What is Humulin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Humulin

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If you use a syringe, use only the kind that is made for insulin injections. Some insulin must be given with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.

• Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.

• The insulin should look cloudy after you mix it. Do not use it if it has particles floating in it.

• Unopened medicine: Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Never use insulin that has been frozen. If you must store the insulin at room temperature, the vial will be good for only 31 days and the KwikPen will be good for only 14 days.

• Opened medicine: Vial: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not freeze. Throw away the vial 31 days after you open it, even if there is still insulin in it. KwikPen: Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Throw away the pen 14 days after you open it, even if there is still insulin in it.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Humulin

Humulin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to any type of insulin.

Humulin warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the bloodFluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

• Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Humulin interactions

• Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.