Patient Information for Humulin N
HUMULIN®
(HU-mu-lin) N
(insulin isophane human)
injectable suspension, for subcutaneous use
Do not share your HUMULIN N KwikPen or syringes with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
What is HUMULIN N?
- HUMULIN N is a man-made insulin that is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
Who should not use HUMULIN N?
Do not use HUMULIN N if you:
- are having an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- have an allergy to HUMULIN N or any of the ingredients in HUMULIN N.
Before using HUMULIN N, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including, if you:
- have liver or kidney problems.
- take any other medicines, especially ones commonly called TZDs (thiazolidinediones).
- have heart failure or other heart problems. If you have heart failure, it may get worse while you take TZDs with HUMULIN N.
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to control your blood sugar if you plan to become pregnant or while you are pregnant.
- are breast-feeding or plan to breastfeed. HUMULIN N may pass into your breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using HUMULIN N.
- are taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
Before you start using HUMULIN N, talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it.
How should I use HUMULIN N?
- Read the Instructions for Use that come with your HUMULIN N.
- Use HUMULIN N exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. HUMULIN N is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area, buttocks, upper legs or upper arms. Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose with each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
- Know the type and strength of insulin you use. Do not change the type of insulin you use unless your healthcare provider tells you to. The amount of insulin and the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you use different types of insulin.
- Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.
- Do not share your HUMULIN N KwikPen or syringes with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
Your HUMULIN N dose may need to change because of:
- change in level of physical activity or exercise, weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, change in diet.
What should I avoid while using HUMULIN N?
While using HUMULIN N do not:
- drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how HUMULIN N affects you.
- drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of HUMULIN N?
HUMULIN N may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including:
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs and symptoms that may indicate low blood sugar include:
- dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, or mood changes, hunger.
- serious allergic reaction (whole body reaction). Get medical help right away, if you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- a rash over your whole body, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
- low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia).
- heart failure. Taking certain diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones or “TZDs” with HUMULIN N may cause heart failure in some people. This can happen even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems before. If you already have heart failure it may get worse while you take TZDs with HUMULIN N. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely while you are taking TZDs with HUMULIN N. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worse symptoms of heart failure including:
Get emergency medical help if you have:
- trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion.
The most common side effects of HUMULIN N include:
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergic reactions including reactions at the injection site, skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy), itching, rash, weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.
These are not all the possible side effects of HUMULIN N. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of HUMULIN N:
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about HUMULIN N that is written for health professionals. Do not use HUMULIN N for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give HUMULIN N to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
What are the ingredients in HUMULIN N?
Active Ingredient: insulin human
Inactive Ingredients:dibasic sodium phosphate, glycerin, metacresol, phenol, protamine sulfate, zinc oxide, and Water for Injection as inactive ingredients. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust the pH.
For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to www.humulin.com.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
HUMULIN®
(HU-mu-lin) N
(insulin isophane human)
injectable suspension, for subcutaneous use
3 mL or 10 mL multiple-dose vial (100 units/mL)
Read the Instructions for Use before you start taking HUMULIN N and each time you get a new HUMULIN N vial. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not share your syringes with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
Supplies needed to give your injection:
- a 3 mL or 10 mL multiple-dose HUMULIN N vial
- a U-100 insulin syringe and needle
- 2 alcohol swabs
- 1 sharps container for throwing away used needles and syringes. See “Disposing of used needles and syringes” at the end of these instructions.
Preparing your HUMULIN N dose:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Check the HUMULIN N label to make sure you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially important if you use more than 1 type of insulin.
- Do not use HUMULIN N past the expiration date printed on the label or 31 days after you first use it.
- Always use a new syringe or needle for each injection to help ensure sterility and prevent blocked needles. Do not reuse or share your syringes or needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
Step 1:
Gently roll the vial between the palms of your hands at least 10 times.
Step 2:
Carefully invert the vial at least 10 times.
Mixing is important to make sure you get the right dose. Humulin N should look white and cloudy after mixing. Do not use it if it looks clear or contains any lumps or particles.
Step 3:
If you are using a new vial, pull off the plastic Protective Cap, but do not remove the Rubber Stopper.
Step 4:
Wipe the Rubber Stopper with an alcohol swab.
Step 5:
Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. Pull down on the Plunger until the tip of the Plunger reaches the line for the number of units for your prescribed dose.
Step 6:
Push the needle through the Rubber Stopper of the vial.
Step 7:
Push the plunger all the way in. This puts air into the vial.
Step 8:
Turn the vial and syringe upside down and slowly pull the Plunger down until the tip is a few units past the line for your prescribed dose.
If there are air bubbles, tap the syringe gently a few times to let any air bubbles rise to the top.
Step 9:
Slowly push the Plunger up until the tip reaches the line for your prescribed dose.
Check the syringe to make sure that you have the right dose.
Step 10:
Pull the syringe out of the vial’s Rubber Stopper.
Giving your HUMULIN N injection:
- Inject your insulin exactly as your healthcare provider has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose for each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
Step 11:
Choose your injection site.
HUMULIN N is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach area (abdomen), buttocks, upper legs or upper arms.
Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab. Let the injection site dry before you inject your dose.
Step 12:
Insert the needle into your skin.
Step 13:
Push down on the Plunger to inject your dose.
The needle should stay in your skin for at least 5 seconds to make sure you have injected all of your insulin dose.
Step 14:
Pull the needle out of your skin.
- If you see blood after you take the needle out of your skin, press the injection site with a piece of gauze or an alcohol swab. Do not rub the area.
- Do not recap the needle. Recapping the needle can lead to a needle stick injury.
Disposing of used needles and syringes:
- Put your used needles and syringes in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) loose needles and syringes in your household trash.
- If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA’s website at: https://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
How should I store HUMULIN N?
All unopened HUMULIN N vials:
- Store all unopened vials in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze. Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
- Unopened vials can be used until the expiration date on the carton and label, if they have been stored in the refrigerator.
- Unopened vials should be thrown away after 31 days, if they are stored at room temperature.
After HUMULIN N vials have been opened:
- Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 31 days.
- Keep away from heat and out of direct light.
- Throw away all opened vials after 31 days of use, even if there is still insulin left in the vial.
General information about the safe and effective use of HUMULIN N.
- Keep HUMULIN N vials, syringes, needles, and all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Always use a new syringe or needle for each injection.
- Do not reuse or share your syringes or needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
If you have any questions or problems with your HUMULIN, contact Lilly at 1-800-Lilly-Rx (1- 800-545-5979) or call your healthcare provider for help. For more information on HUMULIN and insulin, go to www.humulin.com.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
HUMULIN® N KwikPen®
(insulin isophane human)
injectable suspension, for subcutaneous use
3 mL single-patient-use pen (100 units/mL)
Read the Instructions for Use before you start taking HUMULIN N and each time you get another KwikPen. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not share your HUMULIN N KwikPen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
HUMULIN® N KwikPen® (“Pen”) is a disposable single-patient-use prefilled pen containing 300 units of HUMULIN N. You can give yourself more than 1 dose from the Pen. Each turn (click) of the Dose Knob dials 1 unit of insulin. You can give from 1 to 60 units in a single injection. If your dose is more than 60 units, you will need to give yourself more than 1 injection. The Plunger only moves a little with each injection, and you may not notice that it moves. The Plunger will only reach the end of the cartridge when you have used all 300 units in the Pen.
People who are blind or have vision problems should not use the Pen without help from a person trained to use the Pen.
How to recognize your HUMULIN N KwikPen
- Pen color: Beige
- Dose Knob: Light green
- Labels: White label with light green stripe
Supplies you will need to give your injection
- HUMULIN N KwikPen
- KwikPen compatible Needle (Becton, Dickinson and Company Pen Needles recommended)
- Alcohol swab
- Gauze
Preparing your Pen
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Check your Pen to make sure you are taking the right type of insulin. This is especially important if you use more than 1 type of insulin.
- Do not use your Pen past the expiration date printed on the Label or for more than 14 days after you first start using the Pen.
- Always use a new needle for each injection to help prevent infections and blocked needles. Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
Step 1:
- Pull the Pen Cap straight off.
- Do not remove the Pen Label.
- Wipe the Rubber Seal with an alcohol swab.
- Do not attach the Needle before mixing.
Step 2:
- Gently roll the Pen between your hands 10 times.
Step 3:
Step 4:
- Check the liquid in the Pen. HUMULIN N should look white and cloudy after mixing. Do not use if it looks clear or has any lumps or particles in it.
Step 5:
- Select a new Needle.
- Pull off the Paper Tab from the Outer Needle Shield.
Step 6:
- Push the capped Needle straight onto the Pen and twist the Needle on until it is tight.
Step 7:
- Pull off the Outer Needle Shield. Do not throw it away.
- Pull off the Inner Needle Shield and throw it away.
Priming your Pen
Prime before each injection.
- Priming your Pen means removing the air from the Needle and Cartridge that may collect during normal use and ensures that the Pen is working correctly.
- If you do not prime before each injection, you may get too much or too little insulin.
Step 8:
- To prime your Pen, turn the Dose Knob to select 2 units.
Step 9:
- Hold your Pen with the Needle pointing up. Tap the Cartridge Holder gently to collect air bubbles at the top.
Step 10:
- Continue holding your Pen with Needle pointing up. Push the Dose Knob in until it stops, and “0” is seen in the Dose Window. Hold the Dose Knob in and count to 5 slowly.
- You should see insulin at the tip of the Needle.
- If you do not see insulin, repeat priming steps 8 to 10, no more than 4 times.
- If you still do not see insulin, change the Needle and repeat priming steps 8 to 10.
Small air bubbles are normal and will not affect your dose.
Selecting your dose
- You can give from 1 to 60 units in a single injection.
- If your dose is more than 60 units, you will need to give more than 1 injection.
- If you need help with dividing up your dose the right way, ask your healthcare provider.
- Use a new Needle for each injection and repeat the priming step.
Step 11:
 |
- Turn the Dose Knob to select the number of units you need to inject. The Dose Indicator should line up with your dose.
- The Pen dials 1 unit at a time.
- The Dose Knob clicks as you turn it.
- Do notdial your dose by counting the clicks.You may dial the wrong dose. This may lead to you getting too much insulin or not enough insulin.
- The dose can be corrected by turning the Dose Knob in either direction until the correct dose lines up with the Dose Indicator.
- The even numbers (for example, 12) are printed on the dial.
- The odd numbers, (for example, 25) after the number 1, are shown as full lines. (Example: 12 units shown in the Dose Window)
- Always check the number in the Dose Window to make sure you have dialed the correct dose.
- The Pen will not let you dial more than the number of units left in the Pen.
- If you need to inject more than the number of units left in the Pen, you may either:
- inject the amount left in your Pen and then use a new Pen to give the rest of your dose, or
- get a new Pen and inject the full dose.
- It is normal to see a small amount of insulin left in the Pen that you can not inject.
Giving your injection
- Inject your insulin as your healthcare provider has shown you.
- Change (rotate) your injection sites within the area you choose for each dose to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy (pits in skin or thickened skin) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis (skin with lumps) at the injection sites. Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps. Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.
- Do not try to change your dose while injecting.
Step 12:
Step 13:
- Insert the Needle into your skin.
- Push the Dose Knob all the way in.
- Continue to hold the Dose Knob in and slowly count to 5 before removing the Needle.
Do not try to inject your insulin by turning the Dose Knob. You will not receive your insulin by turning the Dose Knob.
Step 14:
The Plunger only moves a little with each injection, and you may not notice that it moves.
If you see blood after you take the Needle out of your skin, press the injection site lightly with a piece of gauze or an alcohol swab. Do not rub the area.
After your injection
Step 15:
- Carefully replace the Outer Needle Shield.
Step 16:
- Unscrew the capped Needle and throw it away (see Disposing of Pens and Needles section).
- Do not store the Pen with the Needle attached to prevent leaking, blocking the Needle, and air from entering the Pen.
Step 17:
- Replace the Pen Cap by lining up the Cap Clip with the Dose Indicator and pushing straight on.
Disposing of Pens and Needles
- Put your used needles in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) loose needles in your household trash.
- If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA’s website at: https://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
- The used Pen may be discarded in your household trash after you have removed the needle.
Storing your Pen
Unused Pens
- Store unused Pens in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Do not freeze your insulin. Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Unused Pens may be used until the expiration date printed on the Label, if the Pen has been kept in the refrigerator.
In-use Pen
- Store the Pen you are currently using at room temperature [up to 86°F (30°C)]. Keep away from heat and light.
- Throw away the HUMULIN N Pen you are using after 14 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
General information about the safe and effective use of your Pen
- Keep your Pen and needles out of the reach of children.
- Do not use your Pen if any part looks broken or damaged.
- Always carry an extra Pen in case yours is lost or damaged.
Troubleshooting
- If you can not remove the Pen Cap, gently twist the cap back and forth, and then pull the cap straight off.
- If the Dose Knob is hard to push:
- Pushing the Dose Knob more slowly will make it easier to inject.
- Your Needle may be blocked. Put on a new Needle and prime the Pen.
- You may have dust, food, or liquid inside the Pen. Throw the Pen away and get a new Pen.
If you have any questions or problems with your HUMULIN N KwikPen, contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or call your healthcare provider for help. For more information on HUMULIN N KwikPen and insulin, go to www.lilly.com.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.