Humulin N® Vial for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

This insulin is intermediate-acting and used to manage blood sugar. You can order with US delivery from Canada, and see options even without insurance. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and safety basics.

What Humulin N Is and How It Works

Humulin N® insulin vial is a human insulin isophane suspension (NPH) for subcutaneous use. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

This medicine helps lower glucose by promoting uptake into muscle and fat and by reducing glucose output from the liver. It is a cloudy suspension; gently roll the vial between your palms to resuspend before drawing a dose. The treatment typically has an onset in a couple of hours, a mid-interval peak, and activity that can last through half a day. Profiles vary by dose, site, and individual response.

This intermediate-acting insulin supplies basal coverage between meals and overnight. It may be used alone or with a rapid or short-acting insulin at meals. Do not use if you see clumps, solid particles, or frosting after resuspension. For more on this insulin class, see our Intermediate-Acting category and broader Insulin options.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. People with known hypersensitivity to insulin isophane or excipients should not use it. Discuss your history of severe hypoglycemia, kidney or liver issues, or vision problems with your clinician before starting.

Labeling identifies the presentation as a Humulin N U-100 vial. This helps ensure dosing with U-100 insulin syringes. Patients using this therapy may also need mealtime insulin to cover carbohydrate intake. Review your plan if frequent lows or highs occur.

Learn more about conditions this insulin treats in our Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes pages.

Dosage and Usage

Your prescriber sets the dose and schedule. Many patients take the suspension once or twice daily to provide background coverage. Inject subcutaneously in the thigh, abdomen, upper arm, or buttocks. Rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy and skin irritation.

Humulin N suspension vial should be gently rolled 10 or more times until uniformly milky. Do not shake vigorously. Inspect the liquid closely; do not use if you see clumps or clear layers after mixing. Draw doses with U-100 insulin syringes only. Never share syringes, needles, or vials.

Do not inject into a vein or muscle. If your plan includes a short-acting insulin, your clinician may advise mixing in the same syringe in a specific order and injecting immediately. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the product label when uncertain. For structured titration concepts, see our Insulin Dosage Chart. Broader therapy choices are outlined in the Insulin category.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is supplied as an isophane insulin suspension at 100 units/mL. Availability can vary by dispensing pharmacy and inventory.

• Humulin N 10 mL
• Standard U-100 concentration for use only with U-100 syringes

Presentation options may differ by market. If a listed size is not available, your prescriber may recommend a comparable presentation or a different basal insulin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a scheduled dose, check your blood glucose and take it when remembered unless the next dose is close. Do not double doses. Monitor levels more often after a missed dose. Contact your prescriber for individualized advice if you have repeated misses or frequent highs.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep unopened vials refrigerated in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. If a vial has been frozen, discard it. After first use, most vials can be kept at room temperature for a limited period; follow the current product label for exact time limits. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Always keep out of reach of children.

When you travel, carry the insulin with you rather than placing it in checked luggage. Use a protective case and a small cooler pack to avoid overheating, but do not place vials directly against ice. Bring your prescription and supplies. Plan enough time for screening and carry backup syringes, glucose test materials, and low-glucose treatments. For a broader overview of options by class, see our Insulin Landscape article. Later sections include expected effects and safety notes. We may use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This basal insulin can support steady background control when dosed appropriately. Many patients value the flexibility of vial dosing for fine adjustments. Compared with some analog options, intermediate-acting insulin may have wider availability. The treatment is also compatible with standard U-100 syringes, which are easy to source.

The class can be paired with prandial insulin to cover meals. Discuss your daily schedule and carbohydrate patterns to decide on once-daily or twice-daily use. To learn about premixed approaches that combine basal and bolus in one product, read Premixed Insulin.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, headache
• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itch
• Weight gain: from improved metabolic balance
• Edema: mild fluid retention
• Lipodystrophy: skin thickening or pits at sites

Severe hypoglycemia can occur and may require assistance. Rare but serious reactions include anaphylaxis, severe generalized allergy, and hypokalemia. Thiazolidinediones can increase fluid retention and heart failure risk when used with insulin. Vision changes may occur with rapid improvement of glucose control. Carry fast-acting carbohydrates for lows, and teach close contacts how to help in an emergency.

For a neutral comparison of rapid-acting options used with basal plans, see Finding the Right Insulin.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many drugs can raise or lower glucose needs. Corticosteroids, some antipsychotics, and certain contraceptives may increase insulin requirements. Alcohol, salicylates, and some blood pressure medicines can increase hypoglycemia risk. Beta-blockers may blunt warning symptoms of lows.

Use caution with thiazolidinediones due to fluid retention. Dose changes from GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors may affect your plan. Review all medications, supplements, and herbals with your prescriber and pharmacist. Check glucose more often after any therapy change.

What to Expect Over Time

With regular use and monitoring, your fasting and between-meal glucose may stabilize. Peaks may occur mid-interval, so meal timing and dose placement matter. Keep a log of readings, meals, activity, and doses. Share this record during follow-ups to refine your regimen.

If readings trend low overnight, ask about dose timing, site rotation, or adjusting meal content. Consistent self-monitoring and adherence usually help smooth patterns. For context on how insulin options evolved and why regimens differ, see Evolution of Insulin Therapy. Broader therapy comparisons appear in our Diabetes category.

Compare With Alternatives

Your prescriber may consider another NPH insulin, such as Novolin ge NPH Vials, when appropriate. For mealtime coverage, a short-acting option like Humulin R Vial may be used with a basal plan. Each product has its own label, dosing considerations, and administration steps.

Pricing and Access

We list current cash options and typical ranges so you can plan refills. Humulin N vial price varies by size and dispensing pharmacy. You can compare supply lengths and adjust refill dates to reduce trips. Savings may be possible by consolidating items into one shipment.

We offer clear pricing with prescription verification and US terms while it Ships from Canada to US. See seasonal offers on our Promotions page. Broader medication groups appear in Diabetes Medications.

Availability and Substitutions

If this item is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend another basal insulin or a different presentation. Your care team can advise whether a class substitute is appropriate for your plan. You can review similar items in the Intermediate-Acting category.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults who need basal insulin and can monitor glucose reliably. It may not fit those with frequent severe lows or those unable to recognize hypoglycemia. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or if you have kidney or liver disease.

To save, consider multi-month supplies when appropriate and align refills for one shipment. Set calendar reminders for reorders. Review your technique at each visit to avoid wasted doses. For practical buying pointers, see Order Vials for Less.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose goals: fasting and pre-meal targets
• Best injection times: once or twice daily
• Mixing rules: if adding mealtime insulin
• Hypoglycemia plan: prevention and treatment
• Site rotation: preferred areas and spacing
• Travel advice: storage and documentation
• When to adjust: illness, activity, new medicines

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details and safety information, see the manufacturer’s resources and regulators below.

• Eli Lilly patient information for Humulin N, including dosing and safety
• FDA DailyMed database for current insulin labels and updates
• Health Canada Drug Product Database for Canadian listings

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

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