Humulin vs. Novolin: Comparing Insulin Types, Effects, and Usage

Explore how Humulin and Novolin insulins compare in types, effects, side effects, and which may fit your diabetes management needs best.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Explore how Humulin and Novolin insulins compare in types, effects, side effects, and which may fit your diabetes management needs best.

Humulin vs. Novolin: A Comprehensive Comparison

People with diabetes often require insulin therapy to control blood glucose levels. Two of the most widely prescribed insulin products are Humulin and Novolin. Although both brands offer similar insulin types, choosing between them involves understanding their unique properties, efficacy, side effects, and the nuances of their use in diabetes management.

Overview: What Are Humulin and Novolin?

Humulin and Novolin are both brands of human insulin designed to help people with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) regulate their blood sugar. These insulins are structurally identical (or nearly so) to your body’s natural insulin and are created using recombinant DNA technology.

For a closer examination of how these fast-acting insulins stack up against each other, don’t miss our in-depth comparison of Humalog and Novolog. Understanding their unique benefits can be critical in managing your diabetes effectively.

Humulin is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.
Novolin is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

While both brands offer the same basic insulin types, subtle variations in formulation, packaging, and cost can affect your experience. The most important types offered by each brand include:

Short-acting insulin (Regular: Humulin R, Novolin R)
Intermediate-acting insulin (NPH: Humulin N, Novolin N)
Premixed insulin (Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30)

Humulin vs. Novolin: Types of Insulin

Understanding the available formulations helps clarify the differences and similarities. Both brands offer comparable insulins grouped by how quickly and how long they work in the body:

Type & Name	Brand(s)	Onset (Time to Start Working)	Peak Action	Duration	Common Use
Regular (Short-acting) Humulin R Novolin R	Humulin, Novolin	30 min	2–3 hours	Up to 8 hours	Pre-meal dosing
NPH (Intermediate-acting) Humulin N Novolin N	Humulin, Novolin	1–2 hours (Humulin) 2–4 hours (Novolin)	4–12 hours	12–18 hours	Basal/day-long coverage
Premixed (NPH + Regular) Humulin 70/30 Novolin 70/30	Humulin, Novolin	10–20 min	2–12 hours	Up to 24 hours	Meal + basal coverage

To grasp the wider landscape of human insulin options, explore our comprehensive guide on Human Insulin types and their uses. This resource provides essential insights that can help you make informed decisions about your diabetes management.

Despite similar insulin products, the biggest difference is the manufacturer and some secondary variations such as packaging and possible additives. While both drugs mimic the effect of naturally produced insulin, patients may respond differently depending on their body’s unique characteristics.

How Humulin and Novolin Work

Both types of insulin act by replacing or supplementing your body’s own insulin, enabling cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Each insulin’s “onset,” “peak,” and “duration” reflect when and how long it works:

Short-acting (Regular): Typically starts working within 30 minutes, peaks at 2–3 hours, and lasts up to 8 hours.
Intermediate-acting (NPH): Begins working in about 1–4 hours (varies by brand), peaks between 4–12 hours, and lasts for 12–18 hours.
Premixed: Contains both rapid/short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins to cover meals and baseline insulin needs.

For individuals needing a deeper dive into NPH insulin, check out our detailed overview of NPH insulin, including its peak times and safety considerations. Having this knowledge can empower you to manage your treatment more effectively.

This variety in action allows healthcare providers to tailor insulin regimens according to your daily routine, diet, and glucose patterns.

Similarities and Differences Between Humulin and Novolin

Key Similarities

Content: Both brands offer identical forms of human insulin, with similar onset and duration of action.
Purpose: Used to manage blood sugar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients.
Administration: Both are typically administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin), with some forms also approved for use with insulin pumps or intravenous administration (as directed).
Availability: Available in vials and, for some types, in prefilled pens or cartridges.

If you're curious about the long-acting alternatives available, don’t overlook our guide to Long-Acting Insulin. Understanding these options can help you tailor a regimen that suits your lifestyle and health needs.

Key Differences

Manufacturers: Humulin is made by Eli Lilly and Novolin by Novo Nordisk.
Packaging Options: Each brand may offer slightly different packaging, vial sizes, or devices (e.g., pen injectors).
Price and Insurance Coverage: Cost and coverage can vary based on brand, type, location, and insurance.
Additives and Preservatives: Subtle differences in formulation can cause some users to tolerate one product better than the other (rare).

Effectiveness: Are Humulin and Novolin Equally Effective?

Clinical studies and reviews consistently show that both Humulin and Novolin, in their respective forms, are equally effective at lowering and managing blood glucose levels. Several clinical studies comparing the pharmacokinetics (how the insulin is absorbed and processed in the body) and pharmacodynamics (how the drug works on blood glucose) of these insulins found no significant difference in efficacy between Humulin and Novolin. Their bioequivalence means that, in most cases, if a person switches from one to the other, their blood sugar management should remain stable.

To understand how these insulins function at a cellular level, read our article on the Insulin Mechanism of Action. Knowing the science behind your medication can significantly enhance your treatment strategy.

When might one work better than the other?

Some individuals may react differently due to allergic sensitivity or injection site preferences.
Insurance plans may prefer one brand, making it more affordable for you.
Personal experience with devices (pens/vials) can influence preference.

How are Humulin and Novolin Taken?

Both drugs are administered subcutaneously (under the skin), usually into fatty tissue in areas such as the stomach, upper arm, or thigh. Location and rotation of injection sites are essential to avoid tissue complications. Your doctor or diabetes educator will guide you on dosing and injection techniques.

Specific forms and devices include:

For tips on safe administration, refer to our guide on Insulin Injection Sites and best practices. Proper technique is crucial for ensuring effective insulin delivery and minimizing discomfort.

Vials and syringes, most common for NPH and Regular forms
Insulin pens (for some formulations and brands)
Some hospital settings use IV administration of Regular insulin

Side Effects: What to Expect

Since Humulin and Novolin are both insulins, their side effects are nearly identical. The most frequent side effects include:

Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar): The most common risk, causing symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting.
Weight gain: Most likely to occur when starting insulin or with higher doses.
Skin reactions: Redness, swelling, or itching at injection sites. Rarely, more severe allergic reactions can develop.
Low potassium (hypokalemia): Rarely, severe cases with high doses can lower blood potassium levels.
Changes in eyesight: May temporarily occur as blood glucose levels stabilize.
Lipodystrophy: Lumps or indentations in skin if injection sites are not rotated.
General allergic reactions: Rash, breathing difficulties (rare; seek immediate medical help).

Severe, but rare, side effects may include:

Swelling in the feet or hands
Heart failure (especially when used with certain diabetes drugs)
Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis

Switching Between Humulin and Novolin

If your healthcare provider suggests switching from Humulin to Novolin or vice versa, the transition is generally straightforward thanks to their pharmacological similarity. Nevertheless, monitoring is crucial when switching insulin brands, as minor differences in absorption or personal tolerances could slightly impact your blood sugar control.

Check with your healthcare provider before making any switches.
Monitor your blood glucose closely for several days after changing.
Report any unusual side effects or poor glucose control to your care team.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Cost varies depending on:

Your pharmacy or supplier
Insurance coverage and preferred brands
Generic or biosimilar alternatives

Sometimes insurance plans favor one brand, making it less expensive or requiring fewer copayments. Your care team or pharmacist can help you determine which version is most cost-effective for your situation.

Which Is Right for You?

Because Humulin and Novolin are so similar, the preferred choice often depends on:

Your insurance formulary and cost preference
Availability of your preferred device (vial, pen, etc.)
Your response to specific additives or preservatives (rare sensitivity)
Your doctor’s familiarity or preference for a particular brand

With few medical differences, lifestyle considerations and cost are often the deciding factors. However, always base medication changes on the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Novolin the same as Humulin?

Yes, in terms of active insulin, Humulin and Novolin are essentially the same, just made by different manufacturers. Their R, N, and 70/30 formulations are considered interchangeable in most settings, although minor differences in additives or devices may exist.

What are the major side effects of Humulin and Novolin?

Side effects are nearly identical and include low blood sugar, weight gain, skin changes at injection sites, and rare allergic reactions. Severe risks are uncommon but can include hypokalemia and rare generalized allergic reactions.

Can I switch from Humulin to Novolin (or vice versa) without issues?

Most people can switch between Humulin and Novolin equivalents without trouble, but blood sugar should be monitored closely for a week after switching and all changes should be conducted under healthcare provider supervision.

How should Humulin and Novolin be stored?

Both should be kept refrigerated (2–8°C) before opening. Once opened, check instructions: many can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze.

How do I know which insulin is right for me?

The right insulin is the one that keeps your glucose in target range with minimal side effects, matches your lifestyle, and is affordable. Work with your care team to regularly reassess your regimen and make adjustments based on blood sugar patterns, preferences, and insurance coverage.

Key Takeaways

Humulin and Novolin both provide human insulin in Regular, NPH, and premixed forms. Their core differences are mostly in branding, cost, or packaging, not medical effectiveness.
Both help people with diabetes effectively manage blood sugar levels, and clinical studies show no significant difference in outcomes or safety for most users.
Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference, insurance, cost, and device options. Discuss any changes with your healthcare provider.
Monitoring blood sugar and being vigilant for side effects is essential during any medication switch or insulin dose adjustment.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete