Humulin R (Insulin Human)

Humulin R is indicated for the management of blood glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin‑dependent)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents or other injectables do not achieve target glycaemic control
• Prandial (mealtime) glucose control to reduce post‑meal hyperglycaemia
• Correction of acute hyperglycaemia as a supplemental (correction) dose
• Use in pediatric patients as directed by a qualified healthcare professional
• Adjunct therapy during pregnancy when insulin is required and other agents are contraindicated

• Humulin R provides insulin identical to human endogenous insulin. After subcutaneous injection, it is absorbed into the bloodstream where it binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers the tyrosine kinase pathway, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface, increasing glucose uptake, and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby lowering plasma glucose concentrations effectively in the body.

Adverse reactions to Humulin R may vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Hypoglycaemia, presenting as sweating, tremor, dizziness, or confusion, especially if meals are missed or dose is excessive.
• Injection‑site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, or bruising that usually resolve spontaneously.
• Lipodystrophy, including lipohypertrophy or lipoatrophy, at repeated injection sites.
• Gradual weight gain associated with improved glycaemic control.

Serious

• Anaphylactic reaction, characterized by difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Severe hypersensitivity manifesting as widespread rash, urticaria, or angio‑edema requiring immediate medical attention.
• Persistent hyperglycaemia or ketoacidosis despite appropriate dosing, suggesting possible insulin resistance or dosing error.

When using Humulin R, certain precautions and warnings should be considered to minimise risk and ensure safe therapy.

• Verify blood glucose before each injection and adjust dose according to current levels.
• Avoid using Humulin R in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Monitor for hypoglycaemia, especially in elderly, children, or those with renal/hepatic impairment.
• Use caution during pregnancy and lactation; insulin needs may change and require close supervision.
• Store the product according to label instructions; discard after the indicated in‑use period.
• Teach proper injection technique and site rotation to avoid lipodystrophy.

Humulin R may interact with other medicines, affecting glucose control or increasing the risk of adverse events.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment, which can cause severe hypoglycaemia.
• Beta‑blockers that mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.
• MAO‑A inhibitors that may potentiate insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase hypoglycaemia risk; dose may need adjustment.
• Corticosteroids, which raise blood glucose and may require higher insulin doses.
• Thyroid hormones or thyroid replacement therapy, which can alter insulin requirements.