When and How to Take Humulin N
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- This diabetes medication comes in injectable form. It is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once or twice a day. There are many different strategies for dosing Humulin N and other insulins; be sure to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.
- Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject Humulin N. It can be injected into the skin and fat layer of the abdomen (stomach), upper arm, or thigh.
- Humulin N comes in vials or pens. To use the pens, you will need specific types of needles known as "pen needles." Each time you inject Humulin N, you need to use a new needle. To use Humulin N from the vial, you will need insulin syringes (with needles).
- Because Humulin N is a suspension, you must shake or roll the vial (or roll and invert the pen) until the insulin looks uniformly cloudy.
- If you use the vials, Humulin N can be mixed with Humulin R (regular human insulin) in the same syringe. Be sure to draw up the Humulin R first. The pens do not allow for mixing.
- For this diabetes drug to work properly, it must be taken as directed. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as your healthcare provider recommends. Even though Humulin N is available without a prescription, it should not be used without a healthcare provider's approval and supervision.
The dose of Humulin N that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The carbohydrate content of your meals
- How you respond to Humulin N (especially as measured by your blood sugar levels)
- Your current dose of other insulins
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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