Humulin R Dosage Details: Forms, Potencies, Usage Instructions, and Additional Information
Humulin R U-500 is a concentrated human insulin, five times stronger than its U-100 counterpart, and is approved for use in adults and children with diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day. This medication is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Humulin R comes in two strengths: U-100 and U-500, with U-500 containing 5 times as much insulin per milliliter as U-100. The medication is available as a solution in vials and a KwikPen, a prefilled injection pen.
The dosage of Humulin R varies from person to person and isn't specified by a specific chart. For type 1 diabetes, the typical dosage is 0.5 units/kg/day, while for type 2 diabetes, it ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 units/kg/day.
When using the KwikPen, compatible needles and a sharps container are required. Humulin R should be injected into the upper arms, buttocks, abdomen, and thighs, and the site should be changed for each dose. It's important to avoid injecting Humulin R into thickened areas of the skin or areas with pits or lumps.
Dosage adjustments may be necessary when taking certain medications in combination with Humulin R, and blood sugar levels may need to be checked more frequently.
Factors such as activity level, weight, kidney and liver function, food intake, and sickness can affect the Humulin R dosage. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double up on doses.
Symptoms of an overdose of Humulin R can include hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, which can cause a range of symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, hunger, irritability, weakness, muscle cramps, bloating and constipation, numbness and tingling, mood changes, and feeling short of breath. If you believe you've taken too much Humulin R, call your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have questions about Humulin R dosing or usage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Humulin R is meant to be a long-term treatment. Currently, there is no generic version of Humulin R.
[1] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S1–S150. [3] American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. (2019). Medical guidelines for clinical practice for the management of diabetes mellitus. Endocrine Practice, 25(6), 661–743.
Medical professionals, when determining appropriate Humulin R dosage for patients with diabetes, consider factors such as medical conditions, health-and-wellness status, and weight. Deciders should also take into account science-backed recommendations from authoritative bodies like the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
