Novolin R Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Novolin R Injection (insulin human, regular insulin) is a man-made short-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. It can be injected under the skin or, under medical supervision, given into a vein for faster control, including in situations like diabetic ketoacidosis or during surgery or labor. It is available as a vial or a prefilled FlexPen. Dosing is individualized and should always follow your doctor's instructions.

What is Novolin R Injection

Novolin R is a man-made (recombinant) human insulin that is short-acting. It is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Novolin R Injection uses

• Improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes
• Improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 2 diabetes
• Used intravenously under medical supervision, including for diabetic ketoacidosis and glucose control during surgery or labor

Benefits of Novolin R Injection

• Helps lower blood glucose by helping the body use and store sugar
• Can be injected under the skin or, under medical supervision, given into a vein for faster blood sugar control
• Available in vial and prefilled pen forms for flexible use

How Novolin R Injection works

Novolin R works like the body's natural insulin. It helps muscle and fat cells take in sugar from the blood for energy, and it stops the liver from making more sugar. This lowers blood sugar levels.

Novolin R Injection dosage

Inject under the skin about 30 minutes before a meal. It can be injected into the stomach area, buttocks, thighs, or upper arms; rotate injection sites within the same area to reduce skin problems. Do not inject into areas with pits, thickening, lumps, tenderness, bruising, scaling, hardness, scars, or damaged skin. Do not use in an insulin pump.

Novolin R can be mixed with Novolin N (NPH) insulin only; draw up Novolin R first, then inject right away after mixing. Do not mix with any other insulin for intravenous use. Check the insulin label every time before injecting to avoid mix-ups with other insulins. Do not shake or roll the vial before drawing up a dose, since this can cause bubbles or foam.

When used intravenously, this should only be done by a healthcare provider under close monitoring. Children and elderly patients may need extra care with dosing and monitoring due to a higher risk of low blood sugar.

Available forms and strengths

• 10 mL multiple-dose vial
• 3 mL single-patient-use FlexPen prefilled pen

Side effects of Novolin R Injection

Common

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching
• Weight gain
• Swelling in hands, feet, legs, or ankles (edema)
• Skin changes at injection site such as pits or thickening (lipodystrophy)

Serious

• Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction (whole body rash, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, swelling of face, tongue or throat, sweating)
• Severe hypoglycemia that can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, or death
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) which can cause breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, or death
• Heart failure or worsening heart failure when used with certain diabetes pills called TZDs (thiazolidinediones)

Warnings and precautions

• Never share your FlexPen or syringes with other people, even if you change the needle. This can spread serious infections.
• Changes in your insulin regimen, such as switching insulin type, strength, brand, or injection method, can cause high or low blood sugar and should be made only under close medical supervision with more frequent blood sugar checks.
• Accidental mix-ups between this insulin and other insulin products can happen. Always check the insulin label before each injection.
• This medicine can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
• This medicine can cause low potassium levels in the blood, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Using this medicine together with certain diabetes pills called TZDs (thiazolidinediones) can cause fluid retention and may lead to or worsen heart failure.
• Do not use this medicine during an episode of low blood sugar or if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar during pregnancy.
• Novolin R may pass into breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.
• People with kidney problems may need more frequent dose adjustments and blood sugar monitoring because of a higher risk of low blood sugar.
• People with liver problems may need more frequent dose adjustments and blood sugar monitoring because of a higher risk of low blood sugar.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or using medicines that contain alcohol while using this medicine, as alcohol can change how your blood sugar responds.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, since low blood sugar can impair concentration and reaction time.

Storage

• Keep Novolin R and all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Do not freeze Novolin R. Do not use Novolin R if it has been frozen.
• Keep Novolin R away from heat or light.
• Store unopened vials in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date.
• Unopened vials may be kept at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) but must be thrown away after 42 days.
• Opened vials can be stored at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 42 days; do not refrigerate after opening.
• Store unused FlexPen in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date.
• Unused FlexPen kept at room temperature should be thrown away after 28 days.
• The FlexPen in use should be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) and thrown away after 28 days, even if insulin remains.
• Store the FlexPen without the needle attached.
• Place used syringes, needles, and pens in a puncture-resistant sharps container or a hard plastic/metal container with a screw-on cap; do not throw loose needles in household trash.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash over your whole body, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, or sweating.
• Get emergency help if you have severe low blood sugar that needs hospitalization or emergency care, and tell hospital staff the dose of insulin you use.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in your ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain.
• Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of low potassium, such as muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing.

Alternatives

• Humulin R
• NovoLog / NovoRapid
• Fiasp