Humulin is a medication prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. It is available over the counter and with a prescription and is used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults and children. If Humulin R is deemed effective by a doctor, it is typically used as a long-term treatment.
Humulin R is a short-acting form of insulin, with insulin human as its active ingredient, which is a type of biologic medication. It comes as a liquid solution for subcutaneous injection and is available in multiple-dose vials and prefilled KwikPens. While it can be administered intravenously in a clinical setting for short-term blood sugar management, it is not intended for long-term intravenous use.
Forms and Strengths of Humulin R
Humulin R is available in two strengths:
- U-100: 100 units of insulin per 1 milliliter (mL) of solution (100 U/mL)
- U-500: 500 units of insulin per 1 mL of solution (500 U/mL)
Common Side Effects
Like most medications, Humulin R can cause side effects. Commonly reported side effects include:
- Rash
- Itchy skin
- Hypoglycemia
- Injection site reaction
- Weight gain
These side effects may not occur in all users, and this list is not exhaustive.
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Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects that have been reported with Humulin R include:
- Rash
- Itchy skinswelling in your hands or feet
- Swelling in your hands or feet
- Injection site reaction
- Weight gain
- Protein buildup underneath the skin where you inject Humulin R
- Mild allergic reaction
- Lipodystrophy (skin pitting or thickening at the injection site)
- Edema (fluid buildup), especially in your arms and legs
These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or become bothersome. Do not discontinue Humulin R treatment unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects can occur with Humulin R treatment, including:
- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergic reaction
Hypoglycemia is the most common serious side effect. If any serious side effects develop, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Side Effects
Can Humulin R cause long-term adverse effects?
Humulin R is not known to cause long-term adverse effects. Long-term side effects can include those that begin during treatment and continue for a long time, after long-term use, or after treatment is finished. Long-term side effects were not reported in studies of Humulin R.
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How do the side effects of Humulin R U-500 compare with those of U-100?
Side effects of the two strengths are expected to be the same, according to studies of these drugs.
Can Humulin R increase my risk of urinary tract infections?
Humulin R isn’t known to increase the amount of sugar in your urine or increase your risk of UTI.
Side Effects Explained
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Humulin R may cause hypoglycemia, which is a possible side effect of every medication used to treat diabetes and the most common side effect of drugs containing insulin. Low blood sugar caused by Humulin R may be mild or serious but tends to be mild when it occurs.
Symptoms of mild low blood sugar can include:
- Hunger
- Weakness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Feeling dizzy or jittery
Severe low blood sugar, while rare, can lead to coma, fainting, or seizure. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. The risk of severe low blood sugar increases if you:
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- Have liver or kidney problems
- Fast or skip a meal
- Change your level of physical activity
- Use Humulin R together with other medications for diabetes
Symptoms of severe low blood sugar can include:
- Coma
- Fainting
- Seizure
Management:
During treatment with Humulin R, regularly check blood sugar levels with a blood glucose monitor. Discuss with your doctor what to do if blood sugar levels drop too low. Mild low blood sugar can be treated at home with quick-acting carbohydrates, such as:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Three or four pieces of hard candy
- 1/2 cup of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- Glucose (sugar) tablets
For severe low blood sugar, a doctor may prescribe glucagon. If experiencing symptoms of severe low blood sugar, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.
Injection Site Reaction
Humulin R is given by subcutaneous injection, which can cause injection site reactions.
Injection site reactions can include:
- Itchy skin
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin reddening or discoloration
- Skin pits or lumps
- Thickened skin
- Hematoma (pooling of blood under the skin)
- Skin rash, discoloration, redness, or warmth
- Skin nodule or mass
Management:
To reduce the risk of injection site reactions, change the site where you inject Humulin R. Do not use the same spot for two or more doses in a row.
Humulin R may be injected under the skin into your:
- Upper arms (triceps)
- Belly
- Buttocks
- Thighs
Avoid injecting into skin that is thickened, pitted, lumpy, tender, bruised, scarred, damaged, scaly, or hard. If injection site reactions are bothersome, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice on injection techniques or alternative treatment options.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a possible side effect of Humulin R, as it is with any drug that contains insulin.
Management:
Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about weight gain and Humulin R. They can suggest ways for you to reach or maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
Allergic Reaction
Like most drugs, Humulin R can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- Swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- Swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
Management:
For mild symptoms, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Humulin R, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Humulin R, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Low Blood Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Rarely, Humulin R can cause hypokalemia (low blood potassium level). This is a known side effect of all insulins.
Symptoms of low blood potassium can include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
Management:
Talk with your doctor if you notice symptoms of hypokalemia while you’re using Humulin R. Your doctor may recommend you take a potassium supplement or prescribe medications to treat low blood potassium levels. If you have severe hypokalemia, your doctor may give you potassium through an IV infusion.
Protein buildup underneath the skin where you inject Humulin R
Humulin R can cause localized cutaneous amyloidosis at injection sites in some people.
Symptoms can include lumps under the skin if you use the same injection site for your insulin.
Management:
To avoid protein buildup underneath your skin, be sure to rotate your injection site with each dose of Humulin R. Injection sites include your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh.
If you have symptoms that don’t go away or bother you, talk with your doctor. They may suggest switching to a different medication for your diabetes. Your doctor may also want to examine your injection site to determine if something else is causing it.
Humulin R Precautions
Humulin R may not be right for everyone. Discuss your health history with your doctor before starting Humulin R treatment. Factors to consider include:
- Heart problems, including heart failure: Certain diabetes medications, known as thiazolidinediones, can increase the risk of heart failure when taken with Humulin R.
- Kidney or liver problems: Small changes in liver or kidney function can alter the body's response to Humulin R, requiring frequent dose adjustments.
- Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Humulin R or its ingredients, your doctor will likely recommend against its use.
Alcohol and Humulin R
Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of certain side effects, such as hypoglycemia, diarrhea, and nausea. Discuss safe alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Humulin R is believed to be safe during pregnancy, as high blood sugar levels pose risks to both the mother and the pregnancy. There are no known safety issues with breastfeeding while using Humulin R. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for any questions or concerns.
Drug Interactions
Humulin R may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using insulin regular, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking a beta-blocker, which is a medicine usually used to reduce blood pressure and for certain other heart conditions, before taking insulin regular.
Many other medicines may alter your blood sugar levels or may increase or decrease the effect of insulin regular. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
Other Humulin Considerations
How and where should I inject insulin?
Injecting insulin is not difficult, but it does take a bit of practice. There are three main sites where insulin can be injected: the stomach area except for a 2-inch circle around your navel, and the soft part of your waist, but not anywhere near your spine; the top and outer part of your thighs, but not your inner thighs or anywhere close to your knee; the outer back of your upper arm where there is a pocket of fatty tissue.
What are the different types of insulin?
Insulins are usually grouped as fast-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting. Within these groups, they can be further classified as human insulin and human insulin analogs.
What is insulin regular used for?
Insulin regular is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
How does insulin regular work (mechanism of action)?
Insulin regular regulates how your body metabolizes blood sugar (glucose). Insulin regular helps get blood sugar into your cells so your body can use it for energy, stops your liver from making blood sugar, and enhances the creation of protein in your tissues.
How should I store insulin regular?
Store in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and heat. Do not freeze. Before opening the vials or pens, insulin regular can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). If unopened and stored in the refrigerator, insulin regular can be used up to the expiration date. Talk to your pharmacist about how to store and how long you can use specific insulin regular vials or pens once they have been opened.
Store FlexPens or KwikPens without the needle attached.