What Is Humulin Cartridges Used For?

Humulin Cartridges contain biosynthetic human insulin that is identical to the insulin your pancreas naturally produces. It helps manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.

Primary Uses

Humulin is used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with diabetes. It’s essential for people with Type 1 diabetes who always need insulin, and some people with Type 2 diabetes who may need insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise, and tablets doesn’t provide adequate control.

How It Works

Diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Humulin provides the extra insulin your body needs. There are 3 types available: Humulin R (solution), Humulin NPH (suspension), and Humulin 30/70 (pre-mixed suspension), each working for different lengths of time in your body.

How to Take Humulin Cartridges

Your doctor will determine your specific dose and timing. Humulin cartridges must be used with the HumaPen system and injected under the skin (subcutaneously).

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will tell you exactly how much Humulin to use each day and when to take it. Always check your cartridge before use – Humulin R should be clear and colorless, while Humulin NPH and 30/70 should be white and cloudy. For NPH and 30/70, roll the cartridge between your palms 10 times and invert 10 times to mix uniformly. Rotate injection sites (upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or abdomen) so the same spot isn’t used more than once a month.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. If you use less insulin than needed, high blood sugar may occur. Take your dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, contact your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Mild to moderate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with symptoms like weakness, trembling, sweating, light-headedness, headache, lack of concentration, behavior changes, dizziness, tearfulness, irritability, numbness around lips/fingers, hunger
• Local allergic reactions including redness, swelling and itching around injection site

Important Warnings

There are important safety considerations before using Humulin. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.

Who Should Not Take Humulin Cartridges

Do not use Humulin if you’re allergic to biosynthetic human insulin or any ingredients in the product, or when you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Humulin cartridges should never be injected into muscle or veins.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: previous allergic reactions to diabetes medications, use of other insulin types or brands, overactive thyroid or adrenal glands, acromegaly, adrenal gland tumors, kidney or liver disease, heart disease (especially if taking thiazolidinediones like pioglitazone or rosiglitazone as you may be at higher risk for fluid retention or heart failure).

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pregnancy can make diabetes management more difficult – insulin needs usually decrease in the first three months and increase in the last six months. If breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, your doctor may need to adjust your Humulin dose.

Drug Interactions

Several medications can affect how Humulin works, requiring dose adjustments. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

• Medications requiring LOWER Humulin dose: anabolic steroids, other diabetes medicines, aspirin/salicylates, sulfonamide antibiotics, certain depression medications (MAO inhibitors), blood pressure/heart medications (guanethidine, captopril, enalapril, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers), octreotide
• Medications requiring HIGHER Humulin dose: oral contraceptives, corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone), growth hormones, glucagon, adrenaline, thyroid replacement therapy, tuberculosis antibiotics (isoniazid), asthma medications (salbutamol, terbutaline), antipsychotics (phenothiazines), epilepsy medications (phenytoin)
• Medications requiring dose CHANGES: diuretics (water pills)

Alcohol & Driving

Both alcohol consumption and driving require special precautions when using Humulin due to the risk of low blood sugar affecting your ability to function safely.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) making it harder to recognize when your blood sugar is dangerously low. Alcohol may also affect your prescribed Humulin dose.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Humulin affects you. Never drive if you feel your blood sugar level is low. Hypoglycemia can impair your ability to concentrate or react while driving, creating dangerous situations.

Storage

Keep unused cartridges refrigerated between 2°C – 8°C and never freeze them. Once you start using a cartridge, you can keep it at room temperature below 30°C for up to 21 days. When the cartridge is in your pen, don’t store the pen in the fridge. Dispose of unrefrigerated cartridges after 21 days even if they still contain insulin. Don’t store cartridges in bathrooms, near sinks, heat sources, or in direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose Information

Using too much Humulin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For mild symptoms, eat glucose tablets, sugar, or drink something sugary, then eat fruit, biscuits, or a sandwich. If symptoms worsen with shallow breathing and pale skin, seek urgent medical attention. Immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26 / New Zealand 0800 764 766), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.

Frequently Asked Questions