Humulin R U-100 Insulin (hi-210)

Insulin Regular (human insulin) lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so prompt medical attention is crucial.
Signs of low potassium levels, including:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ An irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the arms or legs
Thick skin, pits, or lumps at the injection site
Low blood sugar, which may cause:
+ Dizziness or fainting
+ Blurred vision
+ Mood changes
+ Slurred speech
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy or weak
+ Shaking
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
+ Seizures

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. If you have low blood sugar, follow the instructions you have been given, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have minor ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Weight gain
Irritation at the injection site

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as this may affect your treatment plan.

Additionally, this medication may interact with other health conditions or medications. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are currently taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your complete medical history, including any health problems you have or have had in the past

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Ensure you have the correct insulin product, as it comes in various containers such as vials, cartridges, and pens. Understand how to measure and prepare your dose accurately. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Be aware that this medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and even death if not treated promptly. Discuss the risks and management of low blood sugar with your doctor.

Additionally, this medication can cause low blood potassium (hypokalemia), which, if left untreated, may result in abnormal heart rhythms, severe breathing difficulties, and potentially death. Consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms.

Until you understand how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness. Certain diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, may increase the risk of heart failure when used with insulin. If you are taking one of these medications, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

During periods of stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, your blood sugar levels may be more challenging to control. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact your blood sugar levels.

To ensure your safety, wear a medical alert identification (ID) that indicates your condition. Avoid driving if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it increases the risk of accidents. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and undergo regular blood tests as recommended.

Before consuming alcohol or using products containing alcohol, consult your doctor. Never share your insulin product, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with others, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit infections.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.

• Beta-blockers (may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, prolong hypoglycemia)
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure when used with insulin)
• Alcohol (may potentiate hypoglycemic effect)

• Corticosteroids (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
• Diuretics (thiazide and loop diuretics may increase blood glucose)
• Sympathomimetics (e.g., decongestants, asthma medications; may increase blood glucose)
• Atypical antipsychotics (may cause hyperglycemia)
• Protease inhibitors (may cause hyperglycemia)
• Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide; may decrease insulin requirements)
• Salicylates (e.g., aspirin in large doses; may enhance hypoglycemic effect)
• Sulfonamide antibiotics (may enhance hypoglycemic effect)

• Not available

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, trembling, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat)
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss)
• Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Signs of injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, itching, pain, lipodystrophy)

Insulin is the preferred treatment for glycemic control in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes or gestational diabetes. It does not cross the placenta in significant amounts and is considered safe and effective for both mother and fetus. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential, and insulin requirements may change throughout pregnancy.

Insulin is compatible with breastfeeding. It is a large protein molecule and is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. Insulin requirements may be lower during lactation compared to pre-pregnancy levels.

Insulin Regular is used in pediatric patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Dosing is highly individualized based on age, weight, pubertal status, activity level, and glycemic targets. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential to prevent hypoglycemia and ensure optimal growth and development.

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia due to impaired renal/hepatic function, reduced counter-regulatory responses, and polypharmacy. Dosing should be initiated cautiously and titrated slowly with careful monitoring of blood glucose. Glycemic targets may be less stringent to avoid hypoglycemia.

• Humulin R U-100 is a short-acting insulin, meaning it starts working relatively quickly and has a shorter duration compared to intermediate or long-acting insulins. It is typically used to cover mealtime glucose excursions.
• Always administer Humulin R 30 minutes before a meal to allow time for the insulin to start working and prevent post-meal hyperglycemia.
• Ensure patients understand the difference between U-100 (100 units/mL) and U-500 (500 units/mL) insulin to prevent dosing errors. U-100 insulin should only be drawn up with U-100 syringes.
• Teach patients proper injection technique, including site rotation, to prevent lipodystrophy, which can impair insulin absorption.
• Stress the importance of consistent carbohydrate intake and meal timing when using regular insulin to match insulin action with food intake.
• Patients should be educated on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it promptly. Always carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates.
• Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36°F-46°F [2°C-8°C]). Opened vials can be stored at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) for up to 28 days. Do not freeze insulin.

• Rapid-acting insulins (e.g., insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine): Faster onset and shorter duration, often preferred for mealtime coverage due to greater flexibility.
• Intermediate-acting insulins (e.g., NPH insulin): Provide basal and some prandial coverage, but have a less predictable peak.
• Long-acting insulins (e.g., insulin glargine, insulin detemir, insulin degludec): Provide basal insulin coverage for 24 hours or more.
• Premixed insulins (e.g., 70/30 NPH/Regular): Combine intermediate and short-acting insulin for convenience.
• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists): Used for type 2 diabetes, often before insulin initiation or in combination with basal insulin.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.