Insulin NPH and Insulin Regular



HumulinŽ 50/50; HumulinŽ 70/30; NovolinŽ 70/30







Insulin NPH and Insulin Regular

(IN soo lin N P H & IN soo lin REG yoo ler)

U.S. Brand Names
HumulinŽ 50/50; HumulinŽ 70/30; NovolinŽ 70/30
Canadian Brand Names
HumulinŽ 20/80; HumulinŽ 70/30; NovolinŽ ge 10/90; NovolinŽ ge 20/80; NovolinŽ ge 30/70; NovolinŽ ge 40/60; NovolinŽ ge 50/50
Pharmacologic Category
Antidiabetic Agent, Insulin
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to insulin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients.
How does it work?
  • Insulin is a hormone necessary for the body's use of food. Type 1 diabetics have no insulin of their own and require complete replacement. Type 2 diabetics still make insulin, but may need more.
How is it best taken?
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Do not use expired insulin.
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Take this medicine 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you are 80 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could be more sensitive to low blood sugar.
  • Do not drive if blood sugar has been low. There is a greater risk of an accident.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Be consistent with exercise. Increased exercise can decrease insulin needs.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugar.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Weight gain.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam and visit to the foot doctor.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Very low blood sugar or very high blood sugar.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store unopened containers in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • May store opened vials at room temperature or in refrigerator. If stored at room temperature, throw away any unused portion after 1 month.
  • Store opened cartridges at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 1 week.
  • Store opened pens at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 10 days.
  • Protect opened containers from heat.
  • Protect opened containers from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: