Humulin R (Insulin)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

HUMULIN R is a prescription drug that can treat hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas. Pancreas cells release insulin into the bloodstream, where they attach to cells that then take up glucose for energy. With too little insulin in the blood, sugar levels remain high, and they cannot get into cells for metabolism. Extra blood sugar can cause damage to many different organs.

Patients with diabetes cannot produce normal levels of effective insulin. HUMULIN R provides extra insulin to bring blood sugar levels down to normal.

Fact Table

Formula

C257H383N65O77S6

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

~70%

Legal status

OTC (U-100 only, in some states); Rx (U-500)

Chemical Name

Human Insulin (Regular Insulin)

Elimination half-life

~0.5–1 hour (duration of action 5–8 hours)

Dosage (Strength)

100 units/mL (U-100), 500 units/mL (U-500); available in 10 mL vials and KwikPens

Pregnancy

Safe under medical supervision (Category B)

Brands

Humulin R, Novolin R

Protein binding

Low

PubChem CID

16129678

MedlinePlus

a682404

ChEBI

5931

ATC code

A10AB01

DrugBank

DB00030

KEGG

D04466

Routes of administration

Subcutaneous injection, intravenous (in clinical settings)

Directions

The prescribing physician determines the dose of HUMULIN R insulin. It can be given between one to three times daily with meals.

Inject HUMULIN R insulin under the skin 30 minutes before eating. Do not skip meals after taking a dose.

Store HUMULIN R in the refrigerator before it is opened. Once open, HUMULIN R vials can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 28 days.

Ingredients

HUMULIN R contains the active ingredient short-acting human insulin. 

Human insulin begins working 30 minutes after injection and lasts for about 8 hours.

Interactions

HUMULIN R does not have drug interactions with other medications. However, many drugs can affect the blood sugar of people with diabetes. Use caution if you are taking any of the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Atypical Antipsychotics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Clonidine
  • Corticosteroids
  • Disopyramide
  • Diuretics
  • Estrogens/Progesterones
  • Fibrates
  • Fluoxetine
  • Isoniazid
  • Lithium
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Niacin
  • Oral antidiabetic agents
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Phenothiazine derivatives
  • Pramlintide
  • Propoxyphene
  • Protease inhibitors
  • Salicylates
  • Somatostatin Analogues
  • Somatropin
  • Sulfonamide Antibiotics
  • Sympathomimetic agents
  • Thyroid replacement medication

The dose of insulin may need to be adjusted if the above medications are increasing or decreasing blood sugar.

Cautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with your liver or kidneys. Tell your doctor if you make significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Check your insulin labels carefully before injection to avoid medication errors.

Side Effects

The common side effect of insulin treatment is hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Irritability
  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Tremor

Other common symptoms of HUMULIN R are:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Edema
  • Injection site reactions
  • Lipodystrophy
  • Pruritis
  • Rash
  • Weight gain

References

  • Humulin R [package insert].Indianapolis, IN: Lilly; 2019.

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Humulin R


    What does "regular" insulin mean?

    "Regular" insulin refers to short-acting human insulin that mimics natural insulin, but with a slower onset and longer duration than rapid-acting analogs.


    Can I take Humulin R at bedtime?

    Usually no. It’s meant for mealtime blood sugar control, not overnight basal needs. A long-acting insulin is better suited for bedtime dosing.


    How is Humulin R different from Humulin N?

    Humulin R: Short-acting, taken before meals
    Humulin N (NPH): Intermediate-acting, used for basal insulin coverage


    Can Humulin R cause low blood sugar?

    Yes. Hypoglycemia is the most common side effect, especially if meals are delayed, missed, or after strenuous activity.


    What are other side effects of Humulin R?

    Other possible side effects include:

    Injection site irritation
    Weight gain

    Rare: Allergic reactions, lipodystrophy


    Can I use Humulin R during pregnancy?

    Yes. Humulin R is considered safe in pregnancy, but insulin needs may vary by trimester. Close monitoring is essential.


    How should I rotate injection sites with Humulin R?

    Use different areas of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and rotate spots within each area to avoid tissue damage.


    Can I reuse syringes or pen needles with Humulin R?

    No. Always use a new needle for each injection to prevent infection, pain, and dosing errors.


    Is Humulin R affordable or covered by insurance?

    Yes. As a human insulin, it's generally less expensive than insulin analogs and is widely covered by insurance and discount programs.


    How do I draw up Humulin R when mixed with NPH?

    Always draw up Humulin R (clear) first, then NPH (cloudy) to avoid contaminating the R vial with NPH. Follow sterile technique and your doctor’s instructions.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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