Insulin NPH
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Insulin NPH during a consultation by Dr Noor. For mobile vet Perth support, this page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Insulin NPH during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information – Insulin NPH for pets
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine. It also does not replace guidance from your veterinary care team.
- Insulin NPH is a medium-length insulin used for diabetes mellitus (diabetes). It is given as an injection under the skin.
- Before each use, mix it by slowly rolling the vial or pen between your hands. Do not shake it.
- When it is mixed correctly, Insulin NPH should look evenly milky. Do not use it if the liquid looks discolored or if you still see bits or particles after gentle mixing.
- Give doses at the same time each day. Give the injection right after a meal.
- Do not give insulin if your animal is not eating. If your animal will not eat, contact your veterinarian.
- Use only U100 insulin syringes with U100 Insulin NPH. If you use an insulin pen, use only needles made for that pen.
- Always check the amount in the syringe or pen before you inject. Giving too much can be deadly.
- Use a different injection spot each time.
- Do not use needles or syringes more than once. Put used needles and syringes into a sharps container right after use.
- Call your veterinarian if you see signs of low blood sugar, such as weakness, low energy, unsteady walking, changes in behavior, muscle twitching, or seizures.
Description
- This is a medium-length insulin.
- It is a liquid suspension for injection and comes as vials or pens.
- Insulin NPH suspensions have 100 units per mL.
Other common names
Humulin N, Novolin N
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it for other animals. This is sometimes called “extra-label” use. It may be used for:
- Managing diabetes mellitus in dogs, cats, and other animals.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking.
- Any health problems your animal has now or has had before.
- Any bad reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in animals:
- That have an allergy to it.
- That are not eating.
- That already have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking a medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- To reduce the chance of being stuck by a needle:
- Throw away used needles, syringes, and pen needles right after use.
- Do not put the cap back on a syringe needle before throwing it away.
- A needle-stick can cause pain and infection. If you are stuck by a needle, contact your doctor.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Skin changes where injections are given, such as small lumps or thickened skin. Changing injection locations can help lower the chance of these skin problems.
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic right away if you notice these signs:
- Weakness, low energy, unsteady walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, or seizures. These can be signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Hives, swelling of the head or neck, loud breathing, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of an allergic reaction, even though this is uncommon.
Always be ready for unexpected low blood sugar. Keep a real sugar source available, such as honey, table sugar, corn syrup, or liquid glucose packets. Do not use sugar substitutes like xylitol or aspartame, because these may be poisonous.
If low blood sugar happens:
- If your animal is unconscious or having a seizure, this is an emergency. Go to a veterinarian immediately.
- If your animal is awake and can swallow, rub about 1 tablespoon of corn syrup or honey on the gums until your animal is alert enough to eat. Then give a meal and contact your veterinarian.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your animal’s symptoms get worse or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
This insulin is medium-length. It may work for 6 to 12 hours.
How long do I give it for?
Animals may need this medicine for different lengths of time, but it is often used for life. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs.
Make sure you refill the prescription so treatment is not interrupted.
You may want to keep an extra vial or pen at home in case one breaks or there is a delay getting a refill.
Overdose
Too much insulin can cause a dangerous, life-threatening drop in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include weakness, low energy, unsteady walking, behavior changes, muscle twitching, seizures, or coma.
If you see or suspect an overdose, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee may apply):
- Have the product or label available if you can.
Missed dose
Missing a dose can cause signs of high blood sugar, such as drinking more and urinating more, but it is not life-threatening.
- Contact your veterinarian as soon as you can to ask when the next dose should be given.
- If you cannot reach your veterinarian and your animal is eating and acting normally, give the regular dose at the next scheduled time.
- Do not give two doses to “catch up,” because that can cause a life-threatening overdose.
Storage
- Keep unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator.
- Opened vials can be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Opened pens should be kept at room temperature.
- Do not store pens with the pen needle attached.
- Keep away from light and heat.
- Do not freeze. If it has frozen, throw it away.
- Store insulin, needles, and syringes where children and animals cannot reach them.
Vials and pens must be thrown away 14 to 42 days after first use. Some products can only be kept at room temperature for a limited time. The exact rules depend on the product and maker. Read the product label.
Disposal
Insulin disposal: Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink. Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the preferred option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag. Then place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine or give it to someone else to use.
Disposal of used needles and syringes:
- Put used needles and syringes into a sharps container.
- Your veterinarian or pharmacist can help you get a sharps container.
- When the sharps container is about ¾ full, dispose of it. Ask your local trash service or health department which disposal options are allowed where you live.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”