Humulin R 100IU/ml Injection

Human insulin (regular), also called soluble insulin, is a fast-acting insulin. It is used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes whose bodies do not make enough insulin.

It is often used with a longer-acting insulin. In hospital, a doctor may give it into a vein in special situations, such as surgery or severe illness.

Use it exactly as your doctor or diabetes team tells you, including how to time injections with your meals.

• It should look like water: clear and colourless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, coloured or has particles.
• Inject under the skin, not into a vein, unless a doctor is giving it in hospital. Change the injection spot each time, at least 1 cm from the last.
• Leave the needle in for about 5 seconds and do not rub the spot.
• Use a new sterile needle or syringe each time. Never share needles, syringes or pens.
• If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and ask your diabetes team. Do not inject a double dose.

The most common problem is low blood sugar (hypo): shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger or confusion. Treat it at once with glucose tablets or a sugary drink, then a starchy snack.

Other side effects include redness or itching where you inject, lumps or dents under the skin, and swelling from fluid when starting treatment.

Get medical help straight away if:

• a hypo makes you drowsy, confused or unable to swallow, or you pass out
• you have a whole-body rash, wheezing, trouble breathing or feel faint (allergy)
• you have very high sugar with thirst, sickness, fruity breath or heavy breathing

Talk to your doctor or diabetes team if you:

• are ill. Keep taking insulin even if you cannot eat normally, check your sugar often and follow your sick-day rules.
• change how much you exercise or eat, or drink alcohol
• have kidney or liver problems
• take other medicines, as many (including steroids, thyroid medicines, beta-blockers, aspirin, some antidepressants and ACE inhibitors) can change your insulin needs
• take pioglitazone and notice breathlessness, rapid weight gain or swelling
• are travelling across time zones

Before first use, keep in a refrigerator (2 to 8°C); do not freeze. Once in use, keep at room temperature below 30°C for up to 28 days, away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: insulin needs usually fall in early pregnancy and rise later; breastfeeding may also change them. Speak to your diabetes team if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Driving: a hypo can affect concentration and reactions. Talk to your doctor about driving if you have frequent hypos or few warning signs.

Be prepared: always carry sugar and something that shows you have diabetes.