Human Insulin Formulations

Active Ingredient and Formulation Characteristics

The American Diabetes Association recommends human regular insulin, such as Actrapid, which contains 100 units/mL (U-100) of soluble human insulin as its active ingredient 1, 2
Actrapid is classified as a short-acting insulin in diabetes treatment guidelines, with a concentration of 100 units/mL (U-100) 2
Human insulin products, like Actrapid, differ from analog insulins that have modified amino acid sequences, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 3

The duration of action of Actrapid is approximately 5-8 hours total, as stated by the American Diabetes Association 2
Compared to insulin analogs like insulin aspart or lispro, Actrapid has a slower onset and longer duration of action, as noted by the Endocrine Society 3
Actrapid can be used in various insulin regimens, including as prandial insulin or in premixed formulations, according to the American Diabetes Association 2

Human regular insulin like Actrapid is generally less expensive than insulin analogs, with a median AWP of approximately $165 per 1,000 units (U-100 vial) in the U.S., as reported by the American Diabetes Association 2
Some pharmacies offer human regular insulin at significantly lower prices (approximately $25/vial), as stated by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 2

When switching between different insulin formulations, dose adjustments may be necessary due to differences in pharmacokinetic profiles, as recommended by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists 4