Humulin R vs. NovoLog

Humulin R (insulin [human recombinant]) and NovoLog (insulin aspart [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 form of short-acting insulin and NovoLog is a form of rapid-acting insulin.

Side effects of Humulin R and NovoLog 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 NovoLog may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, and beta-blockers.

What Are Side Effects of Humulin R?

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 NovoLog is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

• headache,
• nausea,
• hunger,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• dizziness,
• blurred vision,
• fast heartbeat,
• sweating,
• tremor,
• trouble concentrating,
• confusion, or
• seizure (convulsions)

Other common side effects of NovoLog include:

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

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of NovoLog including:

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

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

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) is a form of insulin, a hormone that is produced in the body, used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. NovoLog is usually given together with another long-acting insulin.

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

There are many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of insulin.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes:

• vitamins,
• minerals,
• herbal products, and
• drugs prescribed by other doctors

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.

Read the Instructions for Use that come with your NovoLog.

Take NovoLog exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

NovoLog starts acting fast. You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after you take your dose of NovoLog.

Know the type and strength of insulin you take. Do not change the type of insulin you take unless your healthcare provider tells you to. The amount of insulin and the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take different types of insulin.

Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.

Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.