Humulin R Cartridge (Insulin Human)

Humulin R Cartridge is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus where rapid‑acting insulin is required to control post‑prandial glucose excursions.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus as part of a basal‑bolus insulin regimen.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents or basal insulin alone do not achieve target glycaemic control.
• Management of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy under specialist supervision.
• Use in insulin‑pump therapy that accepts cartridge‑based rapid‑acting insulin.
• Supplemental insulin for correction of high blood glucose readings between scheduled doses.

• Humulin R delivers insulin human, which binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers autophosphorylation and downstream signaling through the PI3‑kinase/Akt pathway, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface and increasing glucose uptake. In the liver, insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby reducing endogenous glucose production and lowering circulating blood glucose concentrations effectively.

Adverse reactions to Humulin R Cartridge are reported in clinical practice and may vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Mild hypoglycaemia, especially if meals are delayed or carbohydrate intake is insufficient.
• Injection‑site pain, redness, or swelling.
• Lipodystrophy presenting as localized thickening or loss of subcutaneous fat.
• Allergic skin reactions such as itching or rash at the injection site.
• Weight gain due to increased caloric storage.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia with neuroglycopenic symptoms (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness).
• Anaphylactic or systemic allergic reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, or bronchospasm.
• Persistent hyperglycaemia indicating possible insulin resistance or dosing error.

When prescribing or using Humulin R Cartridge, health‑care professionals should consider several precautionary factors to minimise risk.

• Assess renal and hepatic function, as impairment may prolong insulin action.
• Review patient’s history of hypoglycaemia and educate on recognising early symptoms.
• Adjust doses during periods of illness, reduced food intake, or increased physical activity.
• Use caution in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; insulin requirements often change.
• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to insulin human or cartridge components.
• Monitor blood glucose closely when initiating therapy or changing the delivery device.

Humulin R Cartridge can interact with other medicines, affecting glucose control or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concomitant use of other rapid‑acting insulins or high‑dose insulin analogues without dose adjustment.
• Beta‑blockers that may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Use with caution

• Oral hypoglycaemic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase risk of low blood glucose.
• Loop diuretics, which can alter potassium levels and affect insulin sensitivity.
• Corticosteroids, which may raise blood glucose and require dose escalation.
• Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, which can cause delayed hypoglycaemia.