Humulin® 30/70 Cartridges for Diabetes

Humulin 30/70 is a premixed human insulin combining intermediate-acting isophane insulin with short-acting regular insulin. It is used to help control blood glucose in people with diabetes who need insulin therapy. This page explains what this mix is, how to use the cartridges, and practical safety tips.

What Humulin Is and How It Works

Humulin 30/70® contains 70% isophane insulin (NPH) and 30% regular insulin. The regular component starts working relatively quickly to cover meals, while the NPH part provides longer background control. This mix may reduce the number of daily injections compared with separate basal and bolus insulins. Many patients look for reliable access with US delivery from Canada, including those paying without insurance.

CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This premix belongs to the class of Premixed Insulin. It is generally taken before meals, often twice daily, as directed by your clinician. The suspension should look uniformly cloudy after gentle mixing. Learn more about class features in our Premixed Insulin Guide.

Some regions describe the same ratio as Humulin 70/30. References to Humulin 70/30 cartridges refer to the same 70% NPH and 30% regular formulation used in these cartridges.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults and children with diabetes who require insulin to manage blood glucose. It may be used in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes when a premix schedule is appropriate. People with hypersensitivity to insulin or excipients should not use it.

It is not appropriate for diabetic ketoacidosis; rapid-acting intravenous regular insulin is typically required in that setting under medical supervision. If you use the phrase Humulin 70/30 penfill, it refers to the same premixed human insulin class in cartridge form for reusable pens. Discuss suitability with your prescriber based on your glucose patterns, meals, and daily routine. You can also review general information on Type 2 Diabetes to understand where premix fits.

Dosage and Usage

Use the cartridges with a compatible reusable pen as instructed in the product insert. Typical regimens are once or twice daily before meals, but your clinician will determine the schedule. Do not inject intravenously or in an insulin pump. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce skin changes.

Before each dose, gently roll the pen with the cartridge between your palms and invert several times until the suspension is uniformly cloudy. Do not shake vigorously. Inspect for clumps or particles; do not use if the liquid remains clear or has large clumps. When discussing pen routines, some users refer to a Humulin 30/70 cartridge for simplicity; always follow the full label name on your prescription.

Prime the pen per the device instructions to ensure accurate dosing. Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating locations. Keep spare needles on hand, and never share pens or needles.

Strengths and Forms

Cartridges are commonly supplied as 3 mL cartridges at a concentration of 100 units per mL for use in compatible reusable insulin pens. Boxes often contain multiple cartridges, but pack sizes may vary by pharmacy and region.

Labeling may list this as Humulin 30/70 cartridges 100 units/ml. Vials and other presentations of similar premixes also exist. Availability of specific presentations can vary by location and inventory.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled dose, check your blood glucose and follow the patient information or your clinician’s guidance. In general, do not double the next dose to make up for a missed one. Because this is a meal-associated premix, timing near meals matters; ask your care team how to handle delays or skipped meals.

Monitor for hypoglycemia if meals are delayed or reduced. Keep a source of fast-acting carbohydrate available to treat low blood sugar when appropriate.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened cartridges should be kept refrigerated per the product label and protected from light. Do not freeze. In-use cartridges may be stored at room temperature for the period specified in the official insert; always check the current label for exact guidance. Keep out of reach of children.

When traveling, keep insulin with you in a carry-on bag. Use an insulated case to protect from heat and cold. Bring your prescription, a copy of the product information, and extra needles. Dispose of used needles in an approved sharps container. For more on formats and handling, see our overview of Insulin Cartridges.

If you switch climates or time zones, monitor glucose more frequently until patterns stabilize. Keep the pen cap on to protect from light between uses. Ask your clinician about travel adjustments when needed.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Insert the cartridge into a compatible reusable pen as described in the pen’s user manual. After attaching a new needle, prime the pen to clear air and confirm insulin flow. Dial the dose carefully, inject into subcutaneous tissue, and hold the needle in place for several seconds to ensure full delivery.

Use a new needle for each injection. Do not recap needles by hand to avoid accidental sticks. Place used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy-duty puncture-resistant household container if allowed locally. For a step-by-step device refresher, visit our Insulin Pen Steps.

Benefits

This premixed insulin provides both meal coverage and background glucose control in one injection. It can simplify routines for people who prefer fewer daily injections compared with separate basal and bolus dosing. The predictable action profile may fit regular meal schedules.

Cartridges allow use with reusable pens, which can be convenient for travel and dose dialing. Many patients appreciate the clear, graduated dosing and the portability of pen devices.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, dizziness, headache, fast heartbeat
• Injection site reactions: redness, itching, or mild pain
• Weight gain: seen with insulin initiation or intensification
• Edema: fluid retention can occur
• Lipodystrophy: skin thickening or thinning with repeated injections in one spot

Serious reactions can include severe hypoglycemia, generalized allergy, or significant hypokalemia. Seek urgent care for confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, or breathing problems. The risk of low blood sugar can increase with other glucose-lowering medicines, including sulfonylureas and meglitinides. Always read the patient information and speak with your clinician about risks and signs to watch for.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Some medicines can affect insulin needs or mask hypoglycemia symptoms. Examples include steroids, certain diuretics, thyroid hormones, atypical antipsychotics, and beta-blockers. Alcohol can also alter glucose control.

Renal or hepatic impairment may change insulin requirements; clinicians often monitor closely in these settings. Do not mix this suspension with other insulins in the same syringe or pen. Check glucose more often during illness, stress, or medication changes.

What to Expect Over Time

You may notice post-meal readings improve as the short-acting component covers food intake. The intermediate component can support between-meal and overnight control. It can take time for dose adjustments to align with your meal timing and activity.

Consistent dosing, meal planning, and self-monitoring support stable control. Many people review patterns with their care team and adjust under supervision. Keep a log of doses, meals, and glucose checks to aid those discussions.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients use a similar human premix such as Novolin GE 30/70. Others may consider an analog premix such as NovoMix 30 Penfill, which differs in active insulin type and profile. Long-acting basal options like insulin detemir or insulin glargine may be combined with separate mealtime insulin in other regimens when appropriate.

Pricing and Access

We list Humulin 30/70 cartridges price information on the product page so you can compare options. Many customers review Humulin 30/70 cartridges cost alongside alternatives to choose a suitable presentation. Orders use Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada.

Checkout is encrypted. If you are looking for current offers, see our Promotions page. Final out-of-pocket amounts can vary by pharmacy fulfillment and your prescription.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by fulfillment pharmacy. If a specific presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative premix or a different insulin regimen. Some shoppers search for Humulin 30/70 cartridges from Canada; availability depends on inventory at the time of order.

Your clinician makes the final decision on substitutions. Do not switch insulin types or delivery systems without professional guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This premix may fit people with regular meal schedules who prefer fewer injections. It may not suit those needing flexible mealtime dosing or those with frequent hypoglycemia. People with vision, dexterity, or dosing challenges may benefit from pen training or caregiver support.

To manage costs, you can buy Humulin 30/70 cartridges in multi-carton quantities if appropriate, plan refills before running low, and compare equivalent presentations. Set calendar reminders for refills, and keep a spare cartridge to avoid missed doses. Discuss therapeutic alternatives with your prescriber if costs limit adherence.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a premixed insulin right for my meal schedule and goals?
• How should I time doses with my usual breakfast and dinner?
• What signs of low blood sugar should I watch for and treat?
• How do I rotate injection sites to avoid skin changes?
• What should I change during illness, travel, or new medications?
• When should I send glucose logs for review or follow-up?

Authoritative Sources

For detailed composition and directions, see the manufacturer’s product monograph on the official site or label. The following sources provide official labeling and safety information:

• FDA DailyMed database for insulin human premix labeling
• Health Canada Drug Product Database for Canadian listings
• Eli Lilly prescribing information portal for insulin products

Order with confidence and get temperature-controlled handling when required and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.