

insulin isophane (HumuLIN N, HumuLIN N KwikPen, HumuLIN N Pen)

Brand Names: HumuLIN N, HumuLIN N KwikPen, HumuLIN N Pen, NovoLIN N, NovoLIN N Innolet, NovoLIN N PenFill, ReliOn/NovoLIN N

Generic Name: insulin isophane

What is insulin isophane?

Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts to work within 2 to 4 hours after injection, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and keeps working for 12 to 18 hours.

Insulin isophane is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.

Insulin isophane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of insulin isophane?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of insulin allergy: redness or swelling where an injection was given, itchy skin rash over the entire body, trouble breathing, chest tightness, feeling like you might pass out, or swelling in your tongue or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:


Common side effects may include:

  • low blood sugar;
  • weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
  • itching, mild skin rash; or


What is the most important information I should know about insulin isophane?

You should not use this medicine if you are having an episode of low blood sugar.



You should not use insulin isophane if you are allergic to it, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Do not give insulin isophane to a child without a doctor's advice.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:



How should I use insulin isophane?


Insulin isophane is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Do not give insulin isophane with an insulin pump.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use insulin isophane if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.


Your care provider will show you where to on your body to inject insulin isophane. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with insulin isophane. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.








Storing unopened (not in use) insulin isophane:

  • Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
  • Store at room temperature and use within the number of days specified in the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine.

Storing opened (in use) insulin isophane:

  • Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature as directed in the Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not refrigerate an in-use injection pen.
  • In-use insulin isophane is stable for only a certain number of days. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Follow all storage directions provided with your medicine.




Blood Sugar Swings: Tips for Managing Diabetes & Glucose Levels See Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?


Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?


What should I avoid while using insulin isophane?


Avoid medication errors by always checking the medicine label before injecting your insulin. Some brands of insulin isophane and syringes are interchangeable, while others are not. Your doctor and/or pharmacist know which brands can be substituted for one another.


What other drugs will affect insulin isophane?

Insulin isophane may not work as well when you use other medicines at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some drugs can also cause you to have fewer symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to tell when your blood sugar is low. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all medicines you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about insulin isophane.


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Reviewed on 7/24/2019

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