Humulin R U-500 (concen) Vl 20ml

Insulin Regular (U-500) is a short-acting human insulin that 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 abnormal 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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only have mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:

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, consult 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.

This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of the following with your doctor and pharmacist:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your overall health and any existing medical conditions

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must 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. This particular brand of insulin is five times more concentrated than other brands, so it is crucial to exercise extra caution when measuring your dose to avoid accidental overdose, which can lead to severe side effects or life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Consult your doctor to ensure you understand the proper dosing and administration.

To avoid errors, verify that you have the correct insulin product, as insulin products are available in various containers, such as vials, cartridges, and pens. Make sure you are familiar with how to measure and prepare your dose. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a potential side effect of this medication. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and even death. Discuss the risks and symptoms of hypoglycemia with your doctor.

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

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

During periods of stress, such as illness, 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.

It is recommended that you wear a medical alert identification (ID) to inform others of your condition in case of an emergency. Do not drive if you have recently experienced hypoglycemia, as this can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor, and have regular blood tests to ensure your safety while taking this medication. Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol or using products that contain alcohol.

Do not share your insulin product, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit infections. If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (e.g., other antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAOIs, octreotide, pramlintide, salicylates, sulfonamide antibiotics).
• Beta-blockers (may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia).

• Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect (e.g., corticosteroids, diuretics, sympathomimetics, somatropin, danazol, isoniazid, phenothiazine derivatives, thyroid hormones, estrogens, progestins, atypical antipsychotics, protease inhibitors).
• Alcohol (can potentiate or diminish insulin's effect).

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia: sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, anxiety.
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia: increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting.

Insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy (including gestational diabetes) due to its efficacy and safety profile. Insulin does not cross the placenta in significant amounts.

Insulin is compatible with breastfeeding. It is considered safe for the infant as it is a protein and is degraded in the infant's gastrointestinal tract. Insulin requirements may decrease postpartum.

U-500 insulin is generally not recommended for routine use in pediatric patients due to the high risk of dosing errors and severe hypoglycemia. It may be considered in adolescents with severe insulin resistance under strict medical supervision and with careful patient/caregiver education.

Increased risk of hypoglycemia due to potential for impaired renal/hepatic function, reduced counter-regulatory responses, and cognitive impairment. Dosing should be conservative, and glucose monitoring should be frequent. Education on hypoglycemia symptoms and management is critical.

• Humulin R U-500 is 5 times more concentrated than U-100 insulin. Extreme caution is required to prevent dosing errors.
• Always use a U-500 insulin syringe (marked in U-500 units) or the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen for accurate dosing. Never use a U-100 syringe for U-500 insulin from a vial, as this will lead to a 5-fold overdose.
• Patients requiring U-500 insulin often have severe insulin resistance and may need very large doses.
• Due to its prolonged action, U-500 insulin can act as both a basal and prandial insulin for some patients.
• Educate patients and caregivers thoroughly on proper administration, storage, recognition and management of hypoglycemia, and the critical difference between U-100 and U-500 insulin.
• Consider continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for patients on U-500 to help manage glycemic control and detect hypoglycemia.

• Other insulin formulations (e.g., U-100 regular insulin, rapid-acting insulins like insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine; intermediate-acting insulins like NPH; long-acting insulins like insulin glargine, insulin detemir, insulin degludec).
• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists).
• Pramlintide (amylin analog).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with 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 detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.