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Humulin
Insulin human · Injection, Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin [CS] | CS | All 21 members |
| Insulin [EPC] | EPC | 5 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 018780-001 | HUMULIN R | INJECTABLE | INSULIN RECOMBINANT HUMAN | Over-the-counter | — | ||
| 018780-002 | HUMULIN R KWIKPEN | SOLUTION | INSULIN HUMAN | Prescription | — | ||
| 018780-004 | HUMULIN R | SOLUTION | INSULIN HUMAN | Prescription | — | ||
| 018780-005 | HUMULIN R PEN | INJECTABLE | INSULIN RECOMBINANT HUMAN | Over-the-counter | — |
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 180 | Labeling | Approved | June 27, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 176 | Labeling | Approved | November 15, 2019 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 175 | Labeling | Approved | November 15, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 172 | Labeling | Approved | August 22, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 168 | Labeling | Approved | November 6, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 134 | Labeling | Approved | May 25, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 126 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 25, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 153 | Labeling | Approved | July 8, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 155 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 24, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 154 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 26, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 152 | Labeling | Approved | December 29, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 135 | Labeling | Approved | December 29, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 151 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 8, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 150 | Labeling | Approved | February 25, 2015 | 901 Required |
| Supplement | 149 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 30, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 148 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 23, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 147 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 20, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 146 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 18, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 145 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 15, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 144 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 31, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 143 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 30, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 142 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 10, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 132 | Labeling | Approved | March 9, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 139 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 9, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 141 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 7, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 127 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 29, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 133 | Labeling | Approved | October 30, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 120 | Efficacy | Approved | March 25, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 124 | Labeling | Approved | March 21, 2011 | Standard |
| Supplement | 128 | Labeling | Approved | June 10, 2010 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 114 | Labeling | Approved | September 10, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 94 | Labeling | Approved | September 7, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 95 | Labeling | Approved | August 22, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 86 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 25, 2005 | Standard |
| Supplement | 80 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 10, 2003 | Standard |
| Supplement | 66 | Labeling | Approved | April 14, 2003 | Standard |
| Supplement | 78 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 10, 2003 | Standard |
| Supplement | 67 | Labeling | Approved | February 10, 2003 | Standard |
| Supplement | 76 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 25, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 70 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 10, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 75 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 29, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 74 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 29, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 73 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 29, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 65 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 29, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 72 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 21, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 71 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 21, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 69 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 13, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 64 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 19, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 63 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 2, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 61 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 25, 1999 | Standard |
| Supplement | 58 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 6, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 57 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 20, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 56 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 16, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 55 | Labeling | Approved | April 16, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 54 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 28, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 52 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 26, 1996 | Standard |
| Supplement | 50 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 26, 1996 | Standard |
| Supplement | 51 | Labeling | Approved | July 10, 1996 | Standard |
| Supplement | 49 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 25, 1996 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 15, 1996 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · June 30, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · June 28, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · August 17, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
- This Former NDA Was Deemed To Be a BLA on March 23, 2020. · Supplement · March 23, 2020
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260701). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE HUMULIN R U-500 is a concentrated human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus requiring more than 200 units of insulin per day. HUMULIN ® R U-500 is a concentrated human insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus requiring more than 200 units of insulin per day. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use: The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 used in combination with other insulins has not been determined. The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 delivered by continuous subcutaneous infusion has not been determined. ( 1.1 ) 1.1 Limitation of Use The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 used in combination with other insulins has not been determined. The safety and efficacy of HUMULIN R U-500 delivered by continuous subcutaneous infusion has not been determined.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for important administration instructions. ( 2.1 ) Subcutaneous injection: inject subcutaneously 30 minutes before a meal into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks. Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. ( 2.2 ) Intravenous infusion: administer intravenously ONLY under medical supervision at concentrations from 0.1 unit/mL to 1 unit/mL in infusion systems containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. ( 2.2 ) Individualize dose based on route of administration, metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal. ( 2.3 ) HUMULIN R given by subcutaneous injection should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. ( 2.3 ) Do not mix with insulin preparations other than HUMULIN ® N. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Always check the insulin label before administration to confirm the correct insulin product is being used [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Inspect HUMULIN R visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless. Do not use HUMULIN R if particulate matter or coloration is seen. 2.2 Route of Administration Subcutaneous Injection Inject HUMULIN R subcutaneously approximately 30 minutes before meals 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 ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . HUMULIN R may be diluted with Sterile Diluent for HUMULIN R for subcutaneous injection ONLY under medical supervision. Dilute one part HUMULIN R to nine parts diluent to yield a concentration one-tenth that of HUMULIN R (equivalent to U-10). Dilute one part HUMULIN R to one part diluent to yield a concentration one-half that of HUMULIN R (equivalent to U-50). Diluted HUMULIN R may be used for 28 days when stored at 41°F (5°C) or for 14 days when stored at 86°F (30°C). Intravenous Administration Administer HUMULIN R intravenously ONLY under medical supervision with close monitoring of blood glucose and potassium levels to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.6 )] . For intravenous use, HUMULIN R should be used at concentrations from 0.1 unit/mL to 1 unit/mL in infusion systems containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Intravenous infusion bags prepared with HUMULIN R are stable when stored in a refrigerator (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) for 48 hours and then may be used at room temperature for up to an additional 48 hours. 2.3 Dosing Instructions Individualize and adjust the dosage of HUMULIN R based on the route of administration, the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. HUMULIN R given by subcutaneous injection should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function, or during acute illness [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Dosage adjustment may be needed when changing from another insulin to HUMULIN R [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 2.4 Dosage Adjustment due to Drug Interactions Dosage adjustment may be needed when HUMULIN R is co-administered with certain drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . 2.5 Instructions for Mixing with Other Insulins for Subcutaneous Injection Do not mix HUMULIN R with insulin preparations other than HUMULIN N. To mix HUMULIN R and HUMULIN N, draw HUMULIN R int …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 500 units/mL (U-500) clear, colorless solution available as: 3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen prefilled pen (containing 1,500 units of insulin) Injection: 500 units/mL (U-500) available as: ( 3 ) 3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN ® R U-500 KwikPen ® prefilled pen (containing 1,500 units of insulin)
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS HUMULIN R U-500 is contraindicated: During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] In patients who are hypersensitive to HUMULIN R U-500 or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia. ( 4 ) Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to HUMULIN R U-500 or any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Never share needles or syringes with another person. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; in patients with renal or hepatic impairment or with hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions : Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue HUMULIN R, monitor, and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) : Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Never Share Needles or Syringes between Patients Patients using HUMULIN R vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, adjustments in concomitant anti-diabetic medications may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of all insulins, including HUMULIN R. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] , or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of HUMULIN R may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglyce …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Adverse reactions observed with HUMULIN R include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, weight gain, edema, pruritus, and rash. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies or Postmarketing Reports The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during clinical studies or from postmarketing reports with use of HUMULIN R. Because some of these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse reactions associated with insulin initiation and glucose control intensification Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. Over the long-term, improved glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy. Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe allergic reactions may include anaphylaxis, generalized skin reactions, rash, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in HUMULIN R. Hypokalemia HUMULIN R can cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Injection Site Reactions Injection site reactions may include injection site hematoma, pain, hemorrhage, erythema, nodules, swelling, discoloration, pruritus, warmth, and injection site mass. Lipodystrophy Administration of insulin subcutaneously, including HUMULIN R, has resulted in lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) in some patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Localized Cutaneous Amyloidosis Localized cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection site has occurred. Hyperglycemia has been reported with repeated insulin injections into areas of localized cutaneous amyloidosis; hypoglycemia has been reported with a sudden change to an unaffected injection site. Medication Errors Medication errors in which other insulins have been accidentally substituted for HUMULIN R have been identified during postapproval use. Peripheral Edema Insulins, including HUMULIN R, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy. Weight Gain Weight gain can occur with insulins, including HUMULIN R, and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin. Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, insulin administration may cause anti-insulin antibodies to form. The incidence of antibody formation with HUMULIN R is unknown.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with HUMULIN R U-500 Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs : Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention : Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R U-500 is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of HUMULIN R U 500 Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R U-500 is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of HUMULIN R U 500 Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R U-500 is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMULIN R U-500 is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism: Adjustment of insulin dosage may be needed. ( 7 ) Antiadrenergic Drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. ( 5.2 , 7 )
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published studies over decades have not established an association with human insulin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ) . There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations). Animal reproduction studies were not performed. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with a HbA1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from retrospective studies, open-label, randomized, parallel studies and meta-analyses over decades have not established an association with human insulin use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. All available studies have methodological limitations, including lack of blinding, unclear methods or randomization, and small sample size. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Available data from published literature suggests that exogenous human insulin products, including HUMULIN R, are transferred into human milk. There are no adverse reactions reported in breastfed infants in the literature. There are no data on the effects of exogenous human insulin products, including HUMULIN R on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for HUMULIN R and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from HUMULIN R or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use HUMULIN R is indicated to improve glycemic control in pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. The dosage of HUMULIN R must be individualized in pediatric patients based on metabolic needs and frequent monitoring of blood glucose to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 8.5 Geriatric Use The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HUMULIN R has not been studied. Elderly patients using HUMULIN R may be at increased risk of hypoglycemia due to co-morbid disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 8.6 Renal Impairment The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HUMULIN R has not been studied. Patients with renal impairment are at increased risk of hypoglycemia and may require more frequent HUMULIN R dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . 8.7 Hepatic Impairment The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HUMULIN R has not been studied. Patients with hepatic impairment are at increased risk of hypoglycemia and may require more frequent HUMULIN R dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The primary activity of insulin, including HUMULIN R, is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Insulin human is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli and has the empirical formula C 257 H 383 N 65 O 77 S 6 with a molecular weight of 5.808 kDa. HUMULIN R U-500 (insulin human) injection is a sterile, aqueous, and colorless solution for subcutaneous use. HUMULIN R U-500 contains 500 units of insulin human in each milliliter. Each milliliter of HUMULIN R U-500 also contains glycerin (16 mg), metacresol (2.5 mg), zinc oxide to supplement the endogenous zinc to obtain a total zinc content of 0.017 mg/100 units, and Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid may be added during manufacture to adjust the pH. The pH is 7.0 to 7.8.
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed. More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with a glucagon product for emergency use or intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.6 )] .
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied HUMULIN R injection is 100 units/mL (U-100), a clear and colorless solution available as: 10 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-8215-01 3 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-8215-17 3 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-0213-01 Patients using HUMULIN R vials must never share needles or syringes with another person. 16.2 Storage and Handling Protect from heat and light. Do not freeze. Do not use HUMULIN R after the expiration date printed on the label or if it has been frozen. See Table 3 below for storage conditions. Table 3: Storage Conditions HUMULIN R Vials a a When stored at room temperature, HUMULIN R can only be used for a total of 31 days including both not in-use (unopened) and in-use (opened) storage time. Not In-use (Unopened) In-use (Opened) Room Temperature (up to 86°F [30°C]) Refrigerated (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) Room Temperature (up to 86°F [30°C]) Refrigerated (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) 10 mL multiple-dose vial 3 mL multiple-dose vial 31 days Until expiration date 31 days 31 days Storage of Diluted HUMULIN R and Intravenous Infusion Preparations with HUMULIN R Diluted HUMULIN R for subcutaneous injection may be stored for 28 days when refrigerated at 36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C] or for 14 days at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. Intravenous infusion bags prepared with HUMULIN R may be stored for 48 hours when refrigerated at 36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]. The prepared intravenous infusion bags may then be stored at room temperature for up to an additional 48 hours [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .
16.1 How Supplied HUMULIN R injection is 100 units/mL (U-100), a clear and colorless solution available as: 10 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-8215-01 3 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-8215-17 3 mL multiple-dose vial NDC 0002-0213-01 Patients using HUMULIN R vials must never share needles or syringes with another person.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: INSULIN HUMAN. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0002-0213-01 | 0002-0213 | Eli Lilly and Company | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0002-0213-01) / 3 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | June 20, 2023 |
| 0002-8215-01 | 0002-8215 | Eli Lilly and Company | 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0002-8215-01) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE | June 27, 1983 |
| 0002-8824-27 | 0002-8824 | Eli Lilly and Company | 2 SYRINGE in 1 CARTON (0002-8824-27) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE | March 25, 2016 |
| 0002-0213 | 0002-0213 | Eli Lilly and Company | — | June 27, 1983 |
| 0002-8215 | 0002-8215 | Eli Lilly and Company | — | June 27, 1983 |
| 0002-8824 | 0002-8824 | Eli Lilly and Company | — | December 29, 2015 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.