Humulin R (Regolare) (Insulin Human (Rdna))

Humulin R is indicated for the management of blood glucose in diabetes mellitus. It is used as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan that may include diet, exercise, and other medications.

• Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents, and children.
• Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus when rapid‑acting insulin is required.
• Supplemental insulin for patients on basal insulin regimens.
• Management of hyperglycemia during surgery or acute illness.
• Use in insulin pump therapy where rapid‑acting insulin is needed.
• Adjusted dosing for patients with variable carbohydrate intake.

• Humulin R contains recombinant human insulin that binds to insulin receptors on cell membranes, activating the receptor's intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. This triggers downstream signaling pathways that increase glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue, promote glycogen synthesis in the liver, and suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby lowering circulating blood glucose concentrations.

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

Common

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
• Injection‑site pain, redness, or swelling
• Weight gain
• Lipodystrophy at injection sites
• Mild allergic skin reactions

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia leading to loss of consciousness
• Anaphylactic or systemic allergic reactions
• Acute insulin resistance
• Persistent hyperglycemia due to antibody formation
• Edema or heart failure exacerbation in susceptible patients

Humulin R should be used with careful monitoring and consideration of patient‑specific factors.

• Adjust dose when renal or hepatic impairment is present.
• Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or heart failure.
• Monitor blood glucose closely during pregnancy, although safety data are limited.
• Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycemia.
• Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Store the product according to label instructions to maintain potency.

Humulin R may interact with other medications, affecting glucose control or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment.
• High‑dose beta‑blockers that may mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
• MAO inhibitors that can potentiate insulin’s hypoglycemic effect.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase hypoglycemia risk.
• Corticosteroids, which can raise blood glucose levels.
• Diuretics, especially thiazides, that may affect glucose tolerance.
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which may enhance insulin sensitivity.
• Alcohol consumption, which can cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations.