Humulin R

Humulin R is a short‑acting insulin human injection solution marketed in the European Union. The product contains the active ingredient insulin human, supplied as an injectable solution; the specific strength is not disclosed in the available data. It is a prescription‑only medication indicated for the management of blood glucose in diabetes mellitus. It is typically administered subcutaneously, but can also be given intravenously or intramuscularly under medical supervision.

Humulin R is employed to lower elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

- Type 1 diabetes mellitus, where endogenous insulin production is absent. - Type 2 diabetes mellitus, as part of a regimen that includes diet, exercise, and other glucose‑lowering agents. - Rapid correction of post‑prandial glucose excursions. - Management of hyperglycemia in hospitalized or surgical patients requiring short‑acting insulin. - Adjunct therapy during pregnancy when a short‑acting insulin is preferred.

Adverse reactions to Humulin R vary in frequency and severity.

Common: - Hypoglycemia, especially if meals are delayed or doses are excessive. - Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching. - Lipodystrophy, including lipohypertrophy at repeated injection sites. - Weight gain associated with improved glycemic control.

Serious: - Severe hypoglycemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures. - Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria to anaphylaxis. - Edema or fluid retention. - Rare cases of insulin antibody formation causing insulin resistance.

When prescribing or using Humulin R, clinicians and patients should consider several safety considerations.

- Adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment to avoid hypoglycemia. - Monitor blood glucose closely during illness, stress, or changes in diet. - Use lower initial doses in insulin‑naïve patients, particularly children and the elderly. - Educate patients on proper injection technique and site rotation to reduce lipodystrophy. - Review concomitant medications that may mask hypoglycemia symptoms. - Avoid use during episodes of severe hypoglycemia until cause is identified. - Pregnancy and lactation decisions should be made by a healthcare professional.

Humulin R may interact with other medicines, influencing its glucose‑lowering effect or increasing the risk of adverse events.

Avoid: - Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins or insulin analogues without dose adjustment. - Beta‑blockers that can mask hypoglycemia symptoms.

Use with caution: - Oral hypoglycemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase hypoglycemia risk. - Corticosteroids, which may raise blood glucose and require higher insulin doses. - Diuretics, particularly thiazides, that can affect electrolyte balance and glucose control. - Alcohol, which can cause delayed hypoglycemia after insulin administration.