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Drugs A–Z

Insulin Human

Insulin Human is a prescription medicine (Insulin). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Recent recall — 1 ongoing recall reported in the last 90 days. Only the lots listed are affected. Details

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Afrezza, Humulin R U-500 KwikPen, Myxredlin
Drug class
Insulin
Taken
Subcutaneous
Label
Eli Lilly and Company, revised July 1, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Biosimilars
None approved · details

What it is used for

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.

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)

Who should not take it (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 precautions

Never share a HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 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 monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue HUMULIN R U-500, monitor, and treat if indicated. ( 5.4 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 ) 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. ( 5.6 )

5.1 Never Share a HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen Between Patients HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPens should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. 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 oral anti-diabetic treatment may be needed.

5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Severe hypoglycemia may develop as long as 18 to 24 hours after an injection of HUMULIN R U-500. 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 timing of hypoglycemia usually reflects the time-action profile of the administered insulin formulation. As with all insulin preparations, the glucose lowering effect time course of HUMULIN R U-500 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. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia do not administer HUMULIN R U-500 intravenously or in an insulin pump or dilute or mix HUMULIN R U-500 with any other insulin products or solutions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] .

5.4 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue HUMULIN R U-500; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] .

5.5 Hypokalemia All insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Use caution in patients who may be at risk for hypokalemia (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).

5.6 Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including HUMULIN R U-500, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of HUMULIN R U-500. Because 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 HUMULIN R U-500 include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, 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. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, including HUMULIN R U-500. Allergic Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, generalized skin reactions, rash, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock may occur with insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500 and may be life threatening. Lipodystrophy Long-term use of insulin, including HUMULIN R U-500, can cause lipodystrophy at the site of repeated insulin injections. Lipodystrophy includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue) and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injections sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . 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. Injection Site Reactions Patients taking HUMULIN R U-500 may experience injection site reactions, including injection site hematoma, pain, hemorrhage, erythema, nodules, swelling, discoloration, pruritus, warmth, and injection site mass. Weight Gain Weight gain can occur with insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500, and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin. Peripheral Edema Insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500, may cause sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy. Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, insulin administration may cause anti-insulin antibodies to form. The presence of antibodies that affect clinical efficacy may necessitate dose adjustments to correct for tendencies toward hyper- or hypoglycemia. The incidence of antibody formation with HUMULIN R U-500 is unknown.

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 )

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

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 U-500, 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 U-500 on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for HUMULIN R U-500 and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from HUMULIN R U-500 or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of HUMULIN R U-500 in pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus requiring more than 200 units of insulin per day to improve glycemic control have been established. Use of HUMULIN R U-500 for this indication is supported by evidence from studies with other insulin human in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and from studies in adults with diabetes mellitus. Standard precautions as applied to use of HUMULIN R U-500 in adults are appropriate for use in pediatric patients.

8.5 Geriatric Use The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of HUMULIN R U-500 has not been studied. Caution should be exercised when HUMULIN R U-500 is administered to geriatric patients. In elderly patients with diabetes, the initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemia.

8.6 Renal Impairment Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required in patients with renal impairment.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required in patients with hepatic impairment.

How it works

Regulation of glucose metabolism is the primary activity of insulins, including HUMULIN R U-500. Insulins lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulins inhibit lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhance protein synthesis.

Are there biosimilars to Insulin Human?

No. The FDA has not approved a biosimilar yet.

Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Insulin human in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Recalls

  • Class II Ongoing

    MYXREDLIN, Insulin Human in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, 100 units/100 mL (1 unit/mL), Rx only, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA, NDC 0338-0126-12.

    Reason: CGMP Deviations

    Baxter Healthcare Corporation

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Lot # NC188630, NC188708, NC188791, NC188845, NC188876, NC188968, Exp Date: 12/31/2027; Lot # NC193719, NC193849, Exp Date: 04/30/2028; Lot # NC194051, NC194105, Exp Date: 05/31/2028; Lot # NC195171, Exp Date: 06/30/2028.
    Distribution
    US Nationwide; Puerto Rico; and Chile.
    Quantity
    N/A
    Recall started
    August 6, 2026 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0806-2026

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID b60e8dd0-1d48-4dc9-87fd-e14675255e8c.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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