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Humulin ® (human insulin)
HUMULIN® insulin: Use in Patients With COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019)
The use of Humulin insulin in patients with COVID-19 has not been studied.
Use of Humulin Insulin in a Patient With COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, previously referred to as "2019 novel coronavirus."1
Lilly has not studied the use of Humulin insulin in patients with COVID-19 nor in patients at risk of contracting COVID-19.
The Humulin insulin label doesn't state any specific recommendations. However, it does state that insulin requirements may be increased during illness or emotional disturbances. 2-4
Insulin requirements may be increased by substances with hyperglycaemic activity, such as glucocorticoids. Insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of substances with hypoglycaemic activity, such as salicylates (for example, acetylsalicylic acid). 2-4
Clinicians should use their clinical judgment in determining the most appropriate approach in treating a patient with Humulin insulin who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
Infectious Disease Resources for COVID-19
For current information on COVID-19, please refer to
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak on the regional office EU WHO
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: guidance for people with diabetes on the IDF website, and
1. Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it. World Health Organization. Accessed March 17, 2020. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it
2. Humulin S [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Hampshire.
3. Humulin M3 [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Hampshire.
4. Humulin I [summary of product characteristics]. Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Hampshire.
5. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. European web page of the World Health Organization. Accessed March 20, 2020. http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19
6. International Diabetes Federation Europe. COVID-19 outbreak: guidance for people with diabetes. https://www.idf.org/our-network/regions-members/europe/europe-news/196-information-on-corona-virus-disease-2019-covid-19-outbreak-and-guidance-for-people-with-diabetes.html. Accessed March 18, 2020
7. COVID-19. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Accessed March 20, 2020. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/novel-coronavirus-china
Glossary
COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019
ECDC = European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
EU WHO = World Health Organization (European regional office)
IDF = International Diabetes Federation
Lilly = Eli Lilly and Company
SARS-CoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Date of Last Review: March 17, 2020
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