Humulin R vs. Humalog

Humulin R (insulin [human recombinant]) and Humalog (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 Humalog is a rapid-acting human insulin analog.

Side effects of Humulin R and Humalog 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 Humalog may interact with clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, and beta-blockers.

Humulin R may also interact with albuterol.

Humalog 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.

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 Humalog include:

• injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), is the most common side effect of insulin lispro such as Humalog.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusions, or seizure (convulsions).
• Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Symptoms include dry mouth, increased thirst, increased urination, uneven heartbeats, muscle pain or weakness, leg pain or discomfort, or confusion

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

Humalog (insulin lispro [rDNA origin]) Injection is a hormone that is produced in the body used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults. Humalog is usually given together with another long-acting insulin. Humalog is also used together with oral medications to treat type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults.

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

Humalog may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, or beta-blockers. Many other medicines can increase or decrease the effects of insulin lispro on lowering blood sugar. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter 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 total daily insulin requirement varies and the dose is usually between 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day. Insulin needs may be altered during stress, major illness, or changes in exercise, meal patterns, or co-administered drugs.