Humulin N

Humulin N is a brand of insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, a global pharmaceutical company. Humulin N is a type of insulin known as NPH insulin, or Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin.

Composition

Humulin N is composed of human insulin isophane suspension. The 'N' in Humulin N stands for 'neutral', referring to its pH level. The insulin in Humulin N is combined with a protein called protamine, which slows down the rate at which the insulin is absorbed into the bloodstream. This allows for a longer duration of action compared to regular insulin.

Usage

Humulin N is used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition where the body is unable to properly process food for use as energy. It is an intermediate-acting insulin, meaning it starts to work within a few hours after injection and keeps working for up to 18 to 24 hours.

Administration

Humulin N is administered through subcutaneous injection, which is an injection into the fatty tissue just under the skin. It is typically injected once or twice daily, and the dosage is individualized based on the patient's blood glucose levels and other factors.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Humulin N can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effect of Humulin N is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Other possible side effects include allergic reactions, injection site reactions, and changes in fat tissue at the injection site.

Precautions

Before starting treatment with Humulin N, patients should inform their healthcare provider about all their medical conditions, including if they have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

See Also

• Insulin therapy
• Diabetes management
• Eli Lilly and Company