Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many units does a vial of Humulin R insulin contain?

   There are two types of Humulin R insulin available: Humulin R U-100 and Humulin R U-500.
   Humulin R U-100:

   • Humulin R U-100 contains 100 units of insulin in each 1 mL of liquid.
   • It comes in two vial sizes:
   • A 3 mL vial contains 300 units of insulin.
   • A 10 mL vial contains 1,000 units of insulin.

   Humulin R U-500:

   • Humulin R U-500 contains 500 units of insulin in each 1 mL of liquid.
   • It is available in a 20 mL vial, which contains a total of 10,000 units of insulin.

   So, in simple terms, there are two strengths of Humulin R insulin: U-100 and U-500. U-100 comes in 3 mL and 10 mL vials, while U-500 comes in a 20 mL vial. Each vial contains a specific amount of insulin, either 100 units per 1 mL or 500 units per 1 mL, depending on the type of insulin and vial size.

2. How many days can a vial of Humulin R insulin be used for?

   You should keep a vial of Humulin at room temperature or in the fridge. Once you open it, you can use it for 31 days. After 31 days, even if there’s medicine left, you should throw it away.

3. Is refrigeration required for Humulin R insulin?

   You can store Humulin R insulin at room temperature, as long as it’s not hotter than 86°F (30°C). But if you decide to keep it in the fridge, make sure to take it out and let it warm up to room temperature before you use it. This helps prevent any discomfort when you inject it.

4. List the ingredients present in Humulin R.

   Humulin R contains the following ingredients:
   Active Ingredient:

   • Human insulin of rDNA origin

   Inactive Ingredients:

   • Glycerin
   • Metacresol
   • Zinc oxide
   • Water for injection
   • Sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid (used for pH adjustment)
5. How to store Humulin R insulin?

   Unopened vials of Humulin R should be stored in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It’s important not to freeze them, and if they have been frozen, they should not be used. Additionally, unopened vials should not be used after the expiration date indicated on the label.

   Opened (in-use) vials of Humulin R can be stored either in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86°F (30°C). It’s crucial to keep them away from heat and direct sunlight. Once opened, the vial should be used within 31 days, and any remaining insulin should be discarded after this period, even if there is some insulin left in the vial. Just like unopened vials, opened vials should not be used past the expiration date stated on the label.

6. Can you list the side effects of Humulin R insulin?

   Humulin R may lead to various side effects, some of which can be serious. These include:
   1. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Symptoms of low blood sugar may occur suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common signs of mild to moderate hypoglycemia include sweating, drowsiness, dizziness, fast heart rate, tremors, hunger, restlessness, tingling in extremities, lightheadedness, headache, and trouble concentrating. Severe hypoglycemia can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even be life-threatening. It’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on managing low blood sugar.
   2. Serious Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to Humulin R, which require immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include a widespread rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid heart rate, sweating, and feeling faint.
   3. Low Potassium (Hypokalemia): Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests to monitor your potassium levels while using Humulin R.
   Common, less severe side effects of Humulin R may include:

   • Skin thickening or pitting at the injection site (lipodystrophy). To minimize these skin changes, it’s recommended to rotate injection sites and avoid injecting into areas with existing skin changes.
   • Injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, and itching. If these reactions persist, inform your healthcare provider.
   • Weight gain.
   • Swelling due to fluid retention.

   If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or persistent, discuss them with your healthcare provider. Keep in mind that this list may not encompass all potential side effects of Humulin R. For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

7. Before starting Humulin R, what should I discuss with my healthcare provider?

   Before starting Humulin R treatment, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about the following:

   • Any existing medical conditions you may have, particularly if you have liver or kidney problems.
   • Any other medications you are currently taking, especially thiazolidinediones (TZDs).
   • Any history of heart failure or other heart-related issues, such as the use of TZDs alongside Humulin R, could potentially worsen heart problems.
   • If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss your pregnancy plans with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach for managing your blood sugar during pregnancy.
   • If you are currently breastfeeding or plan to do so, Humulin R may pass into breast milk. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best way to feed your baby while using this medication.

   Additionally, make sure to provide a comprehensive list of all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

8. Is it safe to administer Humulin R insulin when it’s cold?

   Humulin R works just as well whether it’s cold or not when you inject it. However, some people have said that it can hurt when they inject cold insulin. So, if you keep your Humulin R in the fridge and want to make it less painful, take it out and let it warm up to room temperature before you use it. That should help reduce any discomfort when you inject it.

9. When does Humulin R insulin typically start to act?

   Humulin R, a type of insulin that works quickly, usually starts to do its job around 30 minutes after you’ve put it in your body with an injection.

10. Are there any restrictions on taking Humulin R without eating?

    If you take Humulin R insulin, make sure to eat something within 30 minutes after you inject it. If you don’t eat after taking insulin, you could have a higher chance of getting very low blood sugar, which can be dangerous if you don’t treat it.

11. What type of insulin does Humulin R belong to?

    Humulin R is a type of insulin that starts working in your body about 30 minutes after you get a shot of it. But it doesn’t last very long, only about three to six hours.

12. Is it mandatory to have a prescription for Humulin R?

    You can get Humulin R vials with a prescription from your doctor, or you can buy them without a prescription at the pharmacy. If you have any questions about how to get it, just ask your doctor or pharmacist.

13. What is the proper method for administering Humulin R insulin via injection?

    You should inject Humulin R insulin into the fatty part under your skin about 30 minutes before you eat a meal. You can inject it in different places like your belly, the back of your upper arms, or the tops and outsides of your thighs. Don’t use the same spot for two injections in a row to avoid skin problems. Humulin R insulin works quickly, so make sure to eat after taking it to prevent low blood sugar

14. What to do if a dose of Humulin R is missed?

    If a dose of Humulin R is missed, it should be taken as soon as they remember. But if it’s almost time for their next dose and they missed one earlier, they should not take two doses to make up for the one they missed.

15. What is the daily dosing schedule for Humulin R?

    People with diabetes who use Humulin R to control their blood sugar levels usually need to inject it about three times a day, or maybe more, before they eat a meal. They need to listen to their doctor and do exactly what the doctor tells them to do because everyone’s experience with the medication is different. Also, different people may need different amounts of the medication and may need to take it more or less often.

16. Is Humulin R insulin accessible over the counter?

    Yes, you can get Humulin R insulin without a prescription over the counter, but your doctor can also give you a prescription for it. If you have more questions, just ask your doctor or pharmacist.

17. What are the potential interactions between Humulin R and other medications?

    Before you start using Humulin R, it’s important to tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Some of these can affect how Humulin R works in your body. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, certain heart medications, steroids, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, among others. Even thyroid medication and alcohol can impact how you manage your diabetes with Humulin R. So, it’s crucial to let your doctor know about everything you’re taking to ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

18. Can the use of Humulin R insulin lead to an increase in body weight?

    When people use insulin-like Humulin R to control their blood sugar, it helps lower high blood sugar levels. But insulin also has a side effect. It can make your body store extra sugar as fat in your belly, which can lead to weight gain. So, while insulin is good for managing blood sugar, it might make you put on some extra pounds.

19. How much amount of Humulin R insulin do I need to use?

    The doctor will decide how much Humulin R a person with diabetes should take. The amount will be based on things like their other health problems, how active they are, what they usually eat, and some other things.

20. References

    Humulin R [Package Insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2019