What is HumuLIN R KwikPen (Concentrated) (U-500)?
Insulin works by lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Concentrated (U-50) insulin has a long-acting effect that begins working several hours after the injection. It continues to work for up to 24 hours. The U-500 is five times as concentrated as the regular U-100.U-500 Insulin is used for improving blood sugar control among adults and children who have diabetes mellitus, as well as those with significant daily insulin requirements (more than 200 units per day).U-500 Insulin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of HumuLIN R KwikPen (Concentrated) (U-500)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where an insulin injection was administered; itchiness on your skin; a rash all over the body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats; or feeling as if you may pass out.
HumuLIN R KwikPen Concentrated may have serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fluid retention: weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or feeling short-breathing;
- Low sodium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or limp feeling.
Some of the most common side effects associated with humulin R (concentrated) include:
- Low blood sugar
- Mild skin rash;
- The skin may become thicker or hollower where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects.For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your physician. For reporting purposes, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if it has been changed.
Before you take this drug
If you have an episode of hypoglycemia, you should avoid using HUMULIN R. KWIKPEN (concentrated).
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
Inform your doctor if, in addition to insulin, you are taking pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These medications may be combined with glimepiride and metformin. You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take certain diabetes medications while using insulin.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about insulin.
How to take HumuLIN R KwikPen (Concentrated) (U-500)?
The U-500 insulin is concentrated, and each milliliter contains 500 units. It is five times as concentrated as regular U-100, which has 100 units per milliliter. Use U-500 insulin with care. Too much insulin can cause insulin shock and even death. Please follow all instructions listed 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.Insulin is injected into the skin. You can learn how to use the medication properly by yourself from a healthcare provider.U500 insulin should not be used with an insulin pump or mixed with any other insulin. U500 insulin should not be injected into a vein, muscle, or tissue.Please read and follow all directions that accompany your medication carefully. If there are any discrepancies between what the instructions say and your understanding, reach out to your physician or pharmacist immediately for clarification.At the time of injection, only prepare an injection when ready to give 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 can show you the best place to inject U500 insulin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.This medicine should not be injected into damaged skin that is bruised or pitted. It can also cause scaliness or a hard lump.You should eat within 30 minutes after using U-500.Use only the U-500 injection pen if you are using an injection pen. Attach a fresh needle each time. Don't transfer insulin from the pen to a syringe. You can set the correct dose of U-500 by using the dial 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 or U-500 insulin syringe to administer your medication.Do not share a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen with anyone, even if it has a new needle. This can cause infection or disease.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in an "edibles" 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.
If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel hungry, irritable, or confused. You might also be anxious. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, hard candies, 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 such as increased thirst and urination.Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before adjusting your medication or dose schedule.U-500 Insulin is just one part of an overall treatment plan that could also include diet and exercise, weight management, blood sugar testing, special medical care, etc. Please follow your doctor's directions very carefully.This medicine should be kept in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. You should not transfer insulin from the vial to a syringe before you are ready for an injection. Store insulin away from the cooling element of a fridge. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Store U-500 Insulin that has not been opened and is not in use.
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use within 28 days. Store it at room temperature.
Store U-500 Insulin that is already opened and in use:
- Use the vial within 40 days. Store in a fridge or at room temperature. Do not shake or move the vial.
- Use the pen within 28 days. Store at room temperature. Store the pen without the needle.
Wear or carry medical identification in case of an emergency to alert others that you have diabetes.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, follow your doctor's instructions. Keep insulin readily available to prevent missing doses. 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 attention. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause low sugar levels and interfere with diabetes treatment.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose, and some can increase or decrease insulin's effects. 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 you are taking and those you plan to take. You can include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
