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.
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.
- Administer Humulin R U-500 subcutaneously two or three times daily 30 minutes before a meal into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks.
- 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.