What is Humulin?

Humulin is a man-made form of a hormone that is produced in the body. It works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Humulin is a long-acting form of insulin that is slightly different from other forms of insulin that are not man-made. Humulin is used to treat diabetes. Humulin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Humulin R - for the Consumer

Humulin R

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Humulin R: Mild itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; mild weight gain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Humulin R:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; wheezing; muscle pain); changes in vision; chills; confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; headache; loss of consciousness; mood changes; muscle weakness or cramping; painful burning, numbness, or tingling; seizures; shortness of breath; slurred speech; swelling; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble concentrating; unusual hunger; unusual sweating; unusual or persistent weight gain; weakness.
HUMULIN N
Generic Name Isophane Insulin Classification Antidiabetic drugs Action Increase glucose transport across muscle and fat cell membranes to reduce blood glucose level. Promotes conversion of glucose to its storage form, glycogen; triggers amino acid uptake and conversion to protein in muscle cells and inhibits protein degradation; stimulates triglyceride formation and inhibits r3elease of free fatty acids from adipose tissue; and stimulates lipoprotein lipase activity, which converts circulating lipoproteins to fatty acids. Indications

Diabetic ketoacidosis, Type I diabetes, adjunct to type II diabetes inadequately controlled by diet and oral antidiabetic agents. Adverse Reactions Common: lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy Uncommon: urticaria, pruritus, swelling, redness, stinging, warmth at injection site, hypersensitivity reactions Life-threatening: anaphylaxis, hypoglycemia Nursing Considerations Dosage is always expressed in USP units. remember to use only the syringes calibrated for the particular concentration of insulin administered Be aware that some patients may develop insulin resistance and require large insulin doses to control symptoms of diabetes. To mix insulin suspension, swirl vial gently or rotate between palms or between palm and thigh. dont shake vigorously: this causes bubbling and air in syringe Know that lente, semilente, and ultralente insulins may be mixed in any proportion. Regular insulin may be mixed with NPH or lente insulins in any proportion. When mixing regular insulin with intermediate or long acting insulin, always draw up regular insulin into syringe first. Note that switching from separate injections to a prepared mixture may alter patient response. Whenever NPH or lente in mixed with regular insulin in the same syringe, give it immediately to avoid loss of potency. dont use insulin that changes color or becomes clumped or granular in appearance check expiration date on vial before using contents Know that usual administration route is SC. for proper SC administration, remember to pinch a fold of skin with the fingers at least 3 inches apart, and insert at a 45- to 90-degree angle, depending on the type of syringe. Press but do not rub site after injection. Rotate injection sites and chart to avoid overuse of one area. Know that diabetic patients may achieve better control if injection site is rotated within same anatomic region. Store insulin in cool area. Refrigeration is desirable but not essential, except with regular insulin concentrated.