Novolin R (Insulin) for Diabetes

Overview
Novolin R is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults and children with diabetes. Novolin 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 Novolin R.

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

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

Novolin R comes as a liquid in vials and prefilled pens.

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

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