Regular Human Insulin
Description
Regular Human Insulin is a short-acting Insulin. Insulin is a natural substance produced by the pancreas which helps in utilizing glucose (body's sugar) for energy production. This medicine is used in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (high blood sugar levels). If you have diabetes mellitus, your body may not be able to regulate blood sugar levels due to the insufficient production of insulin or your body's inability to use insulin or both. Hence, this medicine helps in the utilisation of sugar for energy and also reduces the production of sugar by the liver. Thus it helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Regular Human Insulin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) which is characterised by sweating, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, hunger, tremors, anxiety, shakiness, fatigue, etc. Hypoglycaemia may be caused by improper administration of Insulin, irregular or improper diet, malnourishment, etc. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia that persist or worsen. Regular Human Insulin may also cause other side effects like weight gain, constipation, redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, etc.
Regular Human Insulin is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, the stomach area, the buttock, or the upper arm region. It should be injected into a lifted skin fold to ensure the medicine goes into the subcutaneous fat layer instead of your muscles. Regular Human Insulin should be administered 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. The dosage depends on your blood sugar levels and therapeutic response.
Regular Human Insulin may be safe for use during pregnancy and lactation upon your doctor's recommendation. Inform your doctor if you have liver and/or kidney problems, or hypokalaemia (low blood potassium levels).
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Regular Human Insulin
- Decreased blood glucose levels
- Decreased potassium levels
- Itching and rash
- Headache
- Injection site pain
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Weight gain
Uses of Regular Human Insulin
What is it prescribed for?
- Type I Diabetes mellitus
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Regular Human Insulin can be observed within 30 to 60 minutes of administration.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Regular Human Insulin lasts for an average duration of six to eight hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Regular Human Insulin as it may cause an alteration in blood sugar levels.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Regular Human Insulin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Regular Human Insulin is considered safe for use during pregnancy upon your doctor's recommendation.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Regular Human Insulin is considered safe for use while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Regular Human Insulin is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Hypoglycaemia
Regular Human Insulin is not recommended for use if you have hypoglycaemia (decreased blood sugar levels) as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Regular Human Insulin is considered safe for use during pregnancy upon your doctor's recommendation.
Breast-feeding
Regular Human Insulin is considered safe for use while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Hypoglycaemia
Regular Human Insulin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) in some cases. This risk is especially higher if you have kidney problems, are malnourished, or taking any other medicines that may lower blood sugar levels. Your doctor may recommend that you check your blood sugar levels regularly during treatment with Regular Human Insulin.
Hypokalaemia (Decreased potassium levels)
Regular Human Insulin should be used with caution if you have hypokalaemia (decreased blood potassium levels) as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your potassium levels and recommend appropriate corrective measures or dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Hyperglycaemia
Taking an inadequate dose of Regular Human Insulin or discontinuation of treatment may cause hyperglycaemia (increased blood sugar levels) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones). This may cause organ damage, which may be potentially life-threatening. Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms like increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, dry mouth, loss of appetite, etc.
Missed Dose
Avoid missing a scheduled dose of Regular Human Insulin. Administer the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Never administer more than the recommended dose. Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose of Regular Human Insulin. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) may occur in case of an overdose, with symptoms such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, etc.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Regular Human Insulin as it may cause an alteration in blood sugar levels.
Interaction with Medicine
Prednisolone
Aspirin
Ramipril
Ofloxacin
Disease interactions
Kidney Disease
Regular Human Insulin should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as it may increase the risk of undesired effects. Your doctor may recommend close monitoring of your blood sugar levels and/or appropriate dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Liver Disease
Regular Human Insulin should be used with caution if you have liver problems as it may increase the risk of undesired effects. Your doctor may recommend close monitoring of your blood sugar levels and/or appropriate dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Administer Regular Human Insulin 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. Your doctor or nurse may guide you regarding the proper way to administer the medicine. Carefully read and follow all the instructions given on the prescription label/package insert.
Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Do not stop the use of Regular Human Insulin without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition and lead to other complications.
Regular Human Insulin should be administered at room temperature. If you have stored it in the refrigerator or cooler bag, take it out 30 minutes before you inject the medicine.
Your doctor may recommend a regular check of your blood sugar levels and frequent follow-up visits to monitor your condition.
Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment with Regular Human Insulin as it may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to keep your blood sugar levels in control.
Regular Human Insulin may cause low blood sugar levels. Hence, your doctor may advise you to carry a sugar candy at all times to counteract the effects of low blood sugar levels.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Regular Human Insulin helps in the utilisation of sugar for energy and also reduces the production of sugar by the liver. Thus it helps to control your blood sugar levels.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Insulin, Antidiabetic agents
Schedule
Schedule H/Schedule G
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. HUMULIN® R REGULAR INSULIN HUMAN INJECTION, USP, (rDNA ORIGIN). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 December 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Actrapid 100 international units/ml, Solution for Injection in a vial - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 December 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - NOVOLIN R- human insulin injection, solution. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 December 2021].
Mayoclinic.org. 2021. Insulin Human Regular (Injection Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 December 2021].
Medlineplus.gov. 2021. Human Insulin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 24 December 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 27 Jan 2022
Disclaimer
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