The modern market offers so many types of insulin and insulin-like medications to control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2. They differ by the active substance, onset and duration of action, dosage, mode of administration, number of needed injections, and other paraments. Humulin R is one of the popular and frequently prescribed insulin medications from the Swiss Company ELI LILLY VOSTOK, S.A. Let us figure out what kind of insulin is Humulin R, its advantages and drawbacks, so maybe you consider switching or advising it to your close ones as an alternative.
What is Insulin Humulin R?
Humulin is an injectable solution with DNA recombinant human insulin as an active substance. You may know that insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose. In patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, the level of this hormone is not sufficient, so they have to take medications like humulin in order to control high blood sugar levels.
Humulin R is short-acting insulin (there are also intermediate-acting and long-acting). What does it mean? Its onset of action starts in 30 minutes after the administration, the max effect is achieved between 1-3 hours, and the general effect lasts for 5-7 hours. In comparison, intermediate-acting insulin medications may begin acting in 15 minutes after administration, while long-acting insulins provide the effect for 24 hours. Every kind has its pros and cons, and very often, they are used in a combination for better glycemic control.
What are the Indications for Using Humulin R?
Humulin R insulin medication is used to treat diabetes mellitus if there are indications for insulin therapy, first diagnosed diabetes as well as during pregnancy with type 2 diabetes mellitus (insulin-independent type).
Please note that Humulin R, as well as any other kind of insulin and insulin-like medications, is a prescription required medication. It means that you cannot choose this kind of medication without consultation and prescription from the doctor. You cannot switch between the medications or advise it your friends and relatives. Also, you cannot change the dosage as it can lead to severe side effects, hypoglycemia, and be life-threatening.
If you have a prescription, you may buy Humulin R online as online stores like Insulin.store offer more affordable prices.
Dosage and Administration of Insulin Humulin R
The dose of Humulin R insulin is determined by the doctor for each patient individually. It depends on the levels of insulin, diet, lifestyle, activity, general medical condition. That is why it is crucial the patient strictly follows all the doctor’s dosage recommendations. Also, he/she should inform the doctor about any alterations in the lifestyle, exercise, diet, or health (like a diagnosed disease or pregnancy) that may require the correspondent adjustment of the dose.
As for the rules of administration, the patient should use Humulin subcutaneously. It is forbidden to give intravenous or intramuscular injections of Humulin. On average, this insulin medication should be administered 3 or more times before the meals. You can inject Humulin into the upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. To avoid any complications and local reactions at the injection, it is recommended to switch the sites for administering Humulin from time to time. Also, do not massage the place directly after the given injection. The doctor should give you detailed medical advice on the technique of the injection procedure.
What are the Side Effects of Humulin R Insulin?
Overdosage of Humulin may cause one of the main side effects – hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a dangerous medical condition, which can lead to the loss of consciousness and, in severe cases – death. Other possible reactions of the organism include local allergic reactions at the injection site:
- itching
- swelling
- redness
- hard breathing
- increased heart rate
- excessive sweating
How to take
- Read the instructions that come with your Humulin R carefully. Take it exactly the way your doctor tells you.
- Know how much Humulin R you are supposed to take. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- Check the label of your insulin each time you use it. This will help you make sure you are using the right one.
- Test your blood sugar before you take Humulin R. Do not take it if your blood sugar is too low.
- Do not mix Humulin R with any other insulin.
- Always use a new needle when injecting Humulin R. This will help you avoid infection.
- Inject Humulin R under your skin. Change (rotate) where you inject your insulin with each dose. Do not inject your insulin into the exact same spot. Avoid injecting your insulin into areas where the skin has pits or lumps, or is thickened, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged. This will help reduce your chance of getting pits, lumps, or thickened skin where you inject your insulin.
To Sum Up
Humulin R is an effective insulin medicine for patients who need blood sugar control. Do not forget that you should get medical advice from the doctor if you want to switch to Humulin. It is also a prescription drug, so do not buy the medicine from online or offline pharmacies that do not ask for the document. It is illegal, and you can buy low-quality or fake Humulin.
