What Is Novolin 70/30 Used For?
Novolin
® 70/30 (NPH
insulin/
regular insulin) is an insulin medication approved for the treatment of
diabetes. It is a mixture of two different insulin medications: a short-acting insulin (
Novolin R, regular insulin) and an intermediate-acting insulin (
Novolin N, NPH insulin). It is usually used before meals, typically just two times a day.
Using Novolin 70/30 Without a Prescription
Many people are surprised to learn that many insulin medications are available over-the-counter (without a prescription).
Regular human insulin, NPH insulin, and mixtures of the two types (such as
Novolin 70/30) do not require a prescription, even though they are stored "behind the counter" in the pharmacy, since they must be refrigerated. Newer forms of insulin require a prescription. In addition, if you would like your insurance (or Medicaid or Medicare Part D) to cover Novolin 70/30, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Even though you don't typically need a prescription for Novolin 70/30, it is important that you use it only under your healthcare provider's supervision. Insulin is a potent and potentially dangerous drug. Taking too much can easily result in death
(see Novolin 70/30 Overdose). You should not take Novolin 70/30 if you do not have diabetes, as this can be extremely dangerous. People without diabetes sometimes abuse insulin (often in combination with steroids) in an attempt to enhance athletic performance.
