Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your insulin dose or checking your blood sugar levels more often.
Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:
-Alcohol
-Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
-Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
-Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
-Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
-Estrogen and progestin hormones
-Other medications for diabetes
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
-Testosterone
-Thyroid hormones
Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:
-Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
-Clonidine
-Guanethidine
-Reserpine

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-Often have low blood sugar
-Vision problems
-An unusual or allergic reaction to insulin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breastfeeding

Visit your care team for regular health checks.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.
Do not change the brand or type of insulin unless your care team tells you to. Switching insulin brand or type can affect your blood sugar enough to cause serious adverse effects.
Always keep an extra supply of insulin and related supplies on hand. Get rid of syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Do not share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.
Do not use a syringe to take insulin out of an insulin pen. Doing this may result in the wrong dose of insulin.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Storage and expiration dates for different insulin products may vary. Check the label for information on how to store your insulin. Talk to your care team if you have any questions.
Do not freeze. Protect from direct light and heat. Do not use insulin if it is exposed to temperatures above 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F). Do not use insulin if it has been frozen.
Humulin R U-500
-Unopened (not in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days or refrigerated until the expiration date.
-Opened (in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate.
Novolin R U-100

-Unopened (not in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days or refrigerated until the expiration date.
-Opened (in-use) pens: Store at room temperature up to 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to 28 days. Do not refrigerate.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.