Novolin® GE NPH Penfill Cartridge for Diabetes

Novolin® GE NPH Penfill Cartridge is an intermediate-acting human insulin (isophane) supplied in a 3 mL cartridge for compatible reusable pens. This page explains how it works, who may benefit, and how to use and store it safely. CanadianInsulin provides Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada, making it easier to access therapy even when paying without insurance.

What Novolin® Is and How It Works

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

Novolin® GE NPH is insulin isophane, often called NPH insulin. It is designed to cover basal insulin needs between meals and overnight. After subcutaneous injection, the onset is typically within 1 to 2 hours. The activity peaks around 4 to 12 hours and can last up to about 18 hours. The cloudy suspension contains insulin bound to protamine, which slows absorption and creates its intermediate profile.

The Penfill cartridge is used with a compatible reusable pen device. It allows measured dosing without drawing insulin into a syringe. Many care plans pair NPH with a rapid- or short-acting insulin for meals, or use it twice daily for sustained background coverage. For a plain-language overview of cartridge formats, see Insulin Cartridges.

Patients often refer to this product using terms such as Novolin GE NPH Penfill 100 U/mL, Novolin GE NPH Penfill Cartridge 100 U/mL 3 mL, and Novolin GE NPH 100 U/mL cartridges. All describe human insulin NPH at 100 units/mL in a 3 mL Penfill cartridge.

Who Novolin® Is For

Novolin GE NPH is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus who require insulin. It can be considered for Type 1 and insulin-requiring Type 2 diabetes as part of an individualized regimen. It is not appropriate for diabetic ketoacidosis treatment, intravenous use, or insulin pumps.

Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or formulation components. Use caution in those with recurrent hypoglycemia or hypokalemia. NPH can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when clinically indicated, under clinician supervision.

For condition-focused browsing, see Type 2 Diabetes resources on our site.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Many regimens use NPH once or twice daily for basal coverage. Some combine it with mealtime insulin. Injections are given subcutaneously in the thigh, upper arm, buttock, or abdomen, rotating sites to reduce lipodystrophy. Follow the dosing and titration plan set by the prescriber.

Gently roll and invert the cartridge to resuspend before each injection until the fluid appears uniformly cloudy. Inspect for clumps or particles; do not use if the suspension remains uneven after gentle mixing. Prime the pen per the device instructions. Attach a new sterile needle for each injection. Never share pens or needles.

Cartridge-only products are not intended for syringe withdrawal, infusion pump use, or intravenous administration. If uncertainties arise, defer to the official label or the treating clinic.

Strengths and Forms

The standard presentation is Novolin GE NPH Penfill 100 U/mL in a 3 mL cartridge. Typical packaging is a Novolin GE NPH Penfill 5×3 mL box. Patients may describe this as a Novolin GE NPH Penfill cartridge pack or a Novolin GE NPH cartridge refill. Availability and pack sizes can vary by pharmacy.

In category context, this product belongs to Intermediate Acting Insulin Cartridges. Related terms you may encounter include human insulin NPH Penfill cartridges, insulin isophane NPH 100 U/mL cartridges, and NPH insulin cartridges 100 units/mL.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, check blood glucose and follow the clinician’s guidance. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed injection. If it is close to the next planned dose, many patients skip the missed one and resume the schedule, then contact the clinic for advice.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened cartridges should be kept refrigerated at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light by storing in the carton. Once in use, most NPH cartridges can be kept at room temperature (often up to 28 days; follow the product label for the exact period). Avoid heat and direct sunlight. Do not use if frozen or overheated. For travel, carry insulin in an insulated bag with cool packs, not directly against ice. Keep supplies with you rather than in checked luggage.

To help maintain quality in transit, we use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Use only with a compatible reusable pen designed for 3 mL Penfill cartridges. After loading the cartridge, gently roll and invert until uniformly cloudy before each injection. Prime the pen according to the device instructions. Attach a new needle for every injection and remove it after use to reduce leakage and contamination.

Never share pens, cartridges, or needles. Dispose of used needles and pen needle caps in a puncture-resistant sharps container. For supplies such as pen needles and sharps containers, see Diabetic Insulin Supplies.

Benefits

Novolin GE NPH provides intermediate-acting basal coverage with a familiar dosing pattern. The Penfill system offers a compact, reusable-pen format without vials, allowing discreet dosing and less preparation. Many care plans use NPH to balance overnight and between-meal glucose alongside mealtime insulin.

For patients comparing formats, this page supports decisions about insulin NPH isophane cartridges 100 U/mL sourced from Canada and shipped to the US under Canadian pricing.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache)
• Injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling)
• Weight gain with long-term insulin therapy
• Edema or fluid retention
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites

Serious effects can include severe hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and rare systemic allergy. Beta-blockers may mask adrenergic signs of low glucose. Thiazolidinediones used with insulin can increase fluid retention and may worsen heart failure. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Medicines that may increase insulin effect include certain oral diabetes drugs, GLP-1 agonists, ACE inhibitors, salicylates, and some antibiotics. Medicines that may reduce effect include corticosteroids, some diuretics, thyroid hormones, and sympathomimetics. Alcohol can raise or lower glucose unpredictably. Beta-blockers can blunt hypoglycemia warning signs. Do not change doses based on this list; consult the treating clinician.

For an overview of therapies used in diabetes care, see Common Diabetes Medications.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent use and monitoring, NPH helps improve fasting and between-meal glucose. Clinicians often reassess fasting targets and nighttime readings over the first weeks of therapy. Longer-term, A1C trends guide dose adjustments. Illness, meal patterns, and activity can change insulin needs, so ongoing monitoring remains important.

Compare With Alternatives

NPH insulin has long clinical use, but some patients and clinicians consider alternatives. A similar NPH option from another manufacturer is the Humulin® N Kwikpen, which provides intermediate-acting insulin in a prefilled disposable pen. As a long-acting basal alternative, Lantus® Cartridges deliver insulin glargine with a flatter 24-hour profile in many patients. The best choice depends on clinical goals, lifestyle, and prescriber guidance.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin lists Novolin GE NPH Penfill Canadian pricing with clear pack details. You can buy Novolin GE NPH Penfill Cartridge from Canada with US shipping when your prescription is verified. Many patients compare options to manage costs, including those who are self-pay. See our catalog of insulin NPH Penfill cartridges from Canada and related options. When ready, you can order Novolin GE NPH Penfill with a simple online checkout.

For current deals, visit Promotions. To explore formats beyond Penfill, patients often review insulin NPH cartridges shipped to the US, human NPH insulin 100 U/mL Penfill options, and buy insulin NPH cartridges 100 U/mL comparisons before placing an order.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary. If this item is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative or a different format. Do not switch types or devices without guidance, since insulin action profiles differ.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Suitable candidates include patients who need basal insulin and prefer a reusable pen system. Those with frequent severe hypoglycemia or who cannot manage resuspension steps may need close supervision or a different insulin profile. Patients with significant visual or dexterity challenges may benefit from device teaching or alternate delivery systems.

Cost tips: consider multi-month supplies if stable on therapy, align refills with clinic visits, and use our refill reminders. You can add extra needles and storage supplies to your order to reduce separate shipments. Novolin GE NPH Penfill from Canada ships to the US under Canadian pricing once the prescription is confirmed. This helps many patients compare costs before they order Novolin GE NPH Penfill.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is NPH appropriate for my basal insulin needs?
• How often should I check fasting and overnight glucose with NPH?
• Should I use NPH alone or with mealtime insulin?
• What target ranges should guide titration and when should I follow up?
• Which reusable pen model is compatible with Penfill cartridges?
• How should I respond to unexpected lows or highs during the night?
• What steps should I take when sick, traveling, or changing diet or activity?

Authoritative Sources

Review the official product labeling and professional resources for complete details:

• Novo Nordisk: Novolin N
• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada DPD

Start your order for US delivery from Canada when your prescription is ready.