Humulin R vs. Admelog

Humulin R (insulin [human recombinant]) and Admelog (insulin lispro injection) are forms of insulin indicated as adjuncts to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Humulin R is a form of short-acting insulin and Admelog is a rapid-acting human insulin analog.

Side effects of Humulin R and Admelog that are similar include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, fainting, and seizures [severe hypoglycemia can be fatal]) and injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).

Both Humulin R and Admelog may interact with clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, and beta-blockers.

Humulin R may also interact with albuterol.

Admelog may also interact with antidiabetic agents, salicylates, sulfonamide antibiotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, fluoxetine, pramlintide, disopyramide, fibrates, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, somatostatin analogs, corticosteroids, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, danazol, diuretics, sympathomimetic agents, somatropin, atypical antipsychotics, glucagon, protease inhibitors, thyroid hormones, lithium salts, alcohol, and pentamidine.

What Are Side Effects of Humulin R?

Common side effects of Humulin R include:

• injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common side effect of Humulin R.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• headache,
• hunger,
• weakness,
• sweating,
• tremors,
• irritability,
• trouble concentrating,
• rapid breathing,
• fast heartbeat,
• fainting, or
• seizure (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Humulin R including:

• signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

Common side effects of Admelog include:

• low blood sugar - hypoglycemia signs and symptoms include:
  • dizziness or lightheadedness,
  • sweating,
  • confusion,
  • headache,
  • blurred vision,
  • slurred speech,
  • shakiness,
  • fast heartbeat,
  • anxiety,
  • irritability,
  • hunger, or
  • mood changes
• allergic reactions,
• injection site reactions,
• abnormal distribution of body fat (lipodystrophy),
• itching,
• rash,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• upper respiratory tract infection,
• weight gain, and
• swelling of extremities.

Humulin R (insulin (human recombinant)) is a hormone that is produced in the body used to treat diabetes.

Admelog (insulin lispro injection) is a rapid-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 3 years and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus and adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Humulin R may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, or beta-blockers. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking.

Admelog may interact with antidiabetic agents, salicylates, sulfonamide antibiotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, fluoxetine, pramlintide, disopyramide, fibrates, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, somatostatin analogs, corticosteroids, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, danazol, diuretics, sympathomimetic agents, somatropin, atypical antipsychotics, glucagon, protease inhibitors, thyroid hormones, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, alcohol, pentamidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The recommended starting dose of Humulin R for patients 6 years and older is 25 mg once daily in the morning. The dosage of Humulin R may be increased in increments of 10 to 15 mg at intervals of at least 5 days.

The dosage of Admelog is individualized based on the route of administration and the individual's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal.