What is Novolin R insulin?
Novolin R is a short-acting insulin that is used to control blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As a human insulin, this drug mimics the work of the natural insulin that is produced in our bodies. The medication comes in both prescription and OTC drugs. It is usually prescribed together with intermediate and long-acting insulin to treat type 1 diabetic patients. If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Novolin R can be used in combination with oral diabetes drugs.
Novolin RÂ peak times, onset and duration of action
Insulin drugs are usually classified according to how fast they work to reduce the level of blood glucose. Onset refers to how fast insulin works to reduce the levels of blood sugar. Peak is the time when insulin is most effective and duration refers to how long insulin keeps working in the body to reduce the levels of blood sugar. Novolin R onset is 30 to 60 minutes while its peak time is 2 to 5 hours. The duration is 5 to 8 hours.
How to inject this insulin
Novolin R is supposed to be administered subcutaneously using a syringe. Your health-care provider will show you the best place you are supposed to inject this insulin medication. Usually, this medicine is supposed to be injected into the fat tissue of the stomach, buttocks or upper arm. To avoid the risk of lipodystrophy, it is important you rotate the site of injection. You are supposed to administer Novolin R within 30 minutes of taking a meal. However, do not inject it into skin that is irritated or red. Make sure you carefully follow the diet and exercise plan that is prescribed together with this medication. Novolin R is a clear and colorless solution. In case it has changed color or contains particles inside it, you should not take the injection.
Side effects
Remember that your health-care provider prescribed Novolin R because they saw the benefits of using outweighs the potential risk. However, like most medications, it comes with some side effects.
Side effects include the following:
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
- Allergic reactions
- Lipodystrophy
- Injection site reactions
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
