Humulin Nph (Insulin Human)

Humulin Nph is indicated for use as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan to provide basal insulin support.

• Basal insulin therapy for adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
• Basal insulin therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Adjunct to rapid‑acting insulin for mixed‑meal regimens.
• Management of fasting hyperglycaemia in patients requiring intermediate‑acting insulin.
• Use in combination with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
• Suitable for patients who need once‑or twice‑daily dosing to maintain stable glucose levels.
• Can be used in pediatric patients when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Humulin Nph contains recombinant human insulin that binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers intracellular signaling cascades, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters and increasing glucose uptake into peripheral tissues. It also stimulates glycogen synthase, enhancing glycogen storage, and suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis, thereby lowering circulating glucose concentrations. The intermediate‑acting formulation prolongs the insulin effect to provide basal coverage over several hours.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Nph may vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Mild hypoglycaemia (symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, hunger).
• Injection‑site redness, swelling or itching.
• Weight gain associated with improved glycaemic control.
• Lipodystrophy (localized fat accumulation or loss) at injection sites.
• Transient nausea or abdominal discomfort after injection.
• Headache or dizziness, especially when blood glucose falls.
• Skin discoloration or bruising at the injection site.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Allergic reactions including urticaria, angio‑edema, or anaphylaxis.
• Persistent hyperglycaemia due to insulin resistance or dosing error.
• Edema or congestive heart failure exacerbation in susceptible patients.
• Hypersensitivity leading to serum sickness‑like reaction.

When prescribing or using Humulin Nph, healthcare professionals and patients should consider several precautionary measures to minimise risks.

• Adjust dose during periods of illness, stress, or changes in activity.
• Monitor blood glucose frequently, especially when initiating therapy or changing dose.
• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Consider pregnancy and lactation status; benefits must outweigh potential risks.
• Store the product according to label instructions to maintain potency.

Humulin Nph may interact with other medicines or substances, affecting its glucose‑lowering action or safety profile.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other insulin products without proper dose adjustment.
• Co‑administration with sulfonylureas or meglitinides that increase hypoglycaemia risk.
• Use with beta‑blockers that may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.
• Simultaneous use of alcohol in excess, which can cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations.

Use with caution

• Concomitant corticosteroids, which can raise blood glucose and require dose changes.
• Use with thiazide diuretics that may impair glucose tolerance.
• Combination with oral contraceptives or hormone therapy, which can affect insulin requirements.
• Concurrent use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs may modestly enhance insulin sensitivity.