Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Alternate Over The Counter Medication For Novolin N
Posted on
Thu, 7 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 7 Jan 2016
Answered on
Thu, 4 Feb 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello. My name is XXXXXXX My wife has been using Humulin-N successfully for about 2 years. This year her ACA insurance had to change to Blue Cross/Shield in Wyoming. They apparently don't like paying for Humulin-N and are demanding she switch to Novulin-N. What I've read seems to indicate not much of a difference, and as long as the delivery by way of a pen stays the same, I think she'll be fine. But there is a lot I don't know. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Considered equivalent
Detailed Answer:
Novolin N and Humulin N are the same medication (Human Isophane or NPH Insulin) with different brand names as they are made by different manufacturers. The former is made by Novo Nordisk and the latter by XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Both companies are world leaders in Insulin production, and so the products are very reliable and high quality.
By virtue of the above fact, the change from one to the other should not result in any major blood glucose control problems that you did not have earlier prior to the switch. This is also the reason your insurance company has allowed a substitution.
But continue to monitor blood glucose levels closely and regularly, and report them to your doctor
Considered equivalent
Detailed Answer:
Novolin N and Humulin N are the same medication (Human Isophane or NPH Insulin) with different brand names as they are made by different manufacturers. The former is made by Novo Nordisk and the latter by XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Both companies are world leaders in Insulin production, and so the products are very reliable and high quality.
By virtue of the above fact, the change from one to the other should not result in any major blood glucose control problems that you did not have earlier prior to the switch. This is also the reason your insurance company has allowed a substitution.
But continue to monitor blood glucose levels closely and regularly, and report them to your doctor
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
We cannot seem to find a pen delivery option for the Novolin-N locally. Vials only. Is this the case everywhere?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
This is likely the case, although any pharmacist will confirm this fact for you by contacting manufacturer directly, or your doctors office will be able to help too.
Novolin N vials are available in 10 ml as you have noted, while Humulin N has the additional option of a 3 ml pen device too.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
This is likely the case, although any pharmacist will confirm this fact for you by contacting manufacturer directly, or your doctors office will be able to help too.
Novolin N vials are available in 10 ml as you have noted, while Humulin N has the additional option of a 3 ml pen device too.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
