Novolin Insulin Reg. U-100 Human

Insulin regular is a short-acting insulin that lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. It binds to insulin receptors on target cells, facilitating glucose transport across cell membranes. Insulin also inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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

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. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor 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 disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your complete medical history, including any health problems you have

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. Ensure you have the correct insulin product, as it comes in various containers such as vials, cartridges, and pens. Understand how to accurately measure and prepare your dose. 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 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 your full attention. 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 times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be more challenging to control your blood sugar levels. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact your blood sugar. Monitor your condition closely and consult your doctor as needed.

Wear a medical alert identification to ensure prompt care in case of an emergency. Do not drive if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Regularly check your blood sugar levels as instructed by your doctor. Also, have your blood work checked as recommended by your doctor and discuss the results with them.

Before consuming alcohol or using products containing alcohol, consult your doctor. Never share your insulin product, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with another person, 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. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as you will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.

• Beta-blockers (non-selective): Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., tremor, tachycardia) and prolong hypoglycemic episodes. May also impair glucose counter-regulation.
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone: Increased risk of dose-related fluid retention and heart failure when used with insulin, especially in patients with pre-existing heart failure or renal impairment.
• Alcohol: Can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, especially on an empty stomach, by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis.

• Corticosteroids: Can increase blood glucose levels, requiring higher insulin doses.
• Diuretics (thiazide and loop): Can cause hyperglycemia, requiring increased insulin doses.
• Sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, albuterol): Can increase blood glucose levels.
• Growth hormone: Can increase blood glucose levels.
• Danazol: Can increase blood glucose levels.
• Oral Contraceptives: May cause insulin resistance, requiring increased insulin doses.
• Thyroid hormones: May alter glucose metabolism, requiring insulin dose adjustments.
• Salicylates (high dose): Can enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
• Sulfonamide antibiotics: Can enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: May enhance the glucose-lowering effect of insulin.
• Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide): Can either decrease or increase insulin requirements.
• Pentamidine: Can cause hypoglycemia followed by hyperglycemia.

• Not available

• Symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, blurred vision, palpitations, headache, slurred speech, seizures, unconsciousness)
• Symptoms of hyperglycemia (e.g., polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss)
• Symptoms of allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Symptoms of fluid retention/heart failure (e.g., swelling in ankles/feet, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain)

Insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy. Insulin requirements typically decrease in the first trimester, increase in the second and third trimesters, and rapidly decrease postpartum. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential.

Insulin is compatible with breastfeeding. Insulin is a large protein molecule and is not excreted into breast milk in clinically significant amounts. Insulin requirements may be lower during lactation, especially in the immediate postpartum period.

Insulin is essential for the management of Type 1 Diabetes in children and adolescents. Dosing is highly individualized based on age, weight, pubertal status, activity level, and glycemic control. Close monitoring is crucial due to varying insulin sensitivity and risk of hypoglycemia.

Older adults may be more susceptible to the hypoglycemic effects of insulin due to impaired renal function, reduced counter-regulatory responses, and polypharmacy. Lower starting doses and careful titration are often recommended. Glycemic targets may be less stringent to avoid severe hypoglycemia.

• Regular insulin is the only insulin formulation that can be administered intravenously, making it crucial for emergency situations like DKA or severe hyperkalemia.
• It is a short-acting insulin, meaning it has a relatively rapid onset and shorter duration compared to intermediate or long-acting insulins. This makes it suitable for mealtime coverage or correction doses.
• Patients must eat a meal within 30 minutes of injecting regular insulin to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Always verify the insulin type (e.g., Regular, NPH, Glargine) and concentration (U-100, U-500) carefully before administration to avoid medication errors.
• Proper injection technique and rotation of injection sites are vital to prevent lipodystrophy and ensure consistent absorption.
• Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it effectively.
• Insulin requirements can change due to illness, stress, changes in diet or exercise, and other medications. Patients should be advised to monitor blood glucose more frequently during these times.

• Rapid-acting insulin analogs (e.g., insulin lispro, insulin aspart, insulin glulisine) for mealtime coverage, offering faster onset and shorter duration.
• Intermediate-acting insulin (e.g., NPH insulin) for basal or prandial coverage.
• Long-acting insulin analogs (e.g., insulin glargine, insulin detemir, insulin degludec) for basal insulin needs.
• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists) for Type 2 Diabetes, often used in combination with insulin or as monotherapy.

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 your 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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.