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Humulin R U-500 Dosage

Generic name: Insulin human 500[iU] in 1mL
Dosage form: injection, solution
Drug class: Insulin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2024.

Important Administration Instructions

  • Prescribe HUMULIN R U-500 ONLY to patients who require more than 200 units of insulin per day.
  • HUMULIN R U-500 is available as a single-patient-use KwikPen or multiple-dose vial. Patients using the vial must be prescribed the U-500 insulin syringe to avoid medication errors.
  • Instruct patients using the vial presentation to use only a U-500 insulin syringe and on how to correctly draw the prescribed dose of HUMULIN R U-500 into the U-500 insulin syringe. Confirm that the patient has understood these instructions and can correctly draw the prescribed dose of HUMULIN R U-500 with their syringe [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • Instruct patients to always check the insulin label before administration to confirm the correct insulin product is being used [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • Inspect HUMULIN R U-500 visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only use HUMULIN R U-500 if the solution appears clear and colorless.
  • Instruct patients to inject HUMULIN R U-500 subcutaneously into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks.
  • ​Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6)].
  • ​During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
  • Use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen with caution in patients with visual impairment that may rely on audible clicks to dial their dose.
  • DO NOT administer HUMULIN R U-500 intravenously.
  • DO NOT dilute or mix HUMULIN R U-500 with any other insulin products or solutions.

Dosing Instructions

  • Instruct patients to inject HUMULIN R U-500 subcutaneously usually two or three times daily approximately 30 minutes before meals.
  • Individualize and titrate the dosage of HUMULIN R U-500 based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal.
  • Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function, changes in medications or during acute illness to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Delivery of HUMULIN R U-500 Using the HUMULIN R U-500 Disposable Prefilled KwikPen Device

  • The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen dials in 5 unit increments and delivers a maximum dose of 300 units per injection.
  • DO NOT perform dose conversion when using the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen. The dose window of the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen shows the number of units of HUMULIN R U-500 to be injected and NO dose conversion is required.
  • DO NOT transfer HUMULIN R U-500 from the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen into any syringe for administration as overdose and severe hypoglycemia can occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Delivery of HUMULIN R U-500 Using the Vial Presentation and the U-500 Insulin Syringe

  • DO NOT perform dose conversion when using a U-500 insulin syringe. The markings on the U-500 insulin syringe show the number of units of HUMULIN R U-500 to be injected.
  • Each marking on the syringe represents 5 units of insulin.
  • Prescribe patients a U-500 insulin syringe to administer HUMULIN R U-500 from the vial to avoid administration errors. DO NOT use any other type of syringe [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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