Comprehensive medication guide to Novolin N including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$35 copay on most commercial plans; Tier 1–2 on most formularies. Novo Nordisk My Insulin Rx program caps cost at $35/month for eligible patients.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$25–$136 retail per 10 mL vial; as low as $25 at Walmart OTC (ReliOn NPH) or $44–$49 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for branded Novolin N.
Medfinder Findability Score
80/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Novolin N is the brand name for insulin isophane human, commonly known as NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, it is an intermediate-acting human insulin used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Novolin N is a white, cloudy suspension that must be gently mixed before each injection. It is available as a 10 mL vial (U-100, 100 units/mL) and a 3 mL FlexPen pre-filled injector. In most U.S. states, Novolin N is available over-the-counter at pharmacy counters without a prescription — making it one of the most accessible insulin options for uninsured patients.
Novolin N has been in clinical use since 1991. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast), resulting in insulin molecularly identical to naturally produced human insulin.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Novolin N lowers blood glucose by binding to insulin receptors on cells throughout the body, particularly in skeletal muscle and fat tissue. When insulin binds to these receptors, cells activate glucose transporter proteins (GLUT4) that allow glucose to enter the cell from the bloodstream — directly lowering blood sugar levels. Simultaneously, insulin signals the liver to stop releasing stored glucose, reducing fasting blood sugar.
What makes Novolin N intermediate-acting is its NPH formulation: the insulin is combined with protamine and zinc to form microcrystals. When injected subcutaneously, these crystals dissolve slowly over several hours, creating a characteristic onset of 1–3 hours, a peak effect at 4–12 hours, and a total duration of 12–18 hours. This profile makes it suitable as a once- or twice-daily basal insulin.
In addition to glucose metabolism, insulin inhibits the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) and enhances protein synthesis in muscle tissue — important for overall metabolic health in diabetes management.
100 units/mL (U-100) — injectable suspension — 10 mL vial
Standard vial format; use with insulin syringe; 1,000 total units per vial
100 units/mL (U-100) — injectable suspension — 3 mL FlexPen
Pre-filled pen injector; dials in 1-unit increments; 300 total units per pen
As of 2026, Novolin N is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list. Novo Nordisk is actively manufacturing and distributing the product. However, localized stock shortages at retail pharmacies are a real and ongoing problem for many patients. Shifting prescribing patterns (toward long-acting analogs like Lantus) have led some pharmacies to stock less NPH insulin, creating gaps when patient demand spikes.
Major chain pharmacies (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Costco) are the most reliable places to find Novolin N. Walmart in particular sells an OTC-equivalent NPH insulin (ReliOn brand) for approximately $25 per vial without a prescription. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, ask them to order it — most chains can receive it within 24–48 hours.
To find Novolin N in stock near you without calling every pharmacy, use medfinder. Enter your medication, dosage, and location — medfinder calls nearby pharmacies and texts you which ones have it in stock.
Novolin N is not a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without special DEA authorization. It is also available over-the-counter in most U.S. states without a prescription, though a prescription is required to access insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs.
Common prescribers include:
Telehealth providers can also prescribe Novolin N, making it accessible to patients in rural or underserved areas who need an insulin prescription quickly. Many telehealth platforms offer same-day or next-day appointments for existing insulin therapy renewals.
No. Novolin N is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA and does not require any special prescribing authorization, DEA number, or controlled substance tracking. Any licensed prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, etc.) can prescribe it without additional restrictions.
In most U.S. states, Novolin N can even be purchased over-the-counter at the pharmacy counter without a prescription. This makes it uniquely accessible compared to many other insulin formulations, which require a prescription. Patients who purchase Novolin N OTC are still strongly encouraged to work with a healthcare provider for proper dosing guidance and ongoing diabetes management.
Common side effects include:
Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Humulin N
Direct NPH equivalent by Eli Lilly; same intermediate-acting profile; widely available OTC at Walmart; unit-for-unit substitution generally appropriate with monitoring
Lantus (insulin glargine)
Long-acting analog by Sanofi; 24-hour peakless coverage; once daily; lower nocturnal hypoglycemia risk vs. NPH; requires 80% dose conversion from NPH
Levemir (insulin detemir)
Long-acting analog by Novo Nordisk; 12-24 hour duration; once or twice daily; flexible timing; lower hypoglycemia risk vs. NPH
Tresiba (insulin degludec)
Ultra-long-acting analog by Novo Nordisk; 42+ hour duration; once daily with flexible timing; 80% dose conversion from NPH recommended
Prefer Novolin N? We can find it.
Alcohol (ethanol)
majorUnpredictable effect — can increase or decrease blood glucose; alcohol may decrease liver glucose production, intensifying hypoglycemia risk
Pramlintide (Symlin)
majorContraindicated for mixing in same syringe; must be administered as separate injections
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
majorSignificantly decrease insulin effect; raise blood glucose; may require substantial Novolin N dose increase during steroid course
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
moderateMask adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia (shakiness, rapid heartbeat); makes hypoglycemia harder to detect; monitor blood glucose more frequently
ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril)
moderateMay increase insulin sensitivity; increase hypoglycemia risk; monitor blood glucose closely
Thiazide diuretics (>50 mg/day)
moderateDecrease insulin effect; may raise blood glucose; monitor glycemic control
Oral contraceptives
moderateMay impair glucose tolerance; decrease hypoglycemic effect of insulin; monitor blood sugar
GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide)
moderateAdditive blood glucose-lowering effect; Novolin N dose adjustment may be needed to avoid hypoglycemia
Salicylates (aspirin ≥3 g/day)
moderateMay increase insulin effect and hypoglycemia risk at high doses; standard low-dose aspirin less of a concern
TZDs (thiazolidinediones, e.g., pioglitazone)
moderateMay cause fluid retention and heart failure when used with insulin; observe for signs and symptoms
Novolin N has been a reliable, affordable insulin option for millions of Americans with diabetes for over three decades. Its availability as an over-the-counter product in most states, combined with Novo Nordisk's $35/month savings cap and Walmart's ultra-affordable OTC NPH option, makes it one of the most accessible insulins on the market in 2026.
The main challenge patients face is not cost or access barriers — it's localized pharmacy stock issues. Not every pharmacy consistently carries Novolin N, and patients sometimes drive to multiple locations before finding it. The key is knowing where to look and having a backup plan (such as Humulin N) ready to go with your doctor's input.
If you're struggling to find Novolin N at your pharmacy, medfinder can help by calling nearby pharmacies on your behalf and texting you which ones have it in stock — saving you hours of hold time and driving. Always work closely with your diabetes care team when managing your insulin regimen.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini