![Humulin R U-500 KwikPen Insulin human 500 [iU]/mL Injection, Solution — NDC 00002-8824-27 package photo](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/image.cfm?setid=b60e8dd0-1d48-4dc9-87fd-e14675255e8c&name=humulin-r500-KP-carton-020-04.jpg)
Humulin R U-500 KwikPen Insulin human 500 [iU]/mL Injection, Solution
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Human insulin is used to control blood sugar in people who have type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not make insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or in people who have type 2 diabetes (condition in which the blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally) that cannot be controlled with oral medications alone. Human insulin is in a class of medications called hormones. Human insulin is used to take the place of insulin that is normally produced by the body. It works by helping move sugar from the blood into other...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Novolin is a human insulin — it's identical to the insulin your body naturally makes. It's prescribed to help control your blood sugar when your body doesn't produce enough insulin...
- What exactly is Novolin and why was I prescribed it?
- Yes, timing with meals matters. For subcutaneous use, you inject Novolin about 30 minutes before you start eating. You can inject into your abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm —...
- How do I take this injection, and does it matter when I eat?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
-
16 mg / 1 mL
UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
-
2.5 mg / 1 mL
UNII GGO4Y809LO
Metacresol is a preservative derived from coal tar or petroleum. It prevents bacterial and fungal growth in liquid medicines, helping keep the product safe and stable during storage.
-
UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
-
0.085 mg / 1 mL
UNII J41CSQ7QDS
A mineral element that strengthens tablet structure and acts as a processing aid. Zinc helps bind ingredients together and may improve the medicine's stability during manufacturing and storage.
4 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $91.638 | $549.83 / 6 ml |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $91.69 | $550.14 / 6 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $91.84 | $551.02 / 6 ml |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J1815 | No ASP payment limit on file for J1815 this quarter. | |
Where does this data come from?
🧾 Billing & reimbursement
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humulin R U-500 500 [iU]/mL 00002-8501-01 | Eli | 1 vial | $71.174 | — | Discontinued | save 22% |
| Humulin R U-500 KwikPen 500 [iU]/mLthis 00002-8824-27 | Eli | 2 syringes | $91.638 | — | Availability likely | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & biosimilar status
Biologics have no small-molecule generics; biosimilar competition is tracked in the FDA Purple Book.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00002-8824-27 You're viewing this | 2 SYRINGE in 1 CARTON (0002-8824-27) / 3 mL in 1 SYRINGE | 2016-03-25 | Active |
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 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 )
1.1Limitation 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.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adhere to administration instructions to reduce the risk of dosing errors. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) HUMULIN R U-500 is available as a single-patient-use KwikPen. ( 2.1 ) Individualize dose of HUMULIN R U-500 based on metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results and glycemic control goal.
( 2.2 ) Administer HUMULIN R U-500 subcutaneously two or three times daily 30 minutes before a meal into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks. Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. ( 2.1 , 2.2 ) Do NOT mix HUMULIN R U-500 with other insulins.
( 2.1 ) Do NOT administer HUMULIN R U-500 intravenously ( 2.1 ) Do NOT perform dose conversion when using the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen. The dose window of the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen shows the number of units of HUMULIN R U-500 to be injected. ( 2.3 ) Do NOT transfer HUMULIN R U-500 from the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen into any syringe.
( 2.3 )
2.1Important Administration Instructions Prescribe HUMULIN R U-500 ONLY to patients who require more than 200 units of insulin per day. HUMULIN R U-500 is available as a single-patient-use KwikPen. Instruct patients to always check the insulin label before administration to confirm the correct insulin product is being used.
Inspect HUMULIN R U-500 visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Only use HUMULIN R U-500 if the solution appears clear and colorless. Instruct patients to inject HUMULIN R U-500 subcutaneously into the thigh, upper arm, abdomen, or buttocks.
Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
Use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen with caution in patients with visual impairment that may rely on audible clicks to dial their dose. DO NOT administer HUMULIN R U-500 intravenously. DO NOT dilute or mix HUMULIN R U-500 with any other insulin products or solutions.
2.2Dosing Instructions Instruct patients to inject HUMULIN R U-500 subcutaneously usually two or three times daily approximately 30 minutes before meals. Individualize and titrate the dosage of HUMULIN R U-500 based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Dosage adjustments may be needed with changes in physical activity, changes in meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), changes in renal or hepatic function, changes in medications or during acute illness to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
2.3Delivery of HUMULIN R U-500 Using the HUMULIN R U-500 Disposable Prefilled KwikPen Device The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen dials in 5 unit increments and delivers a maximum dose of 300 units per injection. DO NOT perform dose conversion when using the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen. The dose window of the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen shows the number of units of HUMULIN R U-500 to be injected and NO dose conversion is required .
DO NOT transfer HUMULIN R U-500 from the HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen into any syringe for administration as overdose and severe hypoglycemia can occur [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE 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)
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 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 Cautions ▾
5 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 )
5.1Never 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.
5.2Hyperglycemia 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.
5.3Hypoglycemia 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…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 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 ▾
7 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 )
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy 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.
8.2Lactation 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.
8.4Pediatric 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.
8.5Geriatric 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.
8.6Renal Impairment Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required in patients with renal impairment.
8.7Hepatic Impairment Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required in patients with hepatic impairment.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy 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.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric 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.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric 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.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia usually can be treated with oral glucose. Adjustments in drug dosage, meal patterns, or exercise may be needed.
More severe episodes with coma, seizure, or neurologic impairment may be treated with a glucagon product for emergency use or concentrated intravenous glucose. Sustained carbohydrate intake and observation may be necessary because hypoglycemia may recur after apparent clinical recovery. Hypokalemia must be corrected appropriately.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action 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.
12.2Pharmacodynamics In a euglycemic clamp study of 24 healthy obese subjects (BMI=30-39 kg/m 2 ), single doses of HUMULIN R U-500 at 50 units (0.4-0.6 unit/kg) and 100 units (0.8-1.3 unit/kg) resulted in a mean time of onset of action of less than 15 minutes at both doses and a mean duration of action of 21 hours (range 13-24 hours). The time action characteristics reflect both prandial and basal activity, consistent with clinical experience. This effect has been attributed to the high concentration of the preparation.
Figure 1 should be considered a representative example since the time course of action of insulin may vary in different individuals or within the same individual. The rate of insulin absorption and consequently the onset of activity is known to be affected by the site of injection, exercise, and other variables [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Figure 1: Mean Insulin Activity Versus Time Profiles After Subcutaneous Injection of a 100 U Dose of HUMULIN R U-500 in Healthy Obese Subjects Figure 1
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption — In a euglycemic clamp study of 24 healthy obese subjects, the median peak insulin level occurred between 4 hours (50 unit dose) and 8 hours (100 unit dose) with a range of 0.5-8 hours. Metabolism — The uptake and degradation of insulin occurs predominantly in liver, kidney, muscle, and adipocytes, with the liver being the major organ involved in the clearance of insulin. Elimination — Mean apparent half-life after subcutaneous administration of single doses of 50 units and 100 units to healthy obese subjects (N≥21) was approximately 4.5 hours (range=1.9-10 hours) for HUMULIN R U-500.
Figure 2: Mean Serum Insulin Concentrations Versus Time After Subcutaneous Injection of a 100 U Dose of HUMULIN R U-500 Healthy Obese Subjects Figure 2
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action 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.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1How 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 The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen dials in 5 unit increments.
16.2Storage 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.
Table 2: Storage Conditions for HUMULIN R U-500 Pens a 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]) 3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen a 28 days Until expiration date 28 days Do not refrigerate.
16.1How 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 The HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen dials in 5 unit increments.
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
16.2Storage 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.
Table 2: Storage Conditions for HUMULIN R U-500 Pens a 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]) 3 mL single-patient-use HUMULIN R U-500 KwikPen a 28 days Until expiration date 28 days Do not refrigerate.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Insulin human is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli and has the empirical formula C 257 H 383 N 65 O 77 S 6 with a molecular weight of 5.808 kDa. HUMULIN R U-500 (insulin human) injection is a sterile, aqueous, and colorless solution for subcutaneous use. HUMULIN R U-500 contains 500 units of insulin human in each milliliter.
Each milliliter of HUMULIN R U-500 also contains glycerin (16 mg), metacresol (2.5 mg), zinc oxide to supplement the endogenous zinc to obtain a total zinc content of 0.017 mg/100 units, and Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid may be added during manufacture to adjust the pH. The pH is 7.0 to 7.8.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
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. 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 )] .
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: July 2026 Manufactured by: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA US License Number 1891 Copyright © 1997, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company.
All rights reserved. LINR500-0011-USPI-20260701