Novolin R (Insulin)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

NOVOLIN R insulin (regular human insulin) is prescribed for people with diabetes mellitus. In people with diabetes, blood sugar can increase to unsafe levels. NOVOLIN R helps to improve glycemic control by lowering blood sugar to normal levels.

Fact Table

Formula

C257H383N65O77S6

License

US FDA

Bioavailability

~70%

Legal status

OTC (U-100 in some states), Rx (for specific forms)

Chemical Name

Human Insulin (Regular Insulin)

Elimination half-life

~0.5–1 hour (duration of action 5–8 hours)

Dosage (Strength)

100 units/mL (U-100); available in 10 mL vials and prefilled syringes

Pregnancy

Safe under medical supervision (Category B)

Brands

Novolin R, ReliOn Novolin R

Protein binding

Low

PubChem CID

16129678

MedlinePlus

a601935

ChEBI

5931

ATC code

A10AB01

DrugBank

DB00030

KEGG

D04466

Routes of administration

Subcutaneous injection, intravenous (in clinical settings)

Directions

Inject NOVOLIN R under the skin as directed by the prescriber. Those doses are individualized based on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.

NOVOLIN R is typically injected between one and three times daily prior to meals.

Inject NOVOLIN R 30 minutes before a meal, and do not skip a meal after injection. Skipping a meal can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 


NOVOLIN R regular insulin vials can be stored in the refrigerator unopened and used until the expiration date on the vial. However, when opened, they should be stored at room temperature and only used for 28 days.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in NOVOLIN R is regular human insulin, a short-acting insulin product.

Interactions

Many medications change blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Monitor blood sugar more frequently when starting new medications to manage the effects on blood glucose. Medications that are known to affect blood glucose include:

  • Alcohol
  • Atypical Antipsychotics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Clonidine
  • Corticosteroids
  • Disopyramide
  • Diuretics
  • Estrogens/Progesterones
  • Fibrates
  • Fluoxetine
  • Isoniazid
  • Lithium
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Niacin
  • Oral antidiabetic agents
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Phenothiazine derivatives
  • Pramlintide
  • Propoxyphene
  • Protease inhibitors
  • Salicylates
  • Somatostatin Analogues
  • Somatropin
  • Sulfonamide Antibiotics
  • Sympathomimetic agents
  • Thyroid replacement medication

Cautions

Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening, so it is critical to know the signs when they occur. Signs of hypoglycemia may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Irritability
  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Tremor

Tell your doctor if you have a history of low potassium levels because insulin treatment can lower potassium in some people.

If you have a history of kidney or liver problems, the dose of insulin may need to be adjusted.

NOVOLIN R can only be mixed with NPH insulin. Do not mix it with other types of insulin in the same syringe.

Side Effects

Some of the most common adverse effects that happen with NOVOLIN R may include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Edema
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Injection site reactions
  • Lipodystrophy
  • Pruritis
  • Rash
  • Weight gain

References

Novolin R [package insert] Princeton, NJ: Novo Nordisk; 2012.


Frequently Asked Questions about Novolin R


How long does Novolin R last after injection?

It typically lasts 6 to 8 hours, with the strongest effect between 2 and 4 hours after injection.


What are the side effects of Novolin R?

Common side effects include:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Weight gain
Injection site reactions

Rare: Allergic responses, lipodystrophy


Can I take Novolin R at bedtime?

No. Novolin R is not a basal insulin and is not intended for nighttime use without food, due to risk of hypoglycemia.


What should I do if I miss a Novolin R dose?

If you miss your mealtime dose and already ate, skip the dose and monitor your blood sugar. Do not double-dose. Ask your provider for guidance.


Is Novolin R safe during pregnancy?

Yes. It is considered safe for use during pregnancy when blood sugar control is essential. Always consult your OB/GYN or endocrinologist.


How does Novolin R compare to Humulin R?

They are nearly identical in action and duration. Both are regular human insulins (U-100) and interchangeable in most cases, though they come from different manufacturers.


Can Novolin R be used with oral diabetes medications?

Yes. In type 2 diabetes, Novolin R is sometimes added to oral medications (e.g., metformin) if blood sugar remains high.


What happens if Novolin R becomes cloudy or discolored?

Do not use it. Novolin R should be clear and colorless. If it looks cloudy or contains particles, discard it.


Is Novolin R used in sliding scale insulin therapy?

Yes. Novolin R is commonly used in sliding scale or correctional insulin regimens, especially in hospital settings.


Can I travel with Novolin R?

Yes. Store it in a cool bag, avoid direct sunlight, and carry your prescription and a doctor’s note when flying. Do not freeze the insulin.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The information provided above is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical or veterinary advice. Always consult your physician, pharmacist, or veterinarian regarding the safety, suitability, and proper use of any medication for yourself or your pet.

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