Categories
- Alternative medicines
- Anti-infectives
- Antineoplastics
- Biologicals
- Cardiovascular agents
- Central nervous system agents
- Coagulation modifiers
- Gastrointestinal agents
- Genitourinary tract agents
- Hormones
- Immunologic agents
- Medical gas
- Metabolic agents
- Miscellaneous agents
- Inactive Ingredients
- Nutritional products
- Plasma expanders
- Psychotherapeutic agents
- Radiologic agents
- Respiratory agents
- Topical agents
- Uncategorized
This man-made insulin product is the same as human insulin. It is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
This product is the concentrated form of regular insulin. It is used in people who require large doses of insulin (more than 200 units per day). It works right away like regular insulin but its effects last longer. In some people with diabetes, insulin may be used alone or with oral diabetes drugs (such as metformin).
People with diabetes do not make enough insulin for their bodies to properly use the sugar in food. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and using your insulin as directed can help you live an active and healthy life.
How to use Humulin R U-500 \"Concentrated\" Inj
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this insulin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This insulin must be injected. It is a high-strength concentrated liquid. Therefore, it is important that you learn all preparation and usage instructions, including how to measure the correct dose using the proper syringe, how to inject this medication properly, and how to self-manage your diabetes (such as monitoring blood sugar, recognizing and treating high/low blood sugar). Your health care professional will teach you how to use this medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.
Wash your hands before measuring and injecting insulin. Before using, warm this drug to room temperature if it has been refrigerated. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature. (See also Storage section.)
Before using, inspect this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site daily to avoid developing problem areas under the skin (lipodystrophy). Inject this medication under the skin of the abdomen, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Use this medication either 30-60 minutes before or immediately after a meal as directed by your doctor. Because this insulin can be fast-acting, not eating immediately after a dose of this insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). After pulling out the needle, apply gentle pressure on the injection site. Do not rub the area.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels.
Use this medication regularly as directed by your doctor to get the most benefit from it. Carefully follow the insulin treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended. Check your urine/blood sugar as directed by your doctor. Keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose.
If you are directed to inject this insulin with an infusion pump, read the instruction manual and directions that come with the infusion pump. If you have any questions, consult your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist. Avoid exposing the pump or its tubing to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
Do not change brands/types of insulin or syringes without directions on how to do so from your doctor. Do not reuse disposable needles and syringes. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This effect may also occur if you do not consume enough calories. The symptoms include chills, cold sweats, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose (sugar) tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don\'t have these reliable forms of glucose, raise your blood sugar quickly by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, candy, or drinking a glass of fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
Too little insulin can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of high blood sugar include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your treatment plan may need to be changed.
This medication may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using this insulin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other types of insulins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar.
Extremely low or high blood sugar levels may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Limit alcohol while using this medication because it can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar.
During times of stress, such as fever, illness, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor because a change in your treatment plan may be required.
Check your blood sugar before and after exercise. You may need a snack before exercising.
If traveling across more than 2 time zones, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, discuss a plan for managing your blood sugar with your doctor before you become pregnant. Your doctor may switch the type of insulin you use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication does not pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Your insulin needs may change while breast-feeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
A product that may interact with this drug is: rosiglitazone.
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet. Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your blood sugar. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, agitation, seizures, fainting.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.
Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and the important aspects of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams. Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar.
Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be performed periodically to monitor for side effects and monitor your response to treatment.
Wear or carry identification stating that you have diabetes and are using this drug. (See Medical Alert section.)
MISSED DOSE:
It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles available. Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.
STORAGE:
It is best to refrigerate the unopened vials between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Unopened insulin may also be stored at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), but in that case it must be discarded after 31 days. Once opened, this medication may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Discard 31 days after opening. Do not freeze. Discard the insulin if it has been frozen.
If using this drug in an insulin pump, do not store this drug in the pump for more than 48-72 hours as directed by your doctor. Doing so may lead to ineffective treatment and high blood sugars. Do not expose the insulin in your pump to direct sunlight or temperatures above 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).
Protect insulin from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised April 2012. Copyright(c) 2012 First Databank, Inc.