Humulin R (Regolare)

Humulin R (Regolare) is a prescription insulin product that contains the active ingredient insulin human. It is supplied as a sterile solution for injection, available in multiple strengths for subcutaneous or intramuscular use. As a regular insulin, Humulin R is used to replace or supplement endogenous insulin in patients with diabetes mellitus as part of daily glucose management and improved overall long‑term blood sugar control.

Humulin R is indicated for the management of hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus. - For adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus requiring basal‑bolus insulin regimens. - For adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when diet, exercise, and oral agents do not achieve glycemic targets. - As short‑acting insulin in inpatient settings for rapid control of blood glucose during surgery or acute illness. - In combination with intermediate‑ or long‑acting insulin preparations to provide comprehensive glucose coverage. - For use in insulin pump therapy where a rapid‑acting formulation is required. - Occasionally prescribed during pregnancy or lactation when other options are unsuitable and the clinician determines benefit.

Adverse reactions to Humulin R may vary in frequency and severity, and they should be monitored during therapy. Common: - Hypoglycemia, which may present as sweating, tremor, hunger, confusion, or visual disturbances, and may interfere with daily activities. - Localized pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, often transient. - Lipodystrophy, including lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy, occurring with repeated injections in the same area. Serious: - Severe hypoglycemia leading to loss of consciousness, seizures, or coma, requiring immediate treatment. - Anaphylactic or systemic allergic reactions, such as angioedema, bronchospasm, or urticaria, which can be life‑threatening. - Significant hypokalemia, particularly when insulin is given intravenously in high doses.

When prescribing or using Humulin R, clinicians and patients should consider several precautions to minimize risks. - Adjust dose during illness, stress, or changes in diet/exercise. - Monitor blood glucose frequently, especially when initiating therapy or changing dose. - Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced. - Assess for hypoglycemia unawareness and educate patients on recognizing symptoms. - Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients. - Consider cardiovascular status; rapid glucose shifts can affect heart disease patients. - Pregnant or nursing women should be managed by a specialist; benefits must outweigh potential risks.

Humulin R may interact with other medicines, affecting glucose control or increasing the risk of adverse events. Avoid: - Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment. - Co‑administration with sulfonylureas in patients prone to severe hypoglycemia. - Concurrent use with meglitinides may increase risk of hypoglycemia. Use with caution: - Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, thiazolidinediones) may potentiate insulin effect. - Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and growth hormone can increase insulin requirements. - Beta‑adrenergic antagonists may blunt hypoglycemia warning signs. - Contrast media used in imaging may cause transient hyperglycemia. - Alcohol consumption can enhance insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect and precipitate hypoglycemia.