What is Humulin R Cartridge?

It contains regular human insulin called Insulin made from recombinant DNA technology. Humulin R is a type of fast-acting insulin with a 6-8 hours duration of action.
Humulin R Cartridge is an aqueous, colorless, and sterile solution that is available in 100IU/mL. Eli Lilly and Company Indiana Pvt Ltd. is the manufacturer of Humulin N and Zuellig Pharmaceuticals is the distributor.

What is it used for?

Humulin R helps patients with both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes mellitus to maintain their blood glucose levels.

How does it work?

It maintains sugar levels from spiking by lessening the production in the liver and increasing sugar reuptake in the muscle and fat cells. Humulin can also lower the progression of complications in diabetic patients like Retinopathy, Nephropathy, Neuropathy, and diabetic foot ulcer.

How to take it

The cartridge of Humulin R should be clear and colorless. Discard immediately if the cartridge appears colored, cloudy, thick, and with visible solid particles. Insert the cartridge into the reusable pen and make sure to remove bubbles by priming it. Clean the administration site before injecting the desired dose via subcutaneous injection. The patient can administer it in the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. Change the injection site after every dose with a distance of approximately 1.5cm (0.5 inches) to avoid damaging the tissue. Do not rub the area of injection.

Dosage

Humulin R must be prescribed by the doctor. The dose may change according to the need of the patient concerning diet and lifestyle.

Side Effects

Blurred vision, anxiety, confusion, drowsiness, tachycardia, weakness, nausea, and difficulty speaking and concentrating are some signs of Hypoglycemia that can be seen in patients taking Humulin.

Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia can cause coma, loss of consciousness, or even death in the patients. Hence, driving or operating machinery should be avoided as blood glucose levels must be monitored for all patients taking Humulin. Insulin dose may increase if the patient is taking Humulin with oral contraceptives, thiazides, sympathomimetics, corticosteroids, danazol, or thyroid replacement therapy. The dosage may also decrease in the combination of salicylates, sulfa antibiotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, beta-blockers, ACEIs, and alcohol. Taking thiazolidinedione with this drug may result in swelling of the lower extremities and heart failure. Do not use after the expiry date.

Adverse Effect

Depression in the skin (lipoatrophy), skin lumps (localized subcutaneous amyloidosis), or enlargement of tissue (lipohypertrophy) are the rare results of injecting Insulin subcutaneously but a change in injection technique may solve the problem. Notify the healthcare provider if the patient has a rash all over the body, shortness of breath, diabetic acidosis, reduction in blood pressure, and coma after administration of Humulin.

Storage

Unopened cartridges of Humulin R should be stored in the refrigerator with a temperature ranging from 2-8°C. In-use cartridges should remain in a temperature not exceeding 25°C for up to 28 days. Do not freeze, store in the bathroom, or with direct sunlight as it may affect the quality of the product.

Disposal

Throw away unrefrigerated cartridges after 21 days even if it is still full of Humulin. Do not dispose of this drug in wastewater and used needles must be stored in a puncture-resistant container.