Humulin R vs. Novolin R

Humulin R (insulin [human recombinant]) and Novolin R (insulin glargine [rdna origin]) Injection are forms of insulin indicated as adjuncts to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Humulin R is a short-acting form of insulin and Novolin R is a long-acting form of insulin.

Side effects of Humulin R and Novolin R that are similar include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, fainting, and seizures [severe hypoglycemia can be fatal]) and injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).

Both Humulin R and Novolin R may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, and beta-blockers.

Humulin R may also interact with guanethidine.

Common side effects of Humulin R include:

• injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common side effect of Humulin R.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• headache,
• hunger,
• weakness,
• sweating,
• tremors,
• irritability,
• trouble concentrating,
• rapid breathing,
• fast heartbeat,
• fainting, or
• seizure (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Humulin R including:

• signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

The most common side effect of Novolin R is:

• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Symptoms of low blood sugar include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, fainting, or seizure. Other side effects of Novolin R include:

• high blood sugar,
• weight gain,
• swelling of the extremities, and
• injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, and thickening of the skin.

Humulin R (insulin (human recombinant)) is a hormone that is produced in the body used to treat diabetes.

Novolin R (regular, human insulin [rDNA origin]) is a form of insulin, a naturally occurring hormone, used to control blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus. Novolin R is available over-the-counter.

Humulin R may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, or beta-blockers. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking.

Novolin R may interact with oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA), octreotide, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol, antibiotics, steroids, quinine, quinidine, alpha-blockers, oral contraceptives, thiazides, glucocorticoids, thryroid hormones and sympathomimetics, growth hormone, diazoxide, asparaginase, and nicotinic acid. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The recommended starting dose of Humulin R for patients 6 years and older is 25 mg once daily in the morning. The dosage of Humulin R may be increased in increments of 10 to 15 mg at intervals of at least 5 days.

The dosing of Novolin R is individualized. It is usually given three or more times daily before meals.