ReliOn/Novolin NPH

ReliOn/Novolin NPH
NPH/Isophane by Novo Nordisk
intermediate-acting	r-DNA/GE/GM
U100	isophane
Line	Novolin
Also known as	Novolin N, Insulatard, Protaphane
Similar to	Humulin N, Humulin I, Insuman Basal
Action in cats	onset 1-2h, sharp peak 4-10h duration 8-12h
Action in dogs	onset 0.5-3h, peak 2-10h, duration 4-24h
Use and Handling
Type	cloudy
Shelf Life	18 months
When opened	28 days room temp.
In pen	28 days room temp.
Notes	protect from light and heat Do Not Freeze Do not use if product does not re-suspend Roll Do not use intravenously

An NPH/isophane crystal insulin.

Technical details

This type of insulin tends to have an onset of 2-4 hours, a peak action of 4-10 hours, and a total duration of 10-20 hours, in humans.

These times seem to be similar in dogs, but considerably compressed in cats, possibly because of cats' faster metabolism.

Cats seem instead to experience a 1-2 hour onset, a peak action of 4-6 hours, and a total duration of 8-12 hours maximum, according to user surveys on Felinediabetes.com

It is a protamine suspension insulin, made by Novo Nordisk especially for Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.

The only difference between the vials is the addition of the ReliOn name and the cheaper price. There is no quality difference between this insulin and Novolin N, Insulatard or Protaphane.

Other comparable insulins by other manufacturers are: Humulin N, Humulin I--the "I" an abbreviation for isophane, Insuman Basal.

Further Reading

• How to use NPH insulins on cats by Kimber & Bunny and the FDMB