Novolin R (Recombinant DNA Origin) Drug Information: Side Effects and Drug Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Novolin R

Diabetes Prevention »

Introduction to diabetes prevention

I'm pretty lucky in my office practice. I have friendly patients who are usually already fairly well informed about their disease. They are also generally willing to have discussions about therapies and options.

What I have noticed (much to my delight) is that there are a growing number of patients coming to me for evaluation BEFORE they actually have developed diabetes, wanting to know how to prevent it. Most of them have seen family members with diabetes go through the process of diagnosis and management. As our attitude towards disease changes, and we learn to focus on prevention, I have more and more to discuss with these patients. Ultimately, I hope to see a paradigm shift where our focus is primarily on prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes. For now, I hope this review provides some information to those of you wanting to make healthy lifestyle changes, and that it encourages you to open up a...

Read the Diabetes Prevention article »

Novolin R

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SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse events commonly associated with human insulin therapy include the following:

Body as Whole - Allergic reactions (see PRECAUTIONS, Allergy).

Skin and Appendages - Injection site reaction, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash (see PRECAUTIONS, Allergy).

Other - Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia and ketosis (see PRECAUTIONS)

DRUG INTERACTIONS

A number of substances affect glucose metabolism and may require insulin dose adjustment and particularly close monitoring.

The following are examples of substances that may reduce insulin requirement: oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA), octreotide, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), non-selective beta-blocking agents, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol, sulphonamide antibiotics, anabolic steroids, quinine, quinidine and alpha-adrenergic blocking agents.
The following are examples of substances that may increase insulin requirement: oral contraceptives thiazides, glucocorticoids, thryroid hormones and sympathomimetics, growth hormone, diazoxide, asparaginase and nicotinic acid.
Beta-blocking agents may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia and delay recovery from hypoglycemia.
Alcohol may intensify and prolong the hypoglycemic effect of insulin

Mixing of Insulins

Novolin R (recombinant dna origin) should only be mixed as directed by the physician.
Novolin R (recombinant dna origin) is a short-acting insulin and is often used in combination with intermediate- or long-acting insulins.
The order of mixing and brand or model of syringe should be specified by the physician. A U-100 insulin syringe should always be used. Failure to use the correct syringe can lead to dosage errors.
In general, when a longer-acting insulin (e.g. NPH insulin isophane suspensions) is mixed with short-acting soluble insulin (e.g., regular), the short-acting insulin should be drawn into the syringe first

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/5/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.