergency.Watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as an increase in thirst or urine.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor prior to changing the dosage or schedule of your medication.U-500 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 glucose testing and medical attention. Please follow your doctor’s directions very carefully.
This medicine should be kept in the original packaging, away from heat and sunlight. You should not transfer insulin into a syringe from the vial until you're ready to inject. Store insulin away from the refrigerator's cooling elements. Do not store frozen insulin. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Store U-500 Insulin that has not been opened (not used):
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use within 28 days. Store at room temperature.
Store U-500 Insulin that is already opened and in use:
- Use the vial within 40 days. Store the bag either in the fridge or at room temperature.The vial should not be shaken.
- Use the pen within 28 days. Store at room temperature. Store the pen without a needle.
Wear or carry a medical ID to alert others that you are diabetic in an emergency.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take medication, follow your doctor's instructions. Keep insulin readily available to prevent missing doses. Refill your prescription before it runs out completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An insulin overdose may cause life-threatening low blood sugar.
What should be avoided?
Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Alcohol is harmful to your health. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels and interfere with diabetes treatments.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines may also affect blood sugar levels, while others can alter the insulin effect. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemia symptoms if you take certain drugs. This makes it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you have started or stopped using. You can include prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamin and herb products.
