Humulin R (Insulin) for Diabetes

Overview
Humulin R is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat diabetes in adults and children. Humulin R is also referred to by its drug name, Regular insulin human (rDNA origin). Your doctor may prescribe another type of insulin or an oral medication such as Metformin to take along with Humulin R.

Humulin R is a short-acting insulin and a synthetic human insulin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Humulin R should be administered via a subcutaneous injection. Your doctor will explain when and where you should inject Humulin R and how to measure your dosage. Humulin R is usually injected when you will be eating a meal within 30 minutes.

Humulin R comes as a liquid in vials.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Humulin R lists common side effects including hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), hypokalemia (low potassium), and minor redness or irritation at injection sites.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Humulin R can include a systemic allergic reaction, heart failure, and swelling of the extremities.