Humulin N® KwikPen for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Humulin N® KwikPen is an intermediate-acting insulin (NPH) used to help manage blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. This page explains how it works, who it may suit, dosing basics, and safe pen use. CanadianInsulin offers Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada so you can compare cost and order online confidently.

What Humulin N® Is and How It Works

Humulin N is human isophane insulin (NPH) supplied in a prefilled KwikPen. It helps cover background insulin needs between meals and overnight. Many patients compare Humulin N price and cost from Canada to save, including those paying without insurance. The formulation is a suspension that turns uniformly cloudy when mixed gently. It starts working after injection, has a noticeable peak, and lasts through much of the day or night. US shipping from Canada helps patients access stable supply and Canadian pricing.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

Humulin N is often combined with rapid- or short-acting insulin for meals. Doses are individualized and adjusted by the prescriber based on glucose patterns. For more background on similar products, see our Intermediate Acting Insulin Pens.

Who Humulin N® Is For

Humulin N is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It provides basal coverage when given once or twice daily. It may be used with mealtime insulin when a basal-bolus plan is prescribed.

Humulin N should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia or by patients with hypersensitivity to insulin human or any component of the formulation. It is not appropriate as the sole therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver issues, and any frequent hypoglycemia with a clinician before use.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Typical use is once or twice daily at the same times each day. Evening doses are commonly given at dinner or bedtime to cover overnight needs. When used twice daily, doses may be split and adjusted by the prescriber based on fasting and pre-meal glucose targets.

General steps for each injection:

• Confirm the label reads Humulin N U-100.
• Inspect the suspension. Gently roll the pen between the hands and invert several times until it becomes uniformly cloudy. Do not use if clumps remain or if it stays clear.
• Attach a new needle. Prime per the Pen Instructions to see a steady stream.
• Dial the prescribed dose and inject into recommended sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm, buttock), rotating locations.
• Keep the needle in the skin for several seconds, then remove and dispose of the needle safely.

The dose may be adjusted at regular intervals based on self-monitoring and clinician guidance. Never change dose or insulin type without prescriber direction. When mixing with short-acting insulin in a syringe (if directed), draw up regular insulin first, then NPH; do not mix insulins in the KwikPen itself.

Strengths and Forms

Humulin N KwikPen contains U-100 insulin human isophane suspension at 100 units/mL in 3 mL prefilled pens. The suspension is cloudy by design. Package sizes may vary by market and pharmacy. Availability can change.

Other presentations include vials for syringe use. Patients who prefer syringes can review Humulin® N Vials. Always use U-100 syringes with U-100 insulin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, check blood glucose. Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double doses. Contact the prescriber if repeated doses are missed or if readings are high or low. Keep to consistent injection times each day for predictable coverage.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened pens should be refrigerated in the original carton. Do not freeze. In-use pens can be kept at room temperature and protected from heat and light. Do not refrigerate an in-use pen. Discard an in-use Humulin N KwikPen after 14 days, even if insulin remains.

When you travel, pack pens in carry-on bags with supplies and back-up needles. Use an insulated pouch with cold packs as instructed, but never place insulin directly on ice. Keep the carton or a pharmacy label with the pen for security checks.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Before each injection, gently roll and invert the pen until the suspension looks evenly milky. Do not shake hard. Attach a new sterile needle and prime to clear the air. Use the injection technique provided in training and rotate sites to reduce skin changes. Never share your pen, even with a family member.

Dispose of used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container. If one is not available, use a heavy-duty household container with a tight lid as permitted by local rules. For step-by-step technique, see our How To Use Insulin Pen.

Benefits

Humulin N provides intermediate-acting basal insulin coverage for day and night needs. Many patients find twice-daily dosing flexible when paired with mealtime insulin. The KwikPen is portable, prefilled, and ready to use, with simple dose dialing. NPH insulin remains a widely used option for cost-sensitive plans, including those comparing Humulin N cost online from Canada with US delivery.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia is the most common side effect. Symptoms may include shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, and confusion.
• Injection site reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling can occur.
• Weight gain and peripheral edema may happen during insulin initiation or titration.
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening can result from repeated injections in the same spot.

Serious but less common risks include severe hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, and hypokalemia. Use with thiazolidinediones can cause fluid retention and may worsen heart failure. Seek urgent care for signs of severe low blood sugar or allergic reactions. Patients using insulin or sulfonylureas should be aware of hypoglycemia risk and carry fast-acting carbohydrates.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Drugs that may increase insulin effect and hypoglycemia risk include other antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, MAOIs, salicylates, certain antibiotics, and alcohol. Agents that may reduce insulin effect include corticosteroids, some diuretics, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics, and thyroid medications. Beta-blockers may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia. Always share a current medication list with the prescriber, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

What to Expect Over Time

After starting or adjusting Humulin N, fasting and pre-meal readings usually guide changes. It may take several dose adjustments to reach stable targets. A1C improvements are assessed over months. Many patients continue on NPH long term, while others transition to a basal analog based on goals, hypoglycemia patterns, or schedule needs. Keep consistent meal planning and monitoring as advised.

Compare With Alternatives

Another NPH option is Novolin NPH in cartridges for reusable pens. Patients who prefer cartridges can consider Novolin® NPH PenFill. For those interested in a long-acting analog with a flatter profile, a common alternative is Basaglar® Pens. For background on brand differences, see Novolin N vs Humulin N.

Pricing and Access

Compare Humulin N price and cost online with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. Many patients buy Humulin N KwikPen online to lower their cash cost. Check live pricing on this page before you order. If savings are a priority, look for multi-pen options and compare per-unit costs.

For broader options, browse our Insulin Products. See current offers on our Promotions page.

Cold-chain handling is used when needed to maintain quality during transit.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary by presentation and pack size. If a specific pen is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative, such as another NPH presentation or a basal analog. Do not substitute insulin types or delivery systems without clinical guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Humulin N may be suitable for patients who benefit from intermediate-acting basal coverage and prefer or tolerate NPH. It may not suit those with frequent nocturnal hypoglycemia, highly variable schedules, or a history of severe insulin allergy. Patients using mealtime insulin can combine therapies under prescriber direction.

Cost-saving ideas:

• Use multi-month orders to reduce per-pen cost.
• Set refill reminders so supplies arrive before running out.
• Compare Humulin N KwikPen online pricing with alternatives.
• Talk with the prescriber about doses that align with pen quantities.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is once-daily or twice-daily NPH a better fit for my schedule?
• How should I adjust doses based on fasting and pre-meal readings?
• What are my targets for hypoglycemia prevention overnight?
• Should I combine NPH with rapid- or short-acting insulin at meals?
• How do I rotate injection sites to avoid skin changes?
• What should I carry for hypoglycemia treatment and when should I use it?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

FDA Drugs

Health Canada DPD

Ready to compare Humulin N cost and place an order? Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada is available on this page. This information is educational and not medical advice. Always follow the prescriber’s instructions and the official patient information leaflet.