Humulin R U-500 (Page 4 of 5)
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenicity and fertility studies were not performed with HUMULIN R U-500 in animals. Biosynthetic human insulin was not genotoxic in the in vivo sister chromatid exchange assay and the in vitro gradient plate and unscheduled DNA synthesis assays.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
HUMULIN R U-500 (500 units/mL) injection is available in a clear, colorless solution as:
2 x 3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen | NDC 0002-8824-27 |
20 mL multiple-dose vial | NDC 0002-8501-01 |
The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen dials in 5 unit increments.
16.2 Storage and Handling
Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use.
Protect from heat and light. Do not freeze. Do not use if it has been frozen. Do not shake the vial. See Table 2 below for storage conditions.
a When stored at room temperature, HUMULIN R U-500 vial can only be used for a total of 40 days, including both not in-use (unopened) and in-use (opened) storage time. | ||||
b When stored at room temperature, HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen can only be used for a total of 28 days, including both not in-use (unopened) and in-use (opened) storage time. | ||||
Not In-use(Unopened) | In-use(Opened) | |||
Room Temperature(up to 86°F [30°C]) | Refrigerated(36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) | Room Temperature(up to 86°F [30°C]) | Refrigerated(36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) | |
20 mL multiple-dose viala | 40 days | Until expiration date | 40 days | 40 days |
3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPenb | 28 days | Until expiration date | 28 days | Do not refrigerate. |
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
See FDA-approved patient labeling.
Patients should be counseled that HUMULIN R U-500 is a 5-times concentrated insulin product. Extreme caution must be observed in the measurement of dosage because inadvertent overdose may result in serious adverse reaction or life-threatening hypoglycemia. Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between HUMULIN R U-500 and other insulins, patients should be instructed to always check the insulin label before each injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
If using the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen, patients should be counseled to dial and dose the prescribed number of units of insulin (no dose conversion is required) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
When using HUMULIN R U-500 from a vial, patients should be counseled to use only a U-500 insulin syringe and be informed that no dose conversion is required [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Patients should be instructed on self-management procedures including glucose monitoring, proper injection technique, and management of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, especially at initiation of HUMULIN R U-500 therapy. Patients must be instructed on handling of special situations such as intercurrent conditions (illness, stress, or emotional disturbances), an inadequate or skipped insulin dose, inadvertent administration of an increased insulin dose, inadequate food intake, and skipped meals. Advise patients that changes in insulin regimen can predispose to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia and that changes in insulin regimen should be made under close medical supervision. Refer patients to the HUMULIN R U-500 Patient Information Leaflet for additional information [see Warnings and Precautions (5)].
Do not dilute or mix HUMULIN R U-500 with any other insulin products or solutions [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Literature Revised: June 2022
Manufactured by:
Eli Lilly and Company,
Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
US License Number 1891Copyright © 1997, 2022, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
LINR500-0009-USPI-20220627
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. | Revised: June 2022 |
LINR500-0006-PPI-20220627 | |
Patient Information Humulin ® (HU-mu-lin) R U-500 (insulin human) injection, for subcutaneous use U-500 (500 units/mL) | |
Do not share your Humulin R U-500 KwikPen or U-500 insulin syringes with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them. What is Humulin R U-500?
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Who should not take Humulin R U-500? Do not take Humulin R U-500 if you:
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What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Humulin R U-500? Before using Humulin R U-500, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including, if you:
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Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.Before you start using Humulin R U-500, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it. | |
How should I use Humulin R U-500?
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Keep Humulin R U-500 and all medicines out of reach of children. | |
Your dose of Humulin R U-500 may need to change because of: • change in level of physical activity or exercise, weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, change in diet, or because of other medicines you take. | |
What should I avoid while using Humulin R U-500? While using Humulin R U-500 do not:
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What are the possible side effects of Humulin R U-500? Humulin R U-500 may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
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Treatment with TZDs and Humulin R U-500 may need to be adjusted or stopped by your healthcare provider if you have new or worse heart failure.Get emergency medical help if you have: | |
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The most common side effects of Humulin R U-500 include: | |
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These are not all of the possible side effects of Humulin R U-500. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. | |
General Information about the safe and effective use of Humulin R U-500 Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Humulin R U-500 for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Humulin R U-500 to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about Humulin R U-500. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Humulin R U-500 that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information go to www.humulin.com or call 1-800-545-5979. | |
What are the ingredients in Humulin R U-500? Active ingredient: insulin humanInactive ingredients: glycerin, metacresol, zinc oxide, and Water for Injection as inactive ingredients. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust the pH.Manufactured by: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA US License Number 1891 For more information about Humulin R U-500 go to www.humulin.com. Copyright © 2015, 2022, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved. |
Instructions for Use Humulin® R U-500 (insulin human)injection, for subcutaneous use20 mL multiple-dose vial (500 units/mL) |
Please read these instructions before use.
Important Information
- Humulin R U-500 is a concentrated insulin.
- Know your dose. Your health care provider will tell you the number of insulin units that you should take.
- Always inject Humulin R U-500 insulin with a U-500 syringe. Other syringes will not measure your dose correctly.
- If you use the wrong syringe, you can give yourself a severe overdose. This can cause very low blood sugar, which may put your life in danger. For example, using a U-100 syringe can give you a 5 times overdose.
- If you do not have a U-500 syringe, you should contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Information
- Each line on the U-500 syringe measures 5 units of U-500 insulin.
- You can give from 5 to 250 units in one injection.
- If your dose is more than 250 units, you will need to give more than 1 injection.
- Make sure you know how to draw up your dose with a U-500 syringe. If you need help, call your health care provider.
- Do not reuse your U-500 syringe.
- Do not share your U – 500 syringes with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
- Do not mix Humulin R U-500 with other insulins in the same syringe.
- You can get more instructions by calling Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
Supplies | |
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Before You Start
- Check your vial. Make sure it says Humulin R U-500.
- Check the expiration date on the vial. Do not use it if it is expired. Throw away the opened vial after 40 days, even if there is still insulin left in the vial.
- See if the insulin in the vial is clear. Do not use if it is thick, cloudy, or colored or has solid particles.
- Make sure you have a new U-500 Syringe. Check for the green U-500 symbol and green Needle Shield.
- Check your supply. Make sure you have enough Humulin R U-500 insulin and U-500 syringes for several injections. Always reorder before you run out.
- Check with your health care provider if you have any questions.
Use only a U-500 syringe to inject Humulin R U-500 insulin
Prepare
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Always use a new syringe for each injection to help prevent infections and blocked needles.
Inject
- Inject your insulin exactly as your healthcare provider has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose for each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
Disposal of used syringes
Storage and Handling
- Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
- Do not shake the vial.
Unopened vials:
- Store unopened vials in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze Humulin R U-500. If it has been frozen, do not use it.
- If unopened vials have been stored in the refrigerator, you may use them until the expiration date.
After the vial has been opened:
- Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature (up to 86°F [30°C]) for up to 40 days.
- Throw away the opened vial after 40 days, even if there is still insulin left in the vial.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need to use a U-500 syringe?
Humulin R U-500 insulin and a U-500 syringe work together to help you inject the correct dose. Using any other syringe may result in dosing mistakes. This may put your life in danger. - Do I have to convert my Humulin R U-500 insulin dose when I use the U-500 syringe?
No, you do not have to convert your dose. Your health care provider should tell you how much Humulin R U-500 insulin to take in units and when to take it. Your health care provider should show you how to draw up your dose using the U-500 syringe. - What should I do if I run out of U-500 syringes?
If you run out of U-500 syringes, do not use any other syringe to inject Humulin R U-500 insulin. Call your health care provider or pharmacist for help. You may also call Lilly at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979).
Where to get more information and help
- If you have any questions about Humulin R U-500 insulin or U-500 syringes, contact Lilly at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1-800-545-5979).
- You can also call your health care provider or pharmacist.
- For more information on Humulin R U-500 insulin, go to www.humulin.com
Scan this code to launch the humulin.com website
These Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Humulin® is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
Manufactured by:
Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
US License Number 1891
Copyright © 1996, 2022, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
Literature revised: June 2022

LINR500VL-0004-IFU-20220627
Instructions for Use
HUMULIN® R U-500 KwikPen®
(insulin human)
injection, for subcutaneous use3 mL single-patient-use pen (500 units/mL, U-500)
Read the Instructions for Use before you start taking HUMULIN R U-500 and each time you get another Pen. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not share your HUMULIN R U-500 Pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen (“Pen”) is a disposable single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 1500 units of HUMULIN R. You can give yourself more than 1 dose from the Pen. Each turn (click) of the Dose Knob dials 5 units of insulin. You can give from 5 to 300 units in a single injection. The plunger only moves a little with each injection, and you may not notice that it moves. The plunger will only reach the end of the cartridge when you have used all 1500 units in the Pen.
Inject HUMULIN R U-500 only with your Pen. Do not transfer insulin from your Pen to a syringe.
People who are blind or have vision problems should not use the Pen without help from a person trained to use the Pen.
How to recognize your HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen
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Supplies needed to give your injection
- HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen
- KwikPen compatible Needle (Becton, Dickinson and Company Pen Needles recommended)
- Alcohol swab
Preparing your Pen
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Check the Pen to make sure you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially important if you use more than 1 type of insulin.
- Do not use your Pen past the expiration date printed on the Label or for more than 28 days after you first start using the Pen.
- Always use a new Needle for each injection to help prevent infections and blocked Needles. Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
Priming your Pen
Prime before each injection.
- Priming your Pen means removing the air from the Needle and Cartridge that may collect during normal use and ensures that the Pen is working correctly.
- If you do not prime before each injection, you may get too much or too little insulin.
Selecting your dose
This Pen has been made to deliver the dose in insulin units that is shown in the Dose Window. Ask your healthcare provider what your dose should be for this Pen.
- You can give from 5 to 300 units in a single injection.
- If your dose is more than 300 units, you will need to give more than 1 injection.
- –
- If you need help with dividing up your dose the right way, ask your healthcare provider.
- –
- You must use a new Needle for each injection and repeat the priming step.
- The Pen will not let you dial more than the number of units left in the Pen.
- If your dose is more than the number of units left in the Pen, you may either:
- –
- inject the amount left in your Pen and then use a new Pen to give the rest of your dose, or
- –
- get a new Pen and inject your full dose.
- It is normal to see a small amount of insulin left in the Pen that you cannot inject. Do not transfer this to a syringe. Severe overdose can happen.
Giving your injection
- Inject your insulin as your healthcare provider has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose for each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
- Do not try to change your dose while injecting.
After your injection
Step 12:
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Step 13:
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Step 14:
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- Put your used Needles in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) loose Needles in your household trash.
- If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
- –
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
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- can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
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- upright and stable during use,
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- leak-resistant, and
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- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA’s website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
- The used Pen may be discarded in your household trash after you have removed the needle.
Storing your Pen
Unused Pens
- Store unused Pens in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Do not freeze HUMULIN R U-500. Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Unused Pens may be used until the expiration date printed on the Label, if the Pen has been kept in the refrigerator.
In-use Pen
- Store the Pen you are currently using at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C). Keep away from heat and light.
- Throw away the Pen you are using after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
What you should know if you are switching to HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen
Ask your healthcare provider what your dose should be for your Pen in insulin units. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing.
If you are: | It is important to know: |
Switching from HUMULIN R U-500 vial (and syringe) | Your Pen may measure your dose differently. The markings in the Dose Window may not be the same as the markings on the syringe you used in the past. If you were using the U-500 syringe to administer your dose, the markings on the syringe may be the same as the markings in the Pen Dose Window.Ask your healthcare provider what dose in insulin units you should dial on your Pen. |
Switching from another type of insulin device or pen. | The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen is different from other pens. It dials 5 insulin units with each click of the Dose Knob.Do not select your dose by counting clicks. You may get too much insulin or you may not get enough insulin. |
General information about the safe and effective use of your Pen
- Keep your Pen and Needles out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use your Pen if any part looks broken or damaged.
- Always carry an extra Pen in case yours is lost or damaged.
Troubleshooting
- If you cannot remove the Pen Cap, gently twist the cap back and forth, and then pull the cap straight off.
- If it is hard to push the Dose Knob:
- –
- Pushing the Dose Knob more slowly will make it easier to inject.
- –
- Your Needle may be blocked. Put on a new Needle and prime the Pen.
- –
- You may have dust, food, or liquid inside the Pen. Throw the Pen away and get a new Pen.
If you have any questions or problems with your HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen, contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or call your healthcare provider for help. For more information on HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen and insulin, go to www.humulin.com.

Scan this code to launch www.humulin.com
These Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
HUMULIN® and HUMULIN® KwikPen® are trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company.
Manufactured by:
Eli Lilly and Company
Indianapolis, IN 46285, USAUS License Number 1891
Copyright © 2015, 2022, Eli Lilly and Company. All rights reserved.
HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen meets the current dose accuracy and functional requirements of ISO 11608-1. |
Document revision date: June 2022

LINR500KP-0005-IFU-20220627
All MedLibrary.org resources are included in as near-original form as possible, meaning that the information from the original provider has been rendered here with only typographical or stylistic modifications and not with any substantive alterations of content, meaning or intent.