Iletin II NPH from Lilly was a U100 strength porcine isophane--suspended insulin. It is now discontinued.
In the US, the only similar alternative is Vetsulin. Vetsulin differs from the now-defunct Iletin II NPH in type of suspension and insulin strength; both are porcine species insulins.
In other countries, Novo Nordisk's Pork Insulatard and CP Pharma's Hypurin Porcine Isophane are comparable products. Caninsulin, available in many countries, is the same as the US Vetsulin.
Those who have expired vials of Lilly's Iletin II R and Iletin II NPH appear to be able to use them safely 12 months beyond the vial's expiration date[1][2].
Directly from the HealthCanada page:
"Q8: I will have unused vials of Eli Lilly's Iletin II Regular and Iletin II NPH insulin as of April 1, 2006. Can I use them past the expiry date?
A8: Health Canada understands that there may be individuals who plan on using Iletin insulins past the labelled expiry date. While Health Canada does not recommend the use of any product past the labelled expiry date, Health Canada has reviewed stability data from Eli Lilly Canada. That data indicates that if the Iletin insulins have been stored properly, the products could be used safely up to 12 months beyond the labelled expiry date."
See also Substitutes for Humulin U and L
Further Reading[]
- Insulin Therapy in Cats With Diabetes Mellitus
Contains onset, peak & duration data on NPH/isophane & PZI insulins in cats.
- What Insulin Should I Choose Now That My Options Have Dwindled? Dr. David Bruyette--Page 2
- OSU Endocrinology Symposium 2006-Selecting an Insulin for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs & Cats-Nelson-Page 39
- Better Medicine-E-Newsletter-June 2006
- Switching to Another Insulin-Why and How-Dr. Greco North American Veterinary Conference-2006