Novolin is a family of human insulin products made by Novo Nordisk. It includes Novolin R (regular short-acting), Novolin N (NPH intermediate-acting), and Novolin 70/30 (a fixed premixed blend). Novolin has been used for decades, remains widely available, and is significantly cheaper than rapid-acting and long-acting analogs — making it an important option for cost-conscious patients.
What “Human Insulin” Means
Novolin is recombinant DNA-derived human insulin, meaning the amino acid sequence is identical to the insulin naturally produced by the human pancreas. This contrasts with analog insulins (Humalog, Novolog, Lantus, Tresiba), which have small amino acid substitutions that change absorption and duration. Human insulins were the gold standard from the 1980s through the early 2000s, before analogs became dominant.
Cost pressures have revived interest in Novolin. For context on how insulin fits into broader type 2 diabetes care, see our treatment overview.
The Three Novolin Products
| Product | Type | Onset | Peak | Duration | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novolin R | Regular human insulin | 30 to 60 min | 2 to 4 hr | 5 to 8 hr | Mealtime coverage |
| Novolin N | NPH (isophane) | 1 to 2 hr | 4 to 12 hr | 14 to 24 hr | Basal coverage |
| Novolin 70/30 | 70% NPH + 30% regular | 30 to 60 min | Dual peak | 14 to 24 hr | Combined mealtime + basal, twice daily |
Who Uses Novolin
Novolin is FDA-approved for adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is commonly used by:
- Adults who cannot afford analog insulins and need an effective basal or mealtime option
- Patients with stable schedules who can align meals and doses
- Hospitalized patients (regular and NPH are staples of inpatient care)
- Those on dialysis or with special clinical needs
- Gestational diabetes in some practices, when analogs are unavailable
How Novolin Is Dosed
Because Novolin’s action curves differ from analogs, dosing practices differ too.
Novolin R (Regular)
Inject 30 minutes before a meal to match its slower onset. Dosing follows the same carb-ratio and correction-factor framework as analog insulins, but ratios may differ. Eat on time; skipping a meal after injecting regular insulin risks hypoglycemia at the 2- to 4-hour peak.
Novolin N (NPH)
Often injected once or twice daily to cover basal needs. Typical starting dose is 10 units at bedtime, or 0.1 to 0.2 units per kilogram split between morning and bedtime. Titrate every 3 days based on fasting glucose. NPH must be gently rolled in the hands 10 times before drawing up — it is a suspension that settles.
Novolin 70/30
Injected twice daily, usually 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner. Each dose provides both mealtime and basal coverage in fixed proportions. Works best for patients with predictable meals and activity. Less flexible than separate basal and mealtime dosing.
Injection Technique and Mixing
- Inject into the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock
- Rotate sites within a region to prevent lipohypertrophy
- Novolin N and 70/30 are cloudy suspensions — gently roll between palms before use
- Novolin R is clear — discard if cloudy
- Never mix Novolin N or 70/30 with long-acting analogs like glargine or degludec
- Novolin R can be mixed with NPH in the same syringe if your care team instructs — draw R first
Common Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia (most common and most serious)
- Weight gain after starting insulin
- Injection-site reactions
- Lipohypertrophy with repeated same-site injection
- Rare allergic reactions
Serious Warnings
Hypoglycemia Timing
Novolin N peaks 4 to 12 hours after injection, which often coincides with the middle of the night when dosed at dinner. This timing is a leading cause of nocturnal hypoglycemia. Many patients switch to long-acting analogs specifically to avoid this peak. If you use NPH, a bedtime snack and a CGM alarm can reduce risk.
Meal Synchronization
Regular insulin requires eating on time. Skipping a meal after Novolin R injection often produces a severe low about 2 to 4 hours later. For patients with irregular schedules, analog insulins may be safer.
Hypokalemia
Insulin shifts potassium into cells. Patients with kidney disease, on diuretics, or with baseline low potassium need closer monitoring.
Drug Interactions
Beta-blockers can mask hypoglycemia symptoms. Corticosteroids, atypical antipsychotics, and thiazide diuretics may raise insulin needs. Alcohol can prolong hypoglycemia. Thiazolidinediones combined with insulin raise heart failure risk.
Hypersensitivity
Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Stop Novolin and seek emergency care for widespread rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Storage and Handling
- Unopened vials: refrigerate at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit until expiration
- In-use Novolin R: up to 42 days at room temperature below 77 degrees
- In-use Novolin N and 70/30: up to 42 days at room temperature below 77 degrees
- Never freeze; never expose to direct heat or sunlight
- Inspect before each dose — suspensions must be evenly mixed; clear insulin must look water-clear
Cost and Access
Novolin’s most compelling feature is affordability. Walmart’s ReliOn Novolin R, N, and 70/30 are typically sold for $25 per 10 mL vial without insurance in most states, one of the lowest insulin prices in the United States. Additional access pathways:
- Over-the-counter purchase at the pharmacy counter in most US states
- Novo Nordisk patient assistance program for qualifying uninsured patients
- Community health centers offering sliding-scale pricing
- Medicare Part D $35 insulin cap applies to Novolin products
To learn how different A1C targets translate into real-world glucose numbers, see our A1C levels guide.
Novolin vs. Analog Insulins
The key trade-off is cost versus convenience. Analog insulins offer faster mealtime onset, flatter basal profiles, and less nocturnal hypoglycemia — at a much higher list price. Novolin works well for patients with stable schedules, strong self-monitoring, and limited budgets. Rapid analogs like Humalog or Fiasp outperform regular insulin for post-meal glucose. Long-acting analogs like Lantus or Tresiba reduce overnight lows compared with NPH.
Monitoring on Novolin
Expect regular checkpoints to keep therapy safe:
- Fasting and post-meal glucose logs, especially during dose changes
- A1C every 3 months until at goal, then every 6 months
- Annual eye, foot, and kidney screening
- Review of hypoglycemia episodes — frequency, severity, timing
When to Contact Your Care Team
- Severe hypoglycemia or loss of consciousness
- Repeated morning glucose above 200 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL
- Vomiting, fever, or inability to hold down fluids
- New swelling or lump at an injection site
- Planning pregnancy, major surgery, or schedule changes
- Questions about affordability or switching insulins
The Bottom Line
Novolin R, N, and 70/30 remain vital tools in diabetes care despite the rise of analogs. They offer proven effectiveness at a fraction of the cost, are widely available over the counter, and can help people reach A1C targets when used thoughtfully with a predictable schedule and close glucose monitoring. Their weaknesses — slower onset, a higher NPH peak, and more nocturnal hypoglycemia — matter most for patients with variable schedules or a history of severe lows. Discuss with your clinician whether Novolin is the right fit, or whether analogs plus manufacturer savings programs would serve you better.
