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Compare Humulin R vs. Novolin R

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Humulin R (insulin regular) and Novolin R (insulin regular) are both short-acting insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They start working in about 30 minutes and last for several hours. Both medications are available over the counter and can be used with other diabetes medications like metformin. However, Humulin R has a unique, more concentrated form called Humulin R U-500, which is available by prescription only and is meant for those who need large doses of insulin. Novolin R is not available as a concentrated version. Both insulins come in pens and vials, but their storage instructions differ slightly. For example, opened Novolin R vials can be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days, while Humulin R vials can be stored for 31 days. Both medications require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and proper injection techniques to avoid complications like low blood sugar and infections.

  • Humulin r (insulin regular)
    Novolin r
  • Humulin r (insulin regular)
    Novolin r

  • Summary of Humulin R vs. Novolin R

    Summary for Insulin

    Humulin R (insulin regular) is a short-acting insulin. It's used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Humulin R (insulin regular) is typically injected under the skin 2 to 3 times daily 30 minutes before meals. Some common side effects of Humulin R (insulin regular) include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and injection-site redness or pain. Humulin R (insulin regular) is available in two different strengths: U-100 (100 units/mL) and U-500 (500 units/mL). Both strengths come as vials, but the U-500 also comes as a prefilled pen. <br> Note: Humulin R U-500 is prescription only; Humulin R U-100 is available both OTC and by prescription.

    Summary for Insulin

    Novolin R is a type of insulin used to control blood sugar for many hours during the day, but it might take time to find the right dose that works for you. This medication is available over the counter without a prescription.

  • Indications of Humulin R vs. Novolin R

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Humulin R vs. Novolin R

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
    •Available over the counter without a prescription (Humulin R U-100 only)
    •Comes as pen and vial (Humulin R U-500 only)
    Cons
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Given as injection
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    •Can be used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes
    •Can be used if you have liver or kidney problems, unlike many other diabetes medications
    •Available in 2 dosage forms: insulin pen and vial
    •Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket
    Cons
    •Must check your blood sugar regularly
    •Given through an injection
    •Can cause weight gain and fat buildup
    •Has higher risk of low blood sugar compared to some diabetes medications that are taken by mouth
    •Can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you don't take it every day or have an inconsistent meal and exercise schedule

  • Common Side Effects of Humulin R vs. Novolin R

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, warmth, changes in skin color)
    •Buildup or loss of fat tissue (lipodystrophy)
    •Weight gain
    •Swelling (edema)

  • Warnings of Humulin R vs. Novolin R

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections or diseases
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Humulin R vs. Novolin R

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