Humulin N® Vial for Intermediate-Acting Insulin Therapy

What Humulin N® Is and How It Works

Humulin® N is an intermediate-acting human insulin (NPH) supplied as U-100 vials for subcutaneous use. It supports basal insulin needs between meals and overnight. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. Many customers compare the Humulin N vial price and sizes before ordering. Ordering Humulin N Vial without insurance is available through CanadianInsulin; a valid prescription is still required.

NPH insulin is human insulin complexed with protamine to slow absorption after injection. Onset typically begins about 1 to 2 hours after dosing, with a peak effect around 4 to 12 hours, and duration about 12 to 18 hours. It is usually given once or twice daily as part of a basal-bolus plan or a pre-mix regimen. Administration is subcutaneous only; never intravenous and not for insulin pumps.

Humulin N vials are commonly 100 units/mL in 10 mL vials. The suspension should look uniformly cloudy after gentle mixing. Do not use if clumps, particles, or frosting remain after proper resuspension. Partner pharmacies are licensed and vetted, dispense authentic brand medications, and focus on value across a broad selection.

NPH insulin can be combined with short-acting or rapid-acting insulin for mealtime coverage. When compatible mixing is prescribed, regular insulin is drawn up before NPH (“clear before cloudy”) and injected promptly. Do not mix with certain analogs such as insulin glargine.

Dosage and Usage

• Follow the dose, timing, and titration plan set by a healthcare professional. NPH is typically injected once or twice daily to provide basal coverage.
• Gently roll the vial between the palms 10–20 times and invert several times until the suspension is uniformly cloudy. Do not shake vigorously.
• Inspect the vial. Do not use if there are clumps, strings, or color changes after proper mixing.
• Use U-100 insulin syringes to match the insulin concentration.
• Prepare the dose: wash hands, clean the vial stopper with alcohol, pull air into the syringe equal to the dose, inject air into the vial, then withdraw the dose. Remove air bubbles before injection.
• Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites within the same region to reduce lipodystrophy.
• If mixing with regular insulin is prescribed, draw regular (clear) insulin first, then NPH (cloudy). Inject immediately after preparation.
• Missed dose: check glucose and follow the clinician’s instructions. Do not double doses. Monitor more frequently and watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia.
• Do not share syringes or needles. Dispose of sharps in an approved container.
• Not for intravenous use and not for insulin pumps. Use only for subcutaneous injection.

• Unopened vials: refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Keep away from the freezer compartment.
• In-use vial: may be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) and protected from heat and light. Discard 31 days after first use, even if insulin remains.
• Keep vials in the original carton to protect from light.
• Travel: carry insulin in an insulated bag with gel packs. Avoid direct contact with ice. Do not leave insulin in a parked car or checked luggage.
• Flights: keep insulin and supplies in carry-on. Bring backup supplies, a prescription copy, and extra syringes.

Benefits and Savings

Humulin N offers dependable basal insulin coverage with a well-known profile. It is long used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes care and supports flexible timing when coordinated with meals and activity. Vial-and-syringe administration allows fine-tuned doses and broad compatibility with diabetes care routines.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. You can order Humulin N Vial without insurance through CanadianInsulin with a valid prescription. See our promotions page for current offers, including any humulin n vial coupon if available.

For some patients, NPH can be a cost-conscious alternative to long-acting analogs, while still providing overnight and between-meal coverage when dosed as directed by a clinician.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, headache, hunger, confusion, fast heartbeat)
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites
• Weight gain
• Mild edema
• Itching or rash
• Low potassium (hypokalemia)

Serious reactions can include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and rare systemic allergic reactions. Use caution with medications that increase hypoglycemia risk (e.g., other insulins or sulfonylureas). Avoid use during episodes of hypoglycemia. Not for IV use and not for pumps. People with renal or hepatic impairment may need closer glucose monitoring and dose adjustments per clinician guidance.

Onset Time

After subcutaneous injection, Humulin N generally starts working in about 1–2 hours, reaches peak effects at 4–12 hours, and lasts up to 12–18 hours. Glucose readings often improve within days as titration proceeds. A1C reflects average control and typically shows changes over 8–12 weeks as the regimen stabilizes.

Compare With Alternatives

Humulin R® is a short-acting human insulin used for meals and corrections. It has an onset around 30 minutes, peaks earlier, and lasts a shorter period than NPH. When mealtime coverage is needed, clinicians may pair regular insulin with NPH. See Humulin R 100u Ml 10ml for product details.

Novolin N® is another NPH insulin with a similar action profile. Choice between NPH brands may reflect availability, cost, and individual response. Rapid-acting analogs such as Humalog® are often used at meals when a basal-bolus approach is preferred instead of mixing regular insulin with NPH.

Combination Therapy

• With metformin in type 2 diabetes to improve fasting glucose control.
• With regular or rapid-acting insulin for meals and corrections (basal-bolus approach).
• When mixing regular insulin and NPH in one syringe is prescribed, draw clear insulin first, then cloudy, and inject promptly.
• With sulfonylureas; clinicians may reduce sulfonylurea or mealtime insulin doses to lower hypoglycemia risk during titration.
• With SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists; background insulin may be adjusted as glucose patterns change.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Humulin N may be considered for adults or children with type 1 diabetes as the basal component of a regimen, and for people with type 2 diabetes when basal insulin is indicated. It suits those comfortable with vial-and-syringe dosing and site rotation.

It may not suit people with recurrent severe hypoglycemia, insulin allergy to excipients, or those who require insulin pump therapy. Discuss options if significant dawn phenomenon, frequent nocturnal hypoglycemia, or variable schedules complicate control.

Cost-saving ideas include ordering multi-month supplies when appropriate, combining refrigerated items in one shipment, and planning refills ahead of travel. Vials often offer a lower per-unit insulin cost compared with some pen formats. For practical tips, see Smart Ways To Order Humulin N Vials For Less Each Month.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Humulin product information

DailyMed listings for Humulin N (U.S. labeling)

Health Canada Drug Product Database (search HUMULIN N)

Order Humulin N® 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 advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult a clinician for diagnosis, treatment, and individualized dosing.