Humulin Regular

Humulin Regular is an injectable solution containing the active ingredient insulin human, supplied in a short‑acting formulation for subcutaneous administration. It is a prescription‑only product marketed in the European Union for the management of blood glucose in diabetes. The preparation provides a rapid onset of action to mimic physiological insulin release after meals, supporting glycaemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes as part of comprehensive therapy regimens.

Humulin Regular is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus where a rapid‑acting insulin is required to control blood glucose levels, especially around meals and during acute care.

- Adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus who need mealtime insulin to mimic natural pancreatic secretion. - Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and oral antidiabetic agents when basal insulin alone is insufficient. - Management of post‑prandial hyperglycaemia in patients requiring a short‑acting insulin to cover carbohydrate intake. - Use in insulin‑pump or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems when a rapid‑acting formulation is preferred. - Hospitalized patients, including those undergoing surgery or experiencing stress hyperglycaemia, who need tight, short‑term glycaemic control.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Regular may vary in frequency and severity; they are generally categorized as common or serious.

Common: - Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) – the most frequent reaction. - Injection‑site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching. - Lipodystrophy (localized fat accumulation or loss) at the injection site. - Weight gain associated with improved glycaemic control.

Serious: - Severe hypoglycaemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures. - Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, urticaria, or angio‑edema. - Acute insulin overdose causing prolonged hypoglycaemia.

When prescribing or using Humulin Regular, clinicians and patients should observe several precautions to minimise risks and ensure safe therapy.

- Adjust dose during periods of illness, reduced food intake, or increased physical activity. - Monitor blood glucose closely when initiating therapy or changing dose. - Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced. - Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients. - Consider pregnancy and lactation status; insulin requirements may change and safety data are limited. - Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycaemia promptly. - Review concomitant medications that may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Humulin Regular can interact with other medicines, affecting glucose levels or insulin action; some combinations should be avoided, while others require careful monitoring.

Avoid: - Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins or insulin analogues without dose adjustment, which may cause severe hypoglycaemia. - Beta‑blockers that can mask hypoglycaemia symptoms and prolong its duration.

Use with caution: - Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase insulin secretion and raise hypoglycaemia risk. - Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, or sympathomimetic agents that may raise blood glucose, necessitating dose increases. - Alcohol consumption, which can cause delayed hypoglycaemia, especially when combined with insulin. - ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may enhance insulin sensitivity and require monitoring.