What Is NPH Insulin/Regular Insulin Used For?

People with diabetes who need help controlling their blood sugar may use NPH insulin/regular insulin. The combination medicine, which contains a short-acting and an intermediate-acting insulin, starts working quickly and continues to work for several hours. Occasionally, healthcare providers may recommend off-label NPH insulin/regular insulin uses, such as treating gestational diabetes.

An Overview of NPH Insulin/Regular Insulin Uses

NPH insulin/regular insulin (Humulin® 70/30, Novolin® 70/30) is a combination insulin medication used for the treatment of diabetes. It is a mixture of two different types of insulins: regular insulin (a short-acting insulin) and NPH insulin (an intermediate-acting insulin).
 

Using NPH Insulin/Regular Insulin Without a Prescription

Many people are surprised to learn that many insulin medications are available without a prescription. Regular human insulin, NPH insulin, and mixtures of the two types do not require a prescription, even though they are stored "behind the counter" in the pharmacy, since they must be refrigerated. Newer forms of insulin require a prescription. If you would like your insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare Part D to cover NPH insulin/regular insulin, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider.
 
Even though you don't need a prescription for NPH insulin/regular insulin, it is very important that you use it only under your healthcare provider's supervision. Insulin is a strong and potentially dangerous drug. Taking too much can easily result in death. You should not take NPH insulin/regular insulin if you do not have diabetes, as this can be extremely dangerous. People without diabetes sometimes abuse insulin (often in combination with steroids) in an attempt to enhance athletic performance.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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