Novolin R vs. Humulin R

Before the discovery of insulin in the early 1920s, a diagnosis of diabetes was essentially a death sentence. Without a way to replace or augment natural pancreatic insulin in the body, patients with the disease could not effectively process carbohydrates and often had to resort to extreme diet modifications in an attempt to prolong their lives.

With the discovery of insulin, the entire treatment approach for diabetes changed. People with the disease could now live longer, healthier lives by injecting insulin obtained from the pancreas of cows and pigs. Though this was a major breakthrough, insulin accessibility remained an issue, and there were ongoing concerns about shortages and the overall instability of the drug’s production and availability.

All of that changed in the late 1970s when emerging recombinant DNA technology paved the way forward for the development of synthetic insulin. The FDA approved the first synthetic insulin, Humulin R, in 1982. Just a couple of years later, Novolin R was also approved.

Though many advances have been made in the world of insulin and antidiabetic medications since the 1980s, Novolin R and Humulin R have stood the test of time. Today, both of these short-acting human insulins still remain in high demand as integral components of diabetes management and treatment plans for countless patients.

If you are new to the landscape of insulin drugs, the sheer quantity of types and brands available can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken the time to compile an overview of the similarities and differences between Novolin R and Humulin R—two of the most popular insulin drugs of all time. We’ve looked at their overall profiles, the conditions they treat, their effectiveness, dosages, side effects, and costs.

The information in this post does not constitute medical advice. To determine which insulin drug(s) (if any) may best fit your particular needs, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Humulin R and Novolin R are both injectable, short-acting insulins indicated for treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults and children.
• They are very similar drugs but may vary in terms of cost, availability, and side effects. A high-concentration version of Humulin R, known as Humulin R U-500, is also available.
• Humulin R and Humulin N are both considered effective treatments for mealtime blood sugar control. Your doctor may prescribe one or the other for you based on your needs.
• For individual questions about Novolin R, Humulin R, or other prescription medications, speaking directly with your doctor or healthcare provider is essential.

Overview

Novolin R and Humulin R are both popular insulin medications. This means that they mimic the hormone insulin, which is naturally produced in the pancreas. Insulin enables sugar that enters the bloodstream during the digestion of carbohydrates (blood sugar) to enter the body’s cells and be turned into energy. It also regulates blood sugar levels by controlling the amount of sugars released from the liver. Without it, sugars accumulate in the bloodstream.

People with diabetes do not produce sufficient amounts of insulin (in some cases, none at all) and/or their bodies don’t effectively process the hormone. As a result, diabetes is characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels, which can lead to many detrimental outcomes, including vision problems, heart problems, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and more.

Medications like Novolin R and Humulin R can help in the treatment and management of diabetes by acting just like naturally occurring insulin. Let’s take a look at the overall profile of each drug:

Novolin R

Novolin R is a brand-name, injectable insulin medication manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Not to be confused with Novolin N (an intermediate-acting insulin analog) or Novolin 70/30 (a combination insulin medication), it is a short-acting (regular) insulin containing the active ingredient human insulin.

As a mealtime insulin, Novolin R is typically injected about 30 minutes before eating. It peaks within about an hour and remains active in the body for between 3-6 hours. Novolin R is available in multiple-dose vials or prefilled injectable pens (known as FlexPens). It is not available in generic form.

Novolin R may be used on its own but is often also prescribed in combination with other longer-acting insulins or non-insulin antidiabetic medications.

See also: Novolin vs Novolog

Humulin R

Humulin R is a brand-name, injectable insulin medication manufactured by Eli Lilly. The oldest synthetic insulin on the market, it is available in a standard concentration of 100 units/mL (U-100) or a higher concentration of 500 units/mL (U-500). Like Novolin R, Humulin R is a short-acting (regular) insulin containing the active ingredient human insulin.

As a mealtime insulin, Humulin R is injected roughly 30 minutes before eating. It reaches its peak (maximum efficacy) about 3 hours after being injected and remains active in the body for up to 8 hours. Humulin R is available in multiple-dose vials or prefilled injectable pens (known as KwikPens). It is not available in generic form.

Humulin R may be used independently but is often also prescribed with other longer-acting insulins or antidiabetic medications. It is not prescribed in combination with Novolin R, as they fulfill a similar treatment purpose.

See also: Humulin vs Humalog

Novolin vs. Humulin: Similarities and Differences

Novolin R and Humulin R have many similarities, but they’re not identical. Let’s take a closer look at these two medications and what distinguishes them from one another:

Similarities

• Class of Medication – Both Novolin R and Humulin R are classed as short-acting insulins (also known as regular or mealtime insulins).
• Administration Method – Both drugs are injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin). They can also both be administered intravenously (directly into the bloodstream) by a medical professional.
• Mechanism of Action – Both drugs mimic natural pancreatic insulin and help the body’s cells take in glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream.

Differences

• Side Effects – Though the side effects of Novolin R and Humulin R are very similar for many patients, some patients may experience less severe reactions on one drug versus the other. As with any medication, individual responses to insulin drugs may vary.
• Cost – Without insurance coverage, Humulin R is usually more affordable than Novolin R. That being said, specific health coverage plans may make one drug or the other a more economical option.
• Strength – Novolin R and Humulin R are both available in a standard concentration of U-100. However, Humulin R is also available in a U-500 concentration, which is ideal for certain patients who require additional units of insulin to maintain blood sugar control after meals.

Conditions Novolin R and Humulin R Are Approved To Treat

Novolin R and Humulin R are both approved for the treatment of diabetes in children and adults. Many types of diabetes exist, but the two most common forms of the disease are:

• Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes usually has its onset in childhood or early adulthood, but can occur at any time in life.
• Type 2 Diabetes – A progressive form of diabetes that is often correlated with obesity, physical inactivity, and a poor diet. This type of diabetes is frequently characterized by insulin resistance (cells that aren’t as sensitive to insulin as they should be) and usually has its onset in adulthood. It can also occur in children or teens.

Other types of diabetes that may be treated with short-acting insulins, such as Novolin R and Humulin R include Gestational diabetes, Maturity-onset diabetes (MODY), and Brittle diabetes.

Effectiveness of Humulin R and Novolin R

Humulin R and Novolin R haven’t been directly compared in a head-to-head trial, but both have proven themselves to effectively regulate mealtime blood sugar spikes over the course of several decades. Human insulins like Humulin R and Humulin N are similarly effective to porcine insulin, but tend to be absorbed more quickly and maintain a shorter duration of action.

Insulin analogs such as intermediate-acting and long-acting insulins may offer a more advanced alternative to traditional human insulins. That being said, human insulin and insulin analogs are often used in combination with one another. The future of diabetic medications may be trending towards the ever-evolving world of insulin analogs, but today, human insulins still remain in high demand and are considered to be extremely effective for millions of patients.

Dosages

Insulin dosages are highly individualized and reflect factors including the weight, activity level, diet, health goals, and overall body chemistry of the patients taking them. It is common to start both Novolin R and Humulin R at a dose of 0.5-1 units/kg/day (1 kg = 2.2 lbs.) and adjust accordingly. The total daily dose is usually divided into portions to be taken prior to mealtimes. For dosage information specific to your needs and circumstances, speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Before injecting insulin, always check the expiration date and ensure the insulin appears clear and colorless. Do not inject insulin if you can see particulates or if the medication appears tainted in any other way.

Novolin R Dosage

Novolin R is available in the following forms:

• 10 mL multiple-dose vial (single-patient use; must be used with a syringe)
• Novolin R prefilled self-injection pen (FlexPen) and cartridges

Humulin R Dosage

Humulin R is available in the following forms:

• Humulin R U-100
  • 3 mL multiple-dose vial
  • 10 mL multiple-dose vial
• Humulin R U-500
  • 3 mL prefilled self-injection pen (KwikPen) and cartridges
  • 20 mL multiple-dose vial

Side Effects

As with all medications, insulin medications come with the risk of potential side effects. While most of insulin’s side effects tend to be relatively mild, some more serious ones can also occur.

Novolin R and Humulin R have similar side effect profiles. Let’s take a closer look:

Humulin R Side Effects

Mild Side Effects

• Mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Mild allergic reactions
• Weight gain
• Injection site reactions (including skin thickening at injection sites)
• Swelling of the hands and feet

Serious Side Effects

• Severe hypoglycemia (rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness)
• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, vomiting, hives or rash)

Speak with your doctor about mild side effects and seek medical attention immediately for more serious ones.

Novolin R Side Effects

Mild Side Effects

• Mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Mild allergic reactions
• Weight gain
• Injection site reactions
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Muscle weakness or cramps

Severe Side Effects

• Severe hypoglycemia
• Severe allergic reactions

Humulin R and Novolin R Contraindications

Humulin R and Novolin R may be contraindicated in patients who have had a previous serious allergic reaction to these drugs (or any of their ingredients). Patients who are prone to severe episodes of hypoglycemia while taking insulin may also need to re-evaluate their use of these drugs.

It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking when starting on insulin and to get medical approval for any new medications (including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and supplements). Though insulin is often taken in combination with other drugs, including different forms of insulin, it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor and monitor blood sugar levels carefully as your body adjusts to drugs like Humulin R and Novolin R.

Cost of Humulin R and Novolin R

The cost of Humulin R and Novolin R depends on many factors including your insurance coverage, where you purchase the medication, and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts. Although insulin is a life-saving medication, it is unaffordable for many Americans. At Bisonpharmacy.com, we understand this and take pride in offering an alternative and economical source for high-quality medications, including Humulin R and Novolin R.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, Novolin R and Humulin R are both regular human insulins that are highly effective for managing mealtime blood sugar spikes in patients with diabetes. Though these medications are very similar, a few differences between them may make one preferable over the other under certain circumstances.

At Bisonpharmacy.com, our expertise is shipping affordable, high-quality medications to Americans. Ready to learn more about ordering Novolin R, Humulin R, or other medications from us? Contact our dedicated team today!