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In this Article

• What is insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• What are the possible side effects of insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• What is the most important information I should know about insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• How should I use insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Humulin R)?
• What happens if I overdose (Humulin R)?
• What should I avoid while using insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• What other drugs will affect insulin regular (Humulin R)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using insulin regular (Humulin R)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Before using insulin regular, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including any oral (by mouth) diabetes medications.

Insulin regular is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether insulin regular passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use insulin regular (Humulin R)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Insulin regular is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Insulin regular should look as clear as water. Do not use the medication if has changed colors, looks cloudy, or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Some insulin needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a reused needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing needles also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to reuse your insulin needles.

Do not change the brand of insulin or syringe you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands of insulin regular and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.

Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.

Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may also change.

Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (hyperglycemia). These symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.

Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin regular dose if needed. Do not change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are diabetic.

Storing unopened vials and cartridges: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light.

Unopened vials may also be stored at room temperature, away from heat and bright light.

Storing after your first use: Keep the "in-use" vials or cartridges at room temperature.

Do not freeze insulin regular, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.

Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.