How do you take Insulin regular (Human); Isophane insulin?

This is injected under the skin (not into a vein), usually in your belly, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many units to inject and how many times a day, usually once or twice daily, about 30 minutes before meals. Always roll the vial or pen gently between your palms to mix it before injecting; never shake it. Your dose depends on your blood sugar readings, so follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

What are the side effects of Insulin regular (Human); Isophane insulin?

Low blood sugar (you may feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or very hungry), weight gain, swelling or small lumps at the injection site, mild skin redness or itching where you inject

Who should not take Insulin regular (Human); Isophane insulin?

Do not use if you are allergic to human insulin or any ingredient in the product. Do not inject when your blood sugar is already low (hypoglycaemia). Do not inject into a vein, it is only for injection under the skin.

Prescription

Antidiabetic (Premixed Insulin)

Insulin regular; Isophane insulin

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

This is a premixed insulin injection that combines two types of insulin: a fast-acting one (regular human insulin) and a longer-acting one (isophane/NPH insulin) to help control blood sugar levels throughout the day. The fast part works quickly after meals while the longer-acting part keeps your sugar steady between meals.

How it works

Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, promoting glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis while inhibiting hepatic glucose production and lipolysis. The rapid-acting regular insulin component provides quick glycemic control, while the intermediate-acting isophane insulin provides sustained glucose regulation.

What is it used for?

Diabetes (sugar disease) is used to control high blood sugar in people with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes when tablets alone are not enough

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Diabetes

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Always buy your insulin from a reputable pharmacy with proper cold storage, as insulin bought from roadside sellers or kept in heat may be spoiled and ineffective. Learn to recognise signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion) and always carry sugar, sweets, or a sugary drink with you. Do not share your insulin pen or needles with anyone, even if they also have diabetes, as this can spread infections.

Common Side Effects

Low blood sugar (you may feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, or very hungry)
weight gain
swelling or small lumps at the injection site
mild skin redness or itching where you inject

Serious Side Effects

Severely low blood sugar: confusion
fainting
seizures
or inability to wake up (this is an emergency, give the person sugar or glucose immediately and rush to hospital). Severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing
swelling of face or throat
rash all over the body (go to hospital immediately).

Drug Interactions

Some blood pressure medicines (like beta-blockers such as atenolol or propranolol) can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar, making it harder to know when your sugar drops. Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low, especially if you haven't eaten, so avoid or limit alcohol. Diabetes tablets like glimepiride or metformin used alongside insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar, so your doctor needs to adjust your doses carefully.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Insulin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but your doctor must closely monitor and adjust your dose because blood sugar needs change during pregnancy, so never adjust it yourself.

Who Should NOT Take This

Do not use if you are allergic to human insulin or any ingredient in the product. Do not inject when your blood sugar is already low (hypoglycaemia). Do not inject into a vein
it is only for injection under the skin.

How to Store

Store unopened vials and pens in a refrigerator (2–8°C), not in the freezer. In Nigeria's hot weather, never leave insulin in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or near a stove. Once opened, you can keep it at room temperature (below 25–30°C) for up to 4–6 weeks, but avoid extreme heat. Always keep away from children. If the insulin looks clumpy, has particles, or has changed colour, do not use it.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.