Humulin® 30/70 Cartridges for Premixed Human Insulin Therapy

What Humulin® 30/70 Is and How It Works

Humulin 30/70 Cartridges contain a premixed human insulin. Each dose combines 30% regular insulin for mealtime coverage and 70% isophane (NPH) insulin for basal needs. The mix helps reduce dosing steps by covering both prandial and between‑meal insulin requirements. Humulin 30/70 is supplied as 100 units/mL cartridges for use in compatible reusable pens.

Humulin 30/70 is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes who need insulin. The dose and timing are individualized. Many patients use it once or twice daily, typically before meals. Onset reflects its components: regular insulin starts to work about 30 minutes after injection, while NPH acts more slowly and lasts longer.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

Humulin 30/70 Cartridges are injected subcutaneously. Typical rotation sites include the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Cartridges are designed for use with compatible 3 mL insulin pens from the manufacturer. Always check the device instructions that come with the pen.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation: Premix insulin may be started once or twice daily, often before breakfast and/or dinner. Timing should align with meals due to the regular insulin component.
• Titration: Adjust based on fasting, pre‑meal, and post‑meal glucose patterns. Changes are typically made in small unit increments over several days.
• Administration: Inject subcutaneously in a lifted skin fold. Rotate sites within the same region to reduce lipodystrophy.
• Pen preparation: Gently roll the cartridge between the palms 10 times and invert it 10 times until the suspension looks uniformly cloudy. Do not use if clumps remain.
• Priming: Attach a new sterile pen needle. Prime per pen instructions until a drop of insulin appears at the needle tip.
• Dose delivery: Dial the prescribed dose. Insert the needle subcutaneously and deliver the dose. Keep the needle in the skin for up to 10 seconds to ensure full delivery.
• Missed dose: Follow clinical guidance. Check glucose and resume the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose.
• Injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock. Avoid injecting into areas that are bruised, scarred, or lipodystrophic.

• Unopened storage: Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and light.
• In‑use storage: Once in a pen, keep at room temperature below 25–30°C (77–86°F) for up to 28 days. Do not expose to direct heat or sunlight.
• Travel: Keep supplies in carry‑on baggage. Use an insulated pouch with cold packs during long trips. Do not place insulin next to ice packs without a barrier.
• Handling: Keep spare cartridges refrigerated until needed. Do not use if frozen or if the suspension remains lumpy after gentle mixing.
• Disposal: Use a sharps container for pen needles. Follow local disposal rules.

Benefits and Savings

Premixed human insulin offers balanced coverage with fewer daily steps than separate basal and bolus injections. Regular insulin provides mealtime control, and NPH extends action between meals and overnight. Many find a consistent routine easier with a single pen and a simplified schedule.

Cartridges help support accurate dosing and discreet use. The cloudy suspension makes it simple to confirm mixing before injection. The reusable pen format can also reduce plastic waste compared to multiple disposable pens.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. Partner pharmacies are licensed and vetted, and the selection focuses on authentic brand medications with value‑focused pricing.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat), injection‑site redness or itching, mild swelling, weight gain, and lipodystrophy at injection sites.
• Less common: allergic skin reactions, rash, or generalized itching.
• Metabolic: hypokalemia may occur, especially with high doses.
• With other agents: risk of hypoglycemia increases with sulfonylureas or if meals are delayed.

Serious reactions are rare but require urgent care. These include severe hypoglycemia, significant allergic reactions, and pronounced hypokalemia. Do not use during episodes of low blood sugar. This insulin is for subcutaneous use only; it is not for intravenous use or insulin pumps. Thiazolidinediones may cause fluid retention and heart failure when used with insulin; monitor accordingly.

Onset Time

After subcutaneous injection, the regular insulin component begins working in about 30 minutes, with a peak effect roughly 2–4 hours after dosing. The NPH component has a slower onset and peaks later, often between 4–12 hours, with duration extending up to 18–24 hours in some individuals.

Many patients notice improved fasting and pre‑meal readings within the first 1–2 weeks as doses are adjusted. A1C reductions typically develop over 8–12 weeks of consistent dosing and monitoring. Appetite and weight changes vary; some patients may gain weight as glycemic control improves.

Compare With Alternatives

Other premixed human insulins, such as Novolin 30/70, provide similar ratios of regular and NPH insulin. Selection often depends on prior response, device preference, and availability. Some patients use separate basal and bolus injections for more flexible meal coverage, such as regular insulin alongside NPH or long‑acting insulin.

A basal‑bolus plan can include a short‑acting insulin before meals and a background insulin at night. For example, regular insulin from Humulin R 100u Ml 10ml may be paired with NPH in a tailored regimen. Glucose monitoring supplies, such as Accu Chek Aviva Test Strips, support day‑to‑day adjustments.

Rapid‑acting analog mixes can offer quicker meal coverage, while long‑acting analogs provide flatter basal profiles. For type 2 diabetes, non‑insulin options like oral and injectable agents may be considered before or alongside insulin. GLP‑1 receptor agonists, including Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, and Mounjaro®, are options for appropriate patients when clinically indicated.

Combination Therapy

• Metformin: frequently continued with premixed insulin to improve insulin sensitivity.
• SGLT2 inhibitors: may be combined; monitor for dehydration and adjust insulin to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
• GLP‑1 receptor agonists: can lower insulin requirements; consider reducing premix dose to avoid hypoglycemia.
• Sulfonylureas and meglitinides: increase hypoglycemia risk; dose reductions may be needed.
• Antihypertensives and statins: commonly co‑prescribed; no direct dosing link but continue routine monitoring.

Patient Suitability and Cost‑Saving Tips

Premixed insulin may suit adults and children who prefer fewer injections and a consistent daily routine. It is also useful when the meal pattern is regular. Those needing flexible mealtime dosing may do better with separate basal and bolus insulins.

Do not use during hypoglycemia or in those with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or formulation components. This medicine is not for intravenous use, intramuscular injection, or insulin pumps. Use caution in renal or hepatic impairment, and during acute illness. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a clinician to tailor therapy and monitoring.

To stretch budgets, consider multi‑month quantities when appropriate. Plan refills ahead and set simple reminder notes to avoid last‑minute local purchases. Orders ship from Canada with prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping to protect product integrity in transit.

Authoritative Sources

Humulin 70/30 U.S. Prescribing Information (Eli Lilly)

Health Canada Drug Product Database (search: Humulin 30/70)

FDA Labeling for Human Insulin Products

Order Humulin 30/70 from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.