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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.
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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.
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) |
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.
The active ingredient in NOVOLIN R is regular human insulin, a short-acting insulin product.
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:
Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening, so it is critical to know the signs when they occur. Signs of hypoglycemia may include:
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.
Some of the most common adverse effects that happen with NOVOLIN R may include:
Novolin R [package insert] Princeton, NJ: Novo Nordisk; 2012.
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.