Humulin N insulin is
a hormone used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. It is a crystalline suspension of human insulin with protamine and zinc providing an immediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of of action and a longer duration of activity (up to 24 hours). Each vial contains 100 units/mL of insulin. It's used with U-100 insulin syringes (sold separately). Unopened vials of Humulin N should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used until the expiration date on the box of insulin. Once the vial of Humulin N is opened it may be kept at room temperature (below 86 degrees) or in the refrigerator. In either case, the opened vial should be discarded after 28 days.
To ensure proper temperature, it requires overnight shipping at an additional cost.
For: Dogs and Cats
Benefits:
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Controls your pet's glucose levels
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Improvement can be seen in a few days
How it works:
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pancreas. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the insulin produced is not effective, it results in diabetes mellitus. Humulin N controls hyperglycemia in dogs with diabetes.
Cautions: Do not switch from one type insulin to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose. Insulin requires refrigeration. Overnight shipping is required and additional shipping charges are applicable. Rarely, allergic reactions can occur. Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if your pet experiences hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
More Information:
Brand Name Humulin-N (Lilly)
Generic Name NPH human Insulin
What is this medication used for: Humulin N insulin is a hormone used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Availability: Humulin N insulin is a non-prescription (OTC) product available as 10 ml vials containing 100 units/ml (U-100).
How this medication should be used: Humulin N insulin is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs and cats. The dose of Humulin N insulin is determined by means of a blood glucose test. Doses can vary. In some instances Humulin N insulin may be given once a day and in other instances twice a day.
What are the side effects: Side effects when using Humulin N insulin may include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with symptoms of weakness, tiredness, shaking, seizures or coma. Cats may appear immobile. Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) has symptoms of increased thirst and urination, vomiting, change in gait or weakness. Allergic reaction may occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, or coma.
What special precautions are there: Do not switch from one type insulin to another unless under the directions of a veterinarian. Changing from one insulin to another may require an adjustment in the dose. This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. It is important to use the correct insulin syringe. 100 units/ml insulin (U-100) requires a 100 unit syringe. Humulin N insulin suspension should not be shaken but the bottle should be rolled between the hands to mix the vial. If a dose is missed, give the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one that was missed and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give two doses at once. It is potentially less harmful to the pet to give too little insulin, than to give too much. Use caution when insulin is given with anabolic steroids (Winstrol V), beta blockers (propranolol), MAO inhibitors (selegiline), phenylbutazone, sulfinpyrasone, tetracycline or salicylates (aspirin) which can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Use caution when given with glucocorticoids (prednisone), thyroid medications (levothyroxine), epinephrine, estrogen and progesterone combinations or diuretics (furosemide) which may increase the risk of hyperglycemia. Oral hypoglycemic agents such as glipizide may lower insulin requirements.
In the event of an overdose: Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Overdose of Humulin N insulin causes hypoglycemia. Symptoms include weakness, trembling, unresponsiveness, seizures, coma, and death. Feed the pet a normal meal or place a small amount of sugar water or Karo syrup on the gums. Do not treat an unresponsive pet.
How do I store this medication: Unopened vials of Humulin N should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used until the expiration date on the box of insulin. Once the vial of Humulin N is opened it may be kept at room temperature (below 86 degrees) or in the refrigerator. In either case, the opened vial should be discarded after 28 days. Do not use Humulin N insulin if it has been frozen. Do not use Humulin N insulin past its expiration date. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
Directions:
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Humulin N insulin is to help control blood glucose levels in diabetic pets.
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Humulin N is available in 10 mL vials containing 100 units per mL.
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Humulin N should be given using a U-100 insulin syringe only. Use of an insulin syringe other than a U-100 syringe will result in incorrect dosing.
Tip: Just prior to use, the vial should be mixed by gently rolling the vial between the palms of your hands 10 times.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
The dose of Humulin N insulin is determined by means of a blood glucose test. Doses can vary. In some instances Humulin N insulin may be given once a day and in other instances twice a day.
Horses:
Storage: Unopened vials of Humulin N should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used until the expiration date on the box of insulin. Once the vial of Humulin N is opened it may be kept at room temperature (below 86 degrees) or in the refrigerator. In either case, the opened vial should be discarded after 28 days.
Our 12 yr old min pin was just recently diag'd as a ketotic diabetic. Almost lost him, Humulin by far of two insulins attempted is the best. This dog is acting like a pup again, gained some of his weight back, and is on the go all of the time. Worth every dollar.
My chihuahua is doing great on Humulin but when my 8 yr old cat developed diabetis, my vet said humulin would not work well on the cat. Instead he prescribed Lantus. This was VERY expensive( over $125) AND the pharmacy tech told me to discard it after 28 days! checked with the vet and he said it would be fine to keep using, THe cat, who is doing great, is still on the first bottle from 9/14/10. still have 1/4 bottle left. will get a new one when this one hits experation date of 2/12/12.
I have a mixed Terrier that weighs 25 lbs. that has been on "Humulin N" since April of 2005. He takes 9.5 units twice a day (4:30 am / 4:30 pm). His diet consists of Hill's WD dry food and I boil white chicken tenders to mix with his dry food. The chicken is boiled to get the fats out of it.....plus when he has the shakes from low sugar I carry an empty insulin test strip container filled with white Karo syrup to dip a piece of white chicken tender strip in to feed him (about 1-2 teaspoons full) along with the Hill's WD dry food. He has done very well on this insulin and the daily diet I have him on.....By keeping him on this strict diet and feeding him NOTHING ELSE but this I don't have to have his sugar checked unless he gets sick which is very rare. i also give him a "greenie" chewy every day for his teeth. It has been over 6.5 years since he was diagnosed with diabetes and "Buddy" is a happy and well adjusted dog. I hope this helps others who has a loving dog that is diabetic. Proper treatment is necessary because diabetes will cause cataracts which "Buddy' has. It is important to get them to eat as soon as possible after giving them insulin so their sugar does not drop low. (10/16/2011)...John B.
our 11 year-old miniature schnauzer porkchop was diagnosed with diabetes after exhibiting signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drinking and urinating, and weight loss. after being put on humulin, he has completely gone back to his old ways! he has his energy back, is eating normally again, and acts like he's a young pup again. he's the light of my family's lives, so we're so happy that humulin has made him feel so much better.
In September 2010 I found out my 12 year old Spinger Spaniel mix had diabetes, throughout the summer he showed the signs of the disease, weight loss frequent urination lack of energy. Thank GOD for our wonderful vet@ Moonbrook Vet Clinic, they had Droopy in ICU for 2 days getting his sugar under control with proper diet and Humulin N Insulin. He has had his ups and downs but we are working through it. I am so happy that they have extended the life of my wonderful dog!
Can I not purchase two vials at a time - open and use one - keeping the other sealed as a back up and then rotate it's use when the previous one has been all used up? Would save time going to pharmacy every month - plus have a safety supply in case the current vial was dropped and broken and pharmacy not open to get immediate replacement.
Great question. Yes you can. The unopened vial can be kept until the expiration date on the box of insulin. Once the vial of Humulin N is opened it may be kept at room temperature (below 86 degrees) or in the refrigerator but in either case the opened vial should be discarded after 28 days.
Humulin N, is a crystalline suspension of human insulin with protamine and zinc providing an immediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of of action and a longer duration of activity (up to 24 hours). Humulin U, which is no longer manufactured, was a crystalline suspension of human insulin with zinc providing a slower onset and a longer and less intense duration of activity (up to 28 hours).
My usually 17 lb min pin has lost 4 lbs in the span of one month. I took her to the vet and her blood sugar was 587. I am curious if you can use regular insulin.
Humulin N Insulin is an insulin for humans that is used by veterinarians to treat diabetes in pets. You should not switch to a different insulin, nor should you adjust an insulin dose, unless under the direct instructions of your veterinarian.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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