Humulin R (Concentrated)

Generic Name: insulin regular

What is insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Concentrated insulin is a man-made form of a hormone that is produced in the body. It works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Concentrated insulin (U-500) is a long-acting form of insulin that is different from other forms that are made from animal insulin.

Concentrated insulin is used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in people with significant daily insulin needs (more than 200 units per day).

Concentrated insulin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Measure each dose of this medication carefully. Concentrated insulin contains 500 units of insulin in each milliliter. This is five times the concentration of other Humulin or Novolin insulins. Using too much concentrated insulin can cause severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which could lead to insulin shock or death.

You should not use concentrated insulin if you are in a state of hypoglycemia.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are using concentrated insulin.

It is not known whether concentrated insulin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor. It is important to use insulin regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Concentrated insulin works differently than other types of insulin, and its effects may last for up to 24 hours after a single dose. The length of insulin effect will depend on your dose, your level of physical activity, and many other factors.

Concentrated insulin is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will show you how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.

Use only an insulin or tuberculin syringe to inject this medication. Do not mix or dilute concentrated insulin with any other insulin.

Use a different place on your body each time you give yourself an injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.

Some needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a reused needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing needles also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to reuse your insulin needles.

Check your blood sugar levels often, especially during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your doctor may adjust your insulin dose if your levels are too high or too low.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Know the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, which may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, or trouble concentrating.

Always keep a source of sugar available in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose tablets or gel, candy, or milk. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may have symptoms such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

If there are any changes in the brand, strength, or type of insulin you use, your dosage needs may change. Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor, dentist, eye doctor, and other healthcare providers as recommended.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are a diabetic.

Insulin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, overall proper health care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Store concentrated insulin in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription. Concentrated insulin should look as clear as water.

What happens if I miss a dose of insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Follow your doctor’s directions if you miss a dose of insulin. To prevent missed doses, be sure to keep insulin on hand at all times, especially when you are traveling away from home.

Where can I get more information about insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?
Your pharmacist has information about insulin regular, concentrated (U-500) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor if you have any pain, redness, swelling, or skin changes where the insulin was injected.

Low blood sugar is the most common side effect of concentrated insulin. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusion, seizure (convulsions), or death. Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of hard candy (not sugar-free) or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.

High blood sugar may also occur. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting.

This list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects.

What is the most important information I should know about insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Concentrated insulin works differently from other types of insulin, and its effects may last for up to 24 hours after a single dose. The length of insulin effect will depend on your dose, your level of physical activity, and many other factors.

Always check your medicine when it is refilled to make sure you have received the correct brand and type prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.

Take care to keep your blood sugar from getting too low, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, or trouble concentrating. Carry a piece of hard candy (not sugar-free) or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

If your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), you may have symptoms such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, drowsiness, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

While you are using concentrated insulin, do not use any other type of insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth unless your doctor tells you to.

Insulin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, overall proper health care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

What should I avoid while taking insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Avoid drinking alcohol while using concentrated insulin. Alcohol can lower your blood sugar.

What other drugs will affect insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?
Do not use any other insulins or diabetes medications you take by mouth, unless your doctor tells you to.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may be more likely to occur if you also use certain other medications such as:

  • diuretics (water pills);

  • steroids (prednisone and others);

  • phenothiazines (Compazine and others);

  • thyroid medicine (Synthroid and others);

  • birth control pills and other hormones;

  • seizure medicines (Dilantin and others);

  • diet pills; or

  • medicines to treat asthma, colds or allergies.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may be more likely to occur if you also use certain other medications such as:

  • some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);

  • aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol);

  • sulfa drugs (Bactrim and others);

  • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); or

  • beta-blockers (Tenormin and others).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with concentrated insulin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What happens if I have an overdose of insulin regular, concentrated (U-500)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of insulin can cause very low blood sugar and symptoms such as headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusion, or seizure (convulsions).

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008