When and How to Take Humulin R
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- This diabetes medication comes in injectable form. It is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually three or more times a day before meals. There are many different strategies for dosing Humulin R and other insulins; be sure to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. U-100 Humulin R (but not U-500 Humulin R) can also be given by IV in certain situations.
- Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject Humulin R. It can be injected into the skin and fat layer of the abdomen (stomach), upper arm, or thigh.
- Humulin R comes in vials. You need standard U-100 insulin syringes (with needles) to inject U-100 Humulin R. You need tuberculin syringes (with needles) to inject U-500 Humulin R.
- Humulin R can be mixed with Humulin N (NPH insulin) in the same syringe. Be sure to draw up the Humulin R first.
- For this diabetes drug to work properly, it must be taken as directed. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as your healthcare provider recommends. Even though Humulin R is available without a prescription, it should not be used without a healthcare provider's approval and supervision.
The dose of Humulin R that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Humulin R (especially as measured by your blood sugar levels)
- The carbohydrate content of your meals
- Your current dose of other insulins
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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