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Two ways to take Humulin R U-500

Confirm your dose with your doctor

For a handy reference, please have your doctor write down your daily dosing schedule.

Using the U-500 KwikPen®

Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.

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About the U-500 KwikPen®

You may notice that the U-500 KwikPen has some similarities and differences from what you’re used to:

  • Same size as other KwikPens
  • It dials and doses in 5-unit increments (standard U-100 pens dial and dose in single-unit increments)*
  • It holds 1500 units per pen (standard U-100 pens only hold 300 units)
  • You’ll receive 2 pens per pack
  • Distinctive aqua color

*Please see the Instructions for Use included with your pen.

You’ll need to use a pen needle with your U-500 KwikPen. Your doctor may prescribe BD needles, which are recommended for use with your KwikPen. Pens and pen needles are for single-patient use only and should not be shared, even in healthcare facilities, as infection or disease can be spread from one person to another. Do not withdraw insulin from the pen using any syringe. You may need a separate prescription for your pen needles.

Dosing and storing Humulin R U-500

  • Injection Sites Whether you use the U-500 KwikPen or a U-500 vial and syringe, you’ll want to rotate the site each time you inject. Always be sure to wipe your skin with an alcohol swab and let the area dry first.
  • Confirm your dose with your doctor For a handy reference, please have your doctor write down your daily dosing schedule.
  • Dose within 30 minutes of eating Take your dose within 30 minutes of eating a meal as your doctor instructed. Timing is important to help reduce the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so be sure to plan ahead for meals.
  • Be sure to refer to the Instructions for Use that came with your U-500 KwikPen or vial. Of course, if you have any questions, please be sure to talk to your doctor.
  • How should I store Humulin R U-500? Keep Humulin R U-500 away from heat and direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. An unopened pen or vial should be kept in the refrigerator and discarded after the expiration date stamped on the label.
  • Storing the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen Once opened, do not refrigerate the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen. Throw away the pen you are using after 28 days, even if there is still insulin left.*
  • Storing the Humulin R U-500 vial Do not use if it has been frozen. An unopened vial should be kept in the refrigerator until the expiration date. An open vial can be stored at room temperature and must be thrown away within 40 days of opening even if insulin remains.**

*Please see the Instructions for Use included with your pen. Do not freeze or use insulin that has been previously frozen. Do NOT withdraw insulin from the pen using any syringe.

**Please see the Instructions for Use included with your vial. Do not freeze or use insulin that has been previously frozen.

What to expect

To know if U-500 is helping to improve your glucose, check your blood sugar.

Low blood sugar is the most common side effect of U-500.
It’s normal to want to understand possible side effects like low blood sugar when starting a new insulin. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the causes and how to identify and manage low blood sugar.

Take your dose 30 minutes before eating a meal as your doctor instructed.
Timing is important to help reduce the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

As with any insulin, there is potential to experience low blood sugar at any time, including in the first few weeks as you’re getting used to your new medication or dose. Checking your blood sugar as directed by your doctor will help monitor for any highs or lows, as well as possible improvements in your blood sugar.

What are the potential side effects of Humulin R U-500?

Side effects of Humulin R U-500 may include low blood sugar that is severe and that can last a long time. Symptoms of low blood sugar may happen suddenly and may include:

  • sweating
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • headache
  • or other symptoms

Severe low blood sugar can cause you to:

  • become confused
  • pass out (become unconscious)
  • have seizures or coma
  • and could cause death

Talk with your doctor about how to tell if you have low blood sugar and what to do if this happens while taking Humulin R U-500. Follow your doctor's instructions for treating your low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if low blood sugar from insulin use is a problem for you. Your doctor may need to change the amount of Humulin R U-500 that you take, or change your meal plans or your exercise program to help you avoid low blood sugar.

Experiencing side effects of insulin use?

If you are experiencing any side effects of taking insulin, please contact your doctor. Get emergency medical help if you have:

  • severe low blood sugar
  • trouble breathing
  • shortness of breath
  • fast heartbeat
  • swelling of your face, tongue or throat
  • extreme drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • or confusion

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

PURPOSE and SAFETY SUMMARY

Important Facts About Humulin® (HUE-mu-lin) R U-500. It is also known as insulin human injection (500 units/mL).


Humulin R U-500 is a prescription insulin used in adults and children who need more than 200 units of insulin a day to control high blood sugar for their diabetes mellitus. It is more concentrated than standard insulin. It has 5 times as much insulin in each mL as standard insulin.


It is not known if Humulin R U-500 is safe and effective when used with other insulins, when used in an insulin pump, or in children. There were no studies done in children, so your doctor will give you special instructions for use in children.

WARNINGS

Humulin R U-500 may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Severe low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
  • Severe allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you develop a rash over your whole body, have trouble breathing, have a fast heartbeat, or are sweating.
  • Swelling of your hands and feet. Tell your doctor if you are short of breath, have swelling in your ankles, or have gained weight suddenly.
  • Heart failure when taking a medication from a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (TZDs) with Humulin R U-500. This may occur in some people even if they have not had heart problems before.
  • Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia). This can lead to severe breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and death.

Do not share your Humulin R U-500 KwikPen® or U-500 syringe with anyone. Even if you have changed the needle, you or the other person can get a serious infection.


When using the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen: The Humulin R U-500 KwikPen is made to dial and deliver the correct dose of Humulin R U-500 insulin. Do not remove Humulin R U-500 from the KwikPen to inject with any syringe. This could cause severe overdose and may lead to death.


When using the Humulin R U-500 vial: There is a special syringe to measure Humulin R U-500 called the “U-500 insulin syringe.” Only use the U-500 insulin syringe to inject Humulin R U-500. If you do not use the right syringe, you may take the wrong dose of Humulin R U-500. This could cause severe overdose and may lead to death.


Do not use Humulin R U-500 in an insulin pump or inject it into your vein or muscle.


Do not take this medicine if you have low blood sugar.


Do not change the insulin you use without talking to your doctor. Changing insulin may lead to low or high blood sugar.


Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how Humulin R U-500 affects you. Do not drink alcohol while using Humulin R U-500.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Humulin R U-500 include:

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk to your doctor about low blood sugar symptoms and treatment. Symptoms may be different for each person.
  • Allergic reactions, such as redness and swelling at the site where you inject.
  • Skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy).
  • Itching and rash.

These are not all the possible side effects of Humulin R U-500.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also tell your doctor about:

  • Any allergies you have. Your doctor can check if the medicine has ingredients that may cause a reaction.
  • Any medical conditions, including problems with your liver, kidney, or heart.
  • All the medicines you take, especially a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, or TZDs. Be sure to include the over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
How to take
  • Read the instructions that come with your Humulin R U-500 carefully. Take it exactly the way your doctor tells you.
  • Know how much Humulin R U-500 you are supposed to take. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Check the label of your insulin each time you use it. This will help you make sure you are using the right one.
  • Test your blood sugar before you take Humulin R U-500. Do not take it if your blood sugar is too low.
  • Do not mix Humulin R U-500 with any other insulin.
  • Always use a new needle when injecting Humulin R U-500. This will help you avoid infection.
  • Inject Humulin R U-500 under your skin. Choose a different place on your body to inject it each time you take it.
Learn more

For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to humulin.com.


This summary provides basic information about Humulin R U-500 but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about Humulin R U-500 and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if Humulin R U-500 is right for you.


Humulin® and KwikPen® are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.


HM CON BS 19MAR2019

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