Humulin N® Vial for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

What Humulin N® Is and How It Works

Humulin N® is human insulin isophane, also called NPH insulin. It is an intermediate-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals and overnight. You can order this vial online with US delivery from Canada. Many patients compare the cost and pricing to save, including those paying without insurance.

Every CanadianInsulin order is prescription-checked with your clinic and dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

Humulin N is a suspension of insulin complexed with protamine and zinc. This formulation delays absorption after subcutaneous injection. Onset is gradual, with a defined peak, and duration typically extends through half a day or longer. Clinicians often pair NPH with a mealtime insulin for full-day coverage.

Who Humulin N® Is For

Humulin N is used in adults and children with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin support. It provides background insulin to limit fasting and between-meal hyperglycemia. It may be used alone, or with short-acting or rapid-acting insulin.

Do not use Humulin N if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia. Avoid it if you have a known allergy to insulin human or to formulation components such as metacresol. It is not for intravenous use, insulin pumps, or treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients with frequent hypoglycemia or unawareness need close supervision.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Many people inject Humulin N once or twice daily, often before breakfast and at bedtime, or before the evening meal. Your prescriber may adjust dose in small steps to reach your targets. Typical plans pair NPH with a mealtime insulin given before food.

Gently roll the vial between your hands until the suspension looks uniformly cloudy. Do not shake vigorously. Inject subcutaneously in the thigh, abdomen, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within one area to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy. Check blood glucose regularly and follow your care plan for dose adjustments.

Mixing guidance follows the label. Humulin N may be mixed in the same syringe with regular human insulin. If mixing, draw regular insulin into the syringe first, then NPH. Do not mix with insulin glargine, insulin detemir, or other long-acting analogs. Confirm all technique details with your clinician.

Strengths and Forms

Humulin N vials are U-100 concentration. The common presentation is a 10 mL vial at 100 units/mL. The suspension is cloudy when properly resuspended. Availability can vary by pharmacy and timing.

Some patients use a prefilled pen version instead of vials. If you prefer intermediate-acting vials, browse our Intermediate Acting Vials for options.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and follow your care plan. In general, take the missed dose when remembered unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Do not double doses. If you are unsure, contact your clinic for advice. Keep a record of missed doses to discuss at your next appointment.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened vials in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep them in the original carton to protect from light. An in-use vial may be kept at room temperature for a limited time per the label, away from heat and direct sunlight. Discard the vial after the labeled in-use period or if frozen, discolored, or contains clumps after gentle mixing.

When traveling, carry your insulin and supplies in a hand bag, not checked luggage. Keep a copy of your prescription and your supplies together. Use a small cooler or insulated pack when needed. Temperature control is important. Our pharmacies use prompt, cold-chain shipping to help protect product integrity in transit.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

This product is a vial for use with insulin syringes. Use a new sterile syringe and needle for each injection. After injection, place the used needle and syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps container. If you do not have one, use a heavy-duty household container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid. Follow your local rules for sharps disposal. Keep all supplies away from children and pets.

Benefits

Humulin N provides steady, intermediate-acting coverage for basal needs. It can be scheduled once or twice daily to fit many routines. It may be mixed with regular insulin for simplified regimens when appropriate. The vial format offers flexibility and compatibility with standard syringes.

Many patients value the predictable action profile of NPH. It can support fasting control and overnight stability when timed correctly. Using a basal insulin alongside mealtime insulin often improves time in range when combined with diet, activity, and monitoring.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar, including shakiness, sweating, headache, or confusion
• Injection site redness, swelling, or itching
• Weight gain or mild fluid retention
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites
• Itching or mild rash

Serious effects can include severe hypoglycemia, severe allergic reactions, and hypokalemia. Seek medical care for severe or persistent symptoms, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or confusion. When used with mealtime insulin or sulfonylureas, the hypoglycemia risk increases. Review signs of low blood sugar with your care team and keep a source of fast sugar available. For additional reading, see Humulin® Side Effects.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Many medications can raise or lower insulin needs. Examples include corticosteroids, certain antipsychotics, some antivirals, and thyroid medicines. Beta-blockers may mask low blood sugar symptoms. Alcohol can increase hypoglycemia risk. Thiazolidinediones used with insulin may cause fluid retention and may worsen heart failure. Always tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you use.

What to Expect Over Time

NPH insulin has a gradual onset, a noticeable peak, and a duration that often lasts up to a half day or more. Some people inject once daily, while others split the dose for smoother coverage. Expect dose adjustments over time as your routine, diet, and activity change. Monitoring and consistent injection timing help stabilize fasting and pre-meal readings.

Learn more about timing in Humulin® N Onset And Peak. If you switch from another basal insulin, your prescriber will guide your transition and monitoring plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Another intermediate-acting option is Novolin® GE NPH Vials. It is also human NPH insulin and used for basal coverage. Some patients and clinicians choose it based on availability or preference. Short-acting coverage can be added with Humulin® R Vial for mealtime glucose control.

Premixed human insulins, such as 70/30 formulations, combine NPH with regular insulin in a fixed ratio. These may simplify dosing for some regimens. For a perspective on brand differences, see Novolin® N vs Humulin N.

Pricing and Access

You can buy Humulin N vials online with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. Check the latest price on the product page before you order. Many patients compare the cost of Humulin N 100 units/mL with similar vials to manage monthly budgets. Savings may be significant for those paying cash or buying without insurance.

Start an order when your prescription is ready. Upload your script during checkout or have your clinic send it. We will confirm details with your provider. View options across Insulin Vials if your prescriber approves substitutions.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by time and location. If a specific vial is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative NPH or a compatible regimen. Do not switch insulin products without clinical guidance. Check back for updated stock and consult your care team before making changes.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates are people who need a basal insulin and can follow a consistent schedule. Those with frequent unexplained lows, recent severe hypoglycemia, or significant kidney or liver changes need closer monitoring. Pregnant patients should follow specialist guidance.

To save, ask your clinician about multi-month supplies. Align refills with your appointment schedule. Compare vial versus pen formats if appropriate for your plan. Set reminders for reorders before you run out. Review your technique to reduce waste, and store vials correctly to avoid spoilage.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Should I use Humulin N once daily or split into two doses?
• How do I adjust the dose when fasting readings change?
• Can I mix NPH with regular insulin in my situation?
• What are my target glucose ranges for fasting and before meals?
• How should I treat and prevent low blood sugar with my regimen?
• What supplies and needle size fit my dosing plan?
• When should I consider a different basal insulin?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information

DailyMed: Humulin N

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to start? Place your Humulin N vial order for US delivery from Canada today. This information is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice.