Humulin N Vials (100 Units/mL)

Humulin N (insulin isophane) is a manufactured form of insulin that helps adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. Human insulin is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli.

Insulin isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin that begins working within 2-4 hours after administration. It peaks at approximately 4-12 hours and continues to work up to 12-18 hours.

Humulin N is available also available through a KwikPens. Humulin N is also a part of Humulin’s 70/30 vials and cartridges.

This medication is a suspension of crystals produced from combining human insulin and protamine sulfate under appropriate conditions for crystal formation and is injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously).

It is essential to control your diabetes if you are pregnant, as having high blood sugar can cause complications for both you and the baby.

Humulin N should be part of a treatment program and a proper diet, exercises, weight control, and blood sugar testing. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Usage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using insulin isophane and get a refill each time. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.

Before using, gently roll the vial or cartridge, turning it upside down and right side up ten times to mix the medication. Do not shake the container. Check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Insulin isophane should look evenly cloudy/milky after mixing. Do not use if you see clumps of white material, a “frosty” appearance, or particles stuck to the sides of the vial or cartridge.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change where you inject each time to lessen the risk of problems or damage under the skin (pits/lumps or thickened skin). Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. This insulin product may be injected into the stomach area, the thigh, the buttocks, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Do not rub the area after the injection. Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a severe infection or get a severe illness from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may significantly affect your blood sugar.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Please keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to determine the correct insulin dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsen (your blood sugar is too high or low).

Side Effects

This is not a complete guide to the side effects of Humulin N. Some of the side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), weight gain, swelling of hands and feet, mild skin rash and itching, hollowing of skin, or thickening at the site of injection.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common side effect with insulin medication such as Humulin N. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: headache, sweating, hunger, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, trouble concentrating, feeling shaky, seizure (convulsions), difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.

To avoid experiencing these symptoms, carry a piece of non-diabetic candy, glucose tablet, or sugary drink (not diet) if your blood sugar levels drop.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately allergic reaction over the entire body, trouble breathing, feeling you might pass out, swelling of tongue and throat, low potassium (hyperkalemia), swelling in hands and feet, and fluid retention.