Novolin R vs. Novolin N for Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Novolin R

Novolin N

Summary for Novolin R

Prescription or over-the-counter

Novolin R is a short-acting insulin. It's used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in adults and children with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. For the multi-dose vials of Novolin R, you'll need to draw up the dose into a syringe. Single-use prefilled pens called Novolin R FlexPen are also available for easier use. Novolin R is typically injected under the skin 2 to 3 times a day, 30 minutes before a meal. Some common side effects include low blood sugar levels and injection-site redness or pain.

Indications for Novolin R

Pros and Cons for Novolin R

Pros

Available over the counter without a prescription
Can help manage either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
Available as a pen and vial

Cons

Need multiple injections per day, each time before a meal
Can cause weight gain and low blood sugar
Must check your blood sugar at home often

Common Side Effects for Novolin R

Low blood sugar
Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin R

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Low potassium levels
Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
Severe allergic reaction

Summary for Novolin N

Prescription or over-the-counter

Novolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.

Indications for Novolin N

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Novolin N

Pros

Available over the counter without a prescription
Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Available as a pen and vial
Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket

Cons

Might need to inject twice daily
Must give as an injection under the skin
Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Novolin N

Low blood sugar
Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin N

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications