When and How to Take Novolin R
Some 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) before meals. There are many different strategies for dosing Novolin R and other insulins; be sure to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Your healthcare provider can also administer Novolin R intravenously (by IV) in certain situations.
- Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject Novolin R. It can be injected into the skin and fat layer of the abdomen (stomach), upper arm, or thigh.
- Novolin R comes in vials. It is no longer available in cartridges (that were used in certain insulin pen devices) and in the prefilled, disposable InnoLet® device.
- Novolin R can be mixed with Novolin N (NPH insulin) in the same syringe. Be sure to draw up the Novolin 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 Novolin R is available without a prescription, it should not be used without a healthcare provider's approval and supervision.
The dose of Novolin R your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Novolin 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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