humulin r
Humulin R is a combination medicine containing Insulin Recombinant Human and Insulin Human.
Insulin Recombinant Human and Insulin Human · by Lilly
Key facts
What is Humulin R?
From the FDA label:Insulin human is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli and has the empirical formula C 257 H 383 N 65 O 77 S 6 with a molecular weight of 5.808 kDa. HUMULIN R (insulin human) injection is a short-acting human insulin for subcutaneous or intravenous use. HUMULIN R is a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution. HUMULIN R contains 100 units of insulin human in each milliliter. Each milliliter of HUMULIN R also contains glycerin (16 mg), metacresol (2.5 mg), endogenous zinc (approximately 0.015 mg/100 units,) and Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid may be added during manufacture to adjust the pH. The pH is 7.0 to 7.8.
How to use
See Full Prescribing Information for important administration instructions. ( 2.1 ) Subcutaneous injection: inject subcutaneously 30 minutes before a meal into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks. Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. ( 2.2 ) Intravenous infusion: administer intravenously ONLY under medical supervision at concentrations from 0.1 unit/mL to 1 unit/mL in infusion systems containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. ( 2.2 ) Individualize dose based on route of administration, metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal. ( 2.3 ) HUMULIN R given by subcutaneous injection should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. ( 2.3 ) Do not mix with insulin preparations other than HUMULIN ® N. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Always check the insulin label before administration to confirm the correct insulin product is being used [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Inspect HUMULIN R visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use HUMULIN R if particulate matter or coloration is seen. 2.2 Route of Administration Subcutaneous Injection Inject HUMULIN R subcutaneously approximately 30 minutes before meals into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks. Rotate injection sites within the same region from one…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Adverse reactions observed with HUMULIN R include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, weight gain, edema, pruritus, and rash. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies or Postmarketing Reports The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during clinical studies or from postmarketing reports with use of HUMULIN R. Because some of these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse reactions associated with insulin initiation and glucose control intensification Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. Over the long-term, improved…
Warnings
Important safety information
Never share needles or syringes with another person. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or with hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions : Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue HUMULIN R, monitor, and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) : Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Never Share Needles or Syringes between Patients Patients using HUMULIN R vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, adjustments in concomitant anti-diabetic medications may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulins, including HUMULIN R. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of HUMULIN R may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between HUMULIN R and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with HUMULIN R [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue HUMULIN R; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. HUMULIN R is contraindicated in patients who have had a hypersensitivity reaction to HUMULIN R or its excipients. 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including HUMULIN R, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations). 5.7 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including HUMULIN R, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Who should not take Humulin R
HUMULIN R is contraindicated: during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] in patients with hypersensitivity to HUMULIN R or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia. ( 4 ) Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to HUMULIN R or any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with a glucagon product for emergency use or intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.6 )] .
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with HUMULIN R Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of HUMULIN R Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of HUMULIN R Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism: Adjustment of insulin dosage may be needed. ( 7 ) Antiadrenergic Drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. ( 5.3 , 7 )
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Humulin R?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Humulin R. To pay less, look for a store-brand version with the same active ingredient (Insulin Recombinant Human and Insulin Human), which is typically cheaper, and compare unit prices. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Humulin R?
- Humulin R is marketed by Lilly. You can see Lilly's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Humulin R a brand-name or generic drug?
- Humulin R is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Insulin Recombinant Human and Insulin Human.
- Is Humulin R available over the counter?
- Yes. Humulin R is an over-the-counter (OTC) product — you can buy it without a prescription. Follow the label directions and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's right for you.
- What forms does Humulin R come in?
- Humulin R is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Humulin R FDA-registered?
- Humulin R is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA018780. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Humulin R safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Humulin R. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Humulin R?
- Humulin R's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precaut… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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