Humulin

Humulin is a brand of human insulin produced by recombinant DNA technology and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. It consists of human insulin identical to endogenous insulin and is used to treat diabetes mellitus in adults and children who require insulin therapy. Introduced in 1982, it was the first commercially available recombinant human insulin, helping to replace animal-derived insulins in many markets.

Formulations include Humulin R, a short-acting regular insulin; Humulin N, an intermediate-acting NPH insulin; and premixed products such as Humulin 70/30 (70% NPH, 30% regular) and Humulin 50/50 (50% regular, 50% NPH). A concentrated form, Humulin R U-500, provides 500 units per milliliter for people with severe insulin resistance and is used under close medical supervision.

Administration and dosing vary by formulation and patient need; most Humulin products are administered by subcutaneous injection. Regular insulin (Humulin R) may be given shortly before meals and can be used in some hospital settings by intravenous infusion; NPH and premixed formulations provide longer or different action profiles. Mixing of regular and NPH insulins in the same syringe is sometimes practiced, following appropriate technique and clinician guidance.

Side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), weight gain, and injection-site reactions. Rare allergic reactions or insulin antibodies may occur. Patients should monitor blood glucose, adjust doses under medical supervision, and store products according to label directions. Humulin products are available by prescription in many markets and are supplied in vials and prefilled pens.