Humulin N (insulin isophane) is a man-made form of a hormone that is produced in the body. It works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin isophane is a long-acting form of insulin that is slightly different from other forms of insulin that are not man-made.
Humulin N is used to treat diabetes.
Humulin N may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Humulin N if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of Humulin N. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.
Before using Humulin N
Do not use Humulin N if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
To make sure you can safely use Humulin N, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially oral diabetes medications such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (which are sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin). Taking certain oral diabetes medications while you are using Humulin N may increase your risk of serious heart problems.
FDA pregnancy category B. Humulin N is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether insulin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Humulin N?
Use Humulin N exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use Humulin N in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Humulin N comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use, and directions for priming the injection device. Follow these directions carefully, or you may receive too little or too much Humulin N. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office.
Humulin N is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Use a different place on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm each time you give the injection. Do not inject Humulin N into the same place two times in a row.
Use a disposable needle only once, then throw away in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change Humulin N dose or dosing schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials, cartridges, injection pens: Keep in the carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any Humulin N not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.
Storing after your first use: Keep the "in-use" vials, cartridges, or prefilled syringes at room temperature and use prior to the expiration date. Keep the in-use injection pen at room temperature and use it within 14 days. Do not refrigerate.
Do not freeze Humulin N, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
It is important to keep Humulin N on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid?
Do not change the brand of insulin or syringe you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. 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.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Your blood sugar may become dangerously low if you drink alcohol while using Humulin N.
Humulin N side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs an allergic reaction to Humulin N: itching skin rash over the entire body, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate, sweating, or feeling like you might pass out.
Call your doctor at once if you have shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet, or rapid weight gain (especially if you are taking an oral diabetes medication).
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of Humulin N. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Watch for signs of low blood sugar. Carry a piece of non-dietetic hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.
Tell your doctor if you have itching, swelling, redness, or thickening of the skin where you inject Humulin N.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Humulin N?
Using certain medicines can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you use any of the following:
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albuterol;
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clonidine;
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reserpine; or
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a beta-blocker such as atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others.
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of Humulin N on lowering your blood sugar. Other drugs may also interact with insulin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
