Insulin human regular (Injection)

Introduction

Insulin Human Regular (IN-su-lin HUE-man REG-yoo-lar)

Treats diabetes mellitus.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Do not change the brand or dose of your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type of insulin.
• If you use Humulin® R Concentrated U-500 insulin, be very careful when you measure the dose. This form is more concentrated (has more medicine in the same amount of solution) than the U-100 form of insulin. You will need to use less of the solution for each dose.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use only syringes that are specially made for insulin. It is best to always use the same brand and type of syringe. Some types of insulin must be used with a certain type of syringe. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• If you are using a reusable syringe, you must sterilize it before each dose. Follow the sterilizing directions that come with your syringes.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Your doctor may suggest that you follow an exercise program. You may also be taught to check your own blood sugar levels at home. Diet, exercise, medicine, and checking your blood sugar are important to control your diabetes.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you cannot refrigerate the insulin you will use for the day, keep it in a cool place away from heat or sunlight. Do not use insulin if it is past the expiration date stamped on the bottle.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®). Tell your doctor if you are using a diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Glucophage®, or Glucotrol®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using birth control pills, thyroid medicine, or aspirin. Tell you doctor if you use medicine to treat depression, or sulfa drugs (such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®).
• There are many other medicines that interact with insulin. Make sure your doctor knows all other medicines you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Never share insulin pens or cartridges with others under any circumstances. It is not safe for one pen to be used for more than one person. Sharing needles or pens can result in transmission of hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other blood-borne illnesses.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Your dose of insulin may change slightly with changes in your diet or activity. Your dose may also change while you are ill, pregnant, traveling, taking a new medicine, or exercising more than usual. Follow your doctor's instructions about making any changes in your insulin dose.
• You may sometimes have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while you are using insulin. Low blood sugar is more likely to happen if you are sick, miss a meal, drink alcohol, or exercise more than usual.

Brand Name(s)

Humulin R Concentrated U-500, Humulin R, Novolin R, ReliOn Humulin R

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Problems with speech, balance, or walking
• Seizures, tremors, or shaking
• Tingling in your hands, feet, lips, or tongue

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Depression or anxiety
• Feeling nervous, restless, or agitated
• Headache, or trouble sleeping or concentrating
• Increased sweating
• Increased thirst or appetite
• Redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088