Be Extra Careful With the New Humulin R U-500 KwikPen

April 2016

Humulin R U-500 insulin will now come in a KwikPen device.

For years, this concentrated form of regular insulin has come in a 20 mL vial...with 500 units/mL instead of the usual 100 units/mL.

But there's often confusion about drawing up U-500 with a U-100 syringe. If it's not done right, it can lead to a FIVE-fold overdose.

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Table of Contents

Practice Scan the Bar Code on EACH Package Rather Than ONE Package Multiple Times
Seizures Avoid Mix-Ups Between Levetiracetam and Levofloxacin
Insulin Be Extra Careful With the New Humulin R U-500 KwikPen
Enteral Tubes Watch for Controlled-Release Meds in Patients With Feeding Tubes
Opioids Document Liquid Methadone Doses in Milligrams on Med Histories
Hepatitis C Dispense Zepatier Tabs in Their Original Blister Packs
Dosage Forms Read Each New Order Twice to Ensure You Dispense the Right Dosage Form
PPIs Document the Indication for any PPI on Admission Med Histories
Communication Ensure Patient's Own Meds are ID'd Before They're Dispensed
Pumps Dispense Rapid-Acting Insulin for Most Patients With an Insulin Pump
End-of-Life Care Highlight "Sublingual" on Labels for Atropine EYE Drops to Dry Secretions
Certification Take Part in Reviewing National Pharmacy Technician Board Exam Questions