Humulin R® (Regular Insulin) Vial for Diabetes Control

What Humulin R Is and How It Works

Humulin R® is regular human insulin. It is a short-acting insulin used to control blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. The vial comes in U-100 (100 units/mL) and U-500 (500 units/mL) strengths. It is given by subcutaneous injection, often about 30 minutes before meals. A Humulin R Vial without insurance may still offer value versus typical US retail pricing through our Canadian model.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba that follows Canadian pharmacy standards. A licensed pharmacist reviews each prescription before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, and you can order online or by phone. Friendly customer-service chat is available during posted office hours, and pharmacists can address medication questions.

Humulin R® lowers glucose by promoting uptake of sugar into muscle and fat and reducing glucose output from the liver. U-100 is used for mealtime coverage and correction doses. U-500 is concentrated and reserved for people needing large insulin doses; it can reduce injection volume. In hospitals, regular insulin may be given intravenously for acute care under medical supervision.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies internationally to supply authentic brands at affordable prices across a broad selection.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the prescriber. Typical U-100 dosing is before meals and sometimes at bedtime. U-500 dosing follows a different schedule and uses dedicated U-500 syringes or pens to help avoid errors.

• Wash hands and gather a new needle, syringe, and the vial.
• Check the label and strength (U-100 vs U-500) and expiry date.
• Humulin R® solution should be clear and colorless; do not use if cloudy.
• Clean the vial stopper with alcohol and let it dry.
• Draw air into the syringe equal to the dose; inject air into the vial.
• Invert the vial and withdraw the prescribed units.
• Remove air bubbles by tapping the syringe; verify the dose.
• Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm.
• Rotate injection sites to reduce skin changes.
• Time U-100 doses about 30 minutes before eating, as instructed by the prescriber.

Missed dose: follow the plan provided by your clinician. Do not double a dose. If a meal was missed, a mealtime dose is usually skipped, but follow professional guidance for correction doses and sick-day plans.

• Store unopened vials in a refrigerator (2–8°C/36–46°F). Do not freeze.
• Once in use, most vials may be kept at room temperature and used for up to 31 days; check the specific product insert.
• Keep away from direct heat and light. Do not use if frozen or overheated.
• When traveling, carry insulin and supplies in your hand luggage.
• Use an insulated bag with cold packs to maintain cool temperature.
• Bring extra needles, syringes, and a backup meter and supplies.
• Carry glucose tablets or a quick sugar source for lows.

Benefits and Savings

Regular insulin offers steady, predictable mealtime control when timed correctly before eating. It is suitable for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes needing prandial coverage. U-500 can simplify regimens for people with high insulin requirements by reducing the number of injections and volume per dose.

Ordering from YouDrugstore can mean meaningful cost relief. Many customers see 60–80% savings versus typical US retail prices, even for those paying without insurance. You can choose multi-month fills to lower your per-month cost, and we support reminders to help you reorder on time.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: low blood sugar (sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, headache), injection site redness or swelling, mild weight gain, or swelling in the ankles.
• Moderate: hypoglycemia needing assistance, low potassium, or lipodystrophy at injection sites if rotation is not followed.
• Serious: severe hypoglycemia with confusion or seizures, severe allergic reaction (rash, trouble breathing), or fluid retention with heart failure when used with thiazolidinediones.

Tell a healthcare professional about all medicines, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, steroids, beta blockers, and TZDs. Dose changes may be needed with changes in diet, activity, weight, illness, or renal or hepatic function.

Onset Time

Humulin R® U-100 typically starts working about 30 minutes after injection. Peak effect occurs around 2 to 4 hours, and total duration lasts roughly 6 to 8 hours. U-500 has a similar onset but a longer effect duration and may be dosed differently per prescriber instructions.

Compare With Alternatives

Rapid-acting analogs may better match meal spikes when immediate pre-meal dosing is preferred. For example, Fiasp® Vial (insulin aspart with niacinamide) has a faster onset than regular insulin. Basal insulins do not replace mealtime insulin but provide background control; Lantus® Cartridges (insulin glargine) offer once-daily basal coverage. Humalog mixes and other combinations can simplify dosing in selected cases, but mealtime flexibility may be reduced compared with separate basal and bolus insulins.

Combination Therapy

Regular insulin is often paired with a basal insulin for comprehensive control. Many people with type 2 diabetes also take metformin. Other agents, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, may be part of the plan. Medication choices are individualized based on targets, hypoglycemia risk, and comorbidities. Always coordinate changes and timing with the prescriber to avoid hypoglycemia.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Humulin R® may be appropriate for people with type 1 diabetes and for those with type 2 diabetes who need mealtime control. U-500 suits people with marked insulin resistance. Extra caution is required in those with hypoglycemia unawareness, kidney or liver impairment, or frequent low sugars. Regular insulin has a long history of use in pregnancy, but therapy should be supervised closely.

To stretch your budget, consider larger quantities when appropriate, because multi-month supplies can reduce the per-month cost. Set simple reorder reminders so you do not run out. For current offers and bulk options, see our Humulin R Vial coupon page. People paying cash may still see 60–80% savings versus typical US retail. If you want to read more about non-insulin options, our article Mounjaro Dosage Beginners Guide To Dosing explains GLP-1/GIP therapy for type 2 diabetes. You can also browse condition guides on Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, and Hypoglycemia for practical tips.

Authoritative Sources

Review the manufacturer information on the Eli Lilly Humulin R Prescribing Information. You can also read the FDA Humulin R Label and search the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

Order from YouDrugstore with confidence. We are a licensed Canadian pharmacy, and every prescription is checked by a pharmacist before dispensing. Your order ships to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to protect insulin quality.

This content is not medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient information leaflet. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar or an adverse reaction, seek medical help right away.