Novolin R
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.
What is Novolin R?
What is Novolin R used for?
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
How Novolin R works
Novolin R is a short-acting insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone your body normally makes to lower glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It helps your body absorb and store sugar and fat from your bloodstream after eating a meal.
Drug Facts
More on Novolin R essentials
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What are the side effects of Novolin R?
Common Side Effects
- 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)
Serious Side Effects
- Severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar): if not treated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, and even death
- Severe allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of face, tongue, and throat, difficulty breathing
- Dangerously low levels of potassium: if not treated, it can lead to difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and even death
Source: DailyMed
More on Novolin R side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
blurred vision
chills
cold sweats
confusion
convulsions
cool, pale skin
decreased urine
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
flushing or redness of the skin
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
loss of appetite
muscle pain or cramps
nightmares
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
sweating
swelling
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusually warm skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
redistribution or accumulation of body fat
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Novolin R
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
Pharmacist tips for Novolin R
Check the vials or pens before use. They shouldn't contain any solid particles, and the solution should be clear and colorless.
Novolin R shouldn't be mixed with any types of insulin except for insulin NPH (Novolin N, Humulin N), which is an intermediate-acting insulin. If you're mixing Novolin R with inuslin NPH (Novolin N, Humulin N), make sure to draw up Novolin R into your syringe first. Inject yourself right after mixing.
If not in use or unopened, the Novolin R vials can be stored in a refrigerator until the expiration date, or at room temperature for 42 days. Opened vials should be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days. Don't refrigerate opened vials.
If not in use or unopened, the Novolin R pens can be stored in a refrigerator until the expiration date, or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Opened pens should be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Don't refrigerate opened pens.
Don't skip meals when taking Novolin R. Changes in meals, exercise routines, weight, stress, and illnesses can cause changes in your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience a change in your lifestyle because your dose might need to be adjusted.
For proper use, inject Novolin R under your skin (subcutaneously) in your upper arm, abdomen (stomach area), buttocks, or thigh (upper leg). Rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation or fat buildup under the skin. Never inject it into a vein or muscle. This can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and infections. Ask your pharmacist about proper injection technique.
Don't re-use needles. Always use a new needle for each injection. Reusing needles raises your chance of having blocked needles, which can cause you to get the wrong dose of Novolin R. Using a new needle for each injection also lowers your risk of getting an infection.
Teach yourself and your family members how to recognize and treat the symptoms of low blood sugar. The following are some common symptoms of low blood sugar: feeling shaky or hungry, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, feeling sleepy, weakness, or low energy.
Frequently asked questions about Novolin R
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What are the risks and warnings for Novolin R?
Novolin R can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Infections or diseases
Never share Novolin R pens, syringes, or needles with anyone else. Sharing Novolin R with someone puts you at risk of getting very dangerous diseases and infections.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes | Over age 65 | Liver or kidney problems | Not injecting insulin correctly
Novolin R alone or together with other diabetic medications can cause low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar may be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, feeling sleepy, weakness or low energy, and excessive hunger. This can happen suddenly and can appear differently for each person. Make sure you know how to treat low blood sugar before using this medication. It's best to carry with you some form of fast-acting sugar at all times while you are taking this medication because you can use these to raise your blood sugar if it becomes too low. Some examples of fast-acting sugars include: 3-4 glucose (sugar) tablets, 6-8 pieces of hard candy, or one-half cup of fruit juice.
Low blood potassium levels
Risk factors: Taking laxatives | Taking medications that increase urination
Novolin R can lower levels of potassium in your blood which can be dangerous. You're more at risk if you're already taking medications that lower your potassium. Your provider will check your potassium levels regularly and might give you medications to keep your potassium normal. Symptoms of low potassium levels include weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, digestive problems, abnormal heartbeats, or kidney problems.
Swelling and heart failure
Risk factors: Taking PPAR-gamma agonists | Heart failure
Taking Novolin R with thiazolidinediones (like pioglitazone or rosiglitazone), which are called PPAR-gamma agonists, can cause your body to hold onto fluid. This can be especially dangerous if you have heart failure because additional fluid can worsen your heart failure. Make sure your provider knows about your complete medical history before starting this medication.
Novolin R dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3ml of 100 units/ml | 1 flexpen | $8.82 | $8.82 |
Typical dosing for Novolin R
The dose of Novolin R will be different for each person. The dose depends on whether you're using it for type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, your weight, how well you respond to insulin, and your blood sugar levels. Please follow the directions from your provider carefully.
Novolin R is typically injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously) before each meal.
Interactions between Novolin R and other drugs
More on Novolin R interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
How much does Novolin R cost?
Novolin R contraindications
Having episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
What are alternatives to Novolin R?
Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults
Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults
What is the latest news about Novolin R?
Novolin R images
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