Humulin N Warnings and Precautions

To ensure safe use of Humulin N, warnings and precautions for the drug should be discussed with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Even though Humulin N is available without a prescription, it should only be used with your healthcare provider's approval and supervision. You should not take Humulin N if you are allergic to any components of the medication or do not have diabetes.

 

Humulin N: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Humulin® N (NPH insulin) if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Precautions and Warnings for Humulin N

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking
 Humulin N include the following:
 
  • Even though Humulin N is available without a prescription, it should only be used with your healthcare provider's approval and supervision. Using this medication inappropriately can be lethal.
     
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most common (and usually most serious) side effect of insulin medications, including Humulin N. Make sure you and those around you know how to identify the warning signs for low blood sugar and how to respond. You must test your blood sugar levels regularly while taking Humulin N or any other insulin. Low blood sugar levels can be a life-threatening problem.
     
  • Liver and kidney problems may affect your Humulin N dosage. Also, changes in diet or exercise, illness, or stress may affect your blood sugar levels in such a way that your dosage needs to be adjusted.
     
  • Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to inject Humulin N, how to store the drug, and how to dispose of your used needles.
     
  • This diabetes medication can potentially interact with several other medications (see Humulin N Drug Interactions).
     
  • Humulin N is considered a pregnancy Category B medication. This means it is most likely safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are not known (see Humulin N and Pregnancy).
     
  • It is not known if Humulin N passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Humulin N and Breastfeeding).
     
(Humulin N Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;