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Humulin N

human insulin

Used for Diabetes Type 2, Diabetes Type 1

Humulin N (human insulin) is a type of insulin used to control blood sugar over many hours throughout the day, but it might take time to find the right dose that works for your body. The medication is available over-the-counter without needing a prescription.

Reviewed by:

Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 30, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Humulin N (human insulin)?

What is Humulin N (human insulin) used for?

Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes

How Humulin N (human insulin) works

Humulin N (human insulin) is an intermediate-acting insulin that can last throughout the day. Insulin is a natural hormone your body normally makes to lower glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It helps your body absorb and store sugar and fat from your bloodstream after eating a meal.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHumulin N, Humulin Kwikpen

Drug ClassInsulin

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter

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Avg retail price

$116.93(save 81.39%)

GoodRx discount

$21.77

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What are the side effects of Humulin N (human insulin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Low blood sugar
Reaction or redness at the site of injection
Allergic reactions
Fat deposits under the skin
Weight gain
Swelling in legs
Headache

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) - If not treated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, and even death
Severe allergic reactions
Dangerously low levels of potassium

Source: DailyMed

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The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Lipodystrophy—hardening or scarring of tissue at injection site
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Weight gain

Pros and cons of Humulin N (human insulin)

Pros

Available over-the-counter without a prescription, but usually also covered by many insurance plans

Insulin works quite well to lower your blood sugar. When used correctly, it'll lower blood sugar every time you use it and prevent the harmful, long-term effects of high sugar levels on your organs and blood vessels.

Starting insulin early in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes can keep your body's insulin-producing cells working and slow down the worsening of your diabetes.

Can be used even if you have liver or kidney problems, unlike many other blood sugar-lowering medications

Available in 2 dosage forms: insulin pen and vial

Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket

Cons

You must be comfortable with checking your blood sugar regularly to take insulin

You must be comfortable giving yourself injections

Can cause weight gain and fat buildup

Has higher risk of low blood sugar compared to medications taken by mouth

Can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you don't take it every day or have a random meal and exercise schedule

Only available as a brand name, so it can be expensive

Pharmacist tips for Humulin N (human insulin)

Check the vials or pens before use. They shouldn't contain any solid particles, and should be cloudy throughout the solution.

Humulin N (human insulin) can be mixed with short or rapid-acting insulins for injection around mealtimes. If mixing with short or rapid-acting insulins, make sure to always draw up the clear insulin (short or rapid-acting insulins) into your syringe first before Humulin N (human insulin).

If not in use or unopened, vials can be stored in a refrigerator until the expiration date, or at room temperature for 31 days. If currently in use, vials can be stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature for 31 days.

If not in use or unopened, pens can be stored in a refrigerator until the expiration date, or at room temperature for 14 days. If currently in use, pen shouldn't be stored in a refrigerator, but at room temperature for 14 days.

Don't skip meals when taking Humulin N (human insulin). Changes in meals or exercise routine can cause changes in your blood sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if there are major changes in your diet or exercise habits since your prescription will need to be adjusted.

For proper use, inject Humulin N (human insulin) under your skin (subcutaneously) in your upper arm, abdomen (stomach area), buttocks, or thigh (upper leg). Rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation or fat buildup under the skin. Never inject it into a vein or muscle. This can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and infections. Ask your pharmacist about proper injection technique.

Don't re-use needles. Always use a new needle for each injection. Reusing needles raises your chance of having blocked needles, which can cause you to get the wrong dose of Humulin N (human insulin). Using a new needle for each injection also lowers your risk of getting an infection.

Teach yourself and your family members how to recognize and treat the symptoms of low blood sugar. The following are some common symptoms of low blood sugar: feeling shaky or hungry, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, feeling sleepy, weakness or low energy.

If your blood sugar ever gets too low (less than 70 mg/dL), then it's important that you eat 15 grams of fast-acting sugar to bring your blood sugar back above 70 mg/dL. Some examples of fast-acting sugar include: 4 glucose (sugar) tablets, 3-4 pieces of hard candy, one-half cup of fruit juice, or one-half can of regular soda. After eating 15 grams of fast-acting sugar, wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, then eat another 15 grams of carbohydrates and recheck again in 15 minutes. Once your blood sugar is above 70 mg/dL, then eat a meal to keep your blood sugars in a normal range. If your blood sugar is not rising when you eat or your blood sugar drops even lower after eating, call 911.

Frequently asked questions about Humulin N (human insulin)

How does Humulin N (human insulin) work in the body?

Humulin N (human insulin) releases a hormone called insulin into the body to lower blood sugar levels in the blood. It's an intermediate-acting insulin that works throughout the day to help lower your blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider might also prescribe you another type of insulin that works more quickly for when you eat meals.

Can you take Humulin N (human insulin) and metformin together?

Humulin N (human insulin) can be taken with other oral diabetes medications, like metformin, if your blood sugar level needs better control. Talk to your provider about your diabetes treatment and what medications may be right for you.

Must I prime my Humulin N (human insulin) pen before using it?

Yes, you need to prime your pen. To do this, you will turn your pen until the display reads 2 units. You will tap the pen to make sure any air bubbles move to the top of the pen towards the needle. Remove the needle cover then press and hold the needle injector (not in your skin). You should see a small amount of insulin come out of the pen. This makes sure you are getting the proper dosage of insulin and that your needle is not blocked.

Can you take Humulin N (human insulin) without food?

Taking Humulin N (human insulin) without eating will put you at higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can sometimes be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky or hungry, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, feeling sleepy, weakness or low energy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist on how to check your blood sugar and what to do if you have a low blood sugar event.

How do I inject Humulin N (human insulin)?

Humulin N (human insulin) is available as both a vial and a pre-filled insulin pen. If you are using the vial, you must roll the vial gently in your hands in a horizontal position 10 times until the insulin looks white and cloudy. If you are using the pen, you will roll the pen between your hands in a horizontal position 10 times. Afterwards, flip the pen back and forth 10 times until the insulin looks white and cloudy. Don't inject if your insulin is only clear or has small particles in it. You can inject your insulin underneath the skin in the stomach region, buttocks, thigh, or upper arm. Your healthcare provider will train you on how to use your vial or pen and how to give yourself insulin the correct way.

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What are the risks and warnings for Humulin N (human insulin)?

Humulin N (human insulin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Sharing of Pens and Needles

Never share Humulin N (human insulin) pens, syringes, or needles with anyone else. Sharing Humulin N (human insulin) with someone puts you at risk of getting very dangerous diseases and infections.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes | Over age 65 | Liver or kidney problems | Not injecting insulin correctly

Humulin N (human insulin) alone or together with other diabetic medications can cause low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar may be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky or hungry, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, weakness, low energy, or increased sleepiness. This can happen suddenly and is different for each person. Always keep a source of sugar around in case you begin to develop symptoms of low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about your dosing if you always experience low blood sugars (60s-80s).

Severe Allergic Reactions

Rarely, Humulin N (human insulin) can cause serious allergic reactions that can be life threatening. Go to the emergency room right away if you suddenly have problems breathing, a blistering skin rash with a high fever, or if you feel your face, mouth, or throat swell up.

Low Blood Potassium Levels

Risk factors: Taking laxatives | Taking medications that increase urination

Humulin N (human insulin) can lower levels of potassium in your blood which can be dangerous. You're more at risk if you're already taking medications that lower your potassium. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels regularly and might give you medications to keep your potassium normal.

Drug Interaction with Thiazolidinediones

Your healthcare provider will monitor you more regularly if you are taking a medication in a drug class called Thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. Taking insulin with one of these medications can lead to a buildup of fluid in your body and can cause or worsen heart failure.

Humulin N (human insulin) dosage forms

The average cost for 1 vial of 10ml of 100 units/ml of Humulin N (human insulin) is $51.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 55.69% off the average retail price of $116.93.

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
five 3ml kwikpens of 100 units/ml	1 carton	$147.19	$147.19

Kwikpen

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
3ml of 100 units/ml	5 kwikpens	$147.19	$29.44

Vial

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
3ml of 100 units/ml	1 vial	$21.77	$21.77
10ml of 100 units/ml	1 vial	$51.81	$51.81

Typical dosing for Humulin N (human insulin)

Humulin N (human insulin) is injected underneath the skin (subcutaneously) twice per day. The number of units of insulin is different for each person. The dose depends on whether you're using it for type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, your weight, how well you respond to insulin, and your blood sugar levels.

Your healthcare provider will provide you with directions on how many units of insulin to inject, how to check your own blood sugar levels, and how to make any necessary adjustments to your insulin dose.