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ReliOn/Novolin 70/30

Generic name: insulin isophane and insulin regularIN-su-lin-EYE-soe-fane-and-IN-su-lin-REG-ue-lar ]
Brand names: HumuLIN 70/30, HumuLIN 70/30 KwikPen, NovoLIN 70/30, ReliOn/NovoLIN 70/30
Drug class: Insulin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 28, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ReliOn/Novolin 70/30?

Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin isophane is a intermediate-acting insulin. Insulin regular is an short-acting insulin. This combination insulin starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes after injection, peaks in 2 hours, and keeps working for up to 24 hours.

ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 is a combination medicine used to improve blood sugar control in adults with diabetes mellitus.

ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of insulin allergy: redness or swelling where an injection was given, itchy skin rash over the entire body, trouble breathing, chest tightness, feeling like you might pass out, or swelling in your tongue or throat.

ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 if you are having an episode of low blood sugar.

Never share an injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you also take pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin). Taking certain oral diabetes medicines while you are using insulin may increase your risk of serious heart problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using insulin if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.

How should I use ReliOn/Novolin 70/30?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Insulin is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Do not give ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 with an insulin pump.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.

This insulin should look cloudy after mixing. Do not use the mixture if it looks clear or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Your care provider will show you where on your body to inject ReliOn/Novolin 70/30. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not inject this medicine into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.

After using ReliOn/Novolin 70/30, you should eat a meal within 30 to 45 minutes.

If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with this insulin. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.

Never share an injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.

You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).

Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.

Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.

Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.

Insulin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Keep this medicine in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not draw insulin from a vial into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.

Storing unopened (not in use) ReliOn/Novolin 70/30:

Storing opened (in use) ReliOn/Novolin 70/30:

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have diabetes.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used with a meal, you may not be on a timed dosing schedule. Whenever you use this insulin, be sure to eat a meal within 45 minutes. Do not use extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in your mouth, trouble speaking, muscle weakness, clumsy or jerky movements, seizure (convulsions), or loss of consciousness.

What should I avoid while using ReliOn/Novolin 70/30?

Insulin can cause low blood sugar. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how ReliOn/Novolin 70/30 will affect you.

Avoid medication errors by always checking the medicine label before injecting your insulin.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause low blood sugar and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.

What other drugs will affect ReliOn/Novolin 70/30?

This insulin may not work as well when you use other medicines at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some drugs can also cause you to have fewer symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it harder to tell when your blood sugar is low. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all medicines you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Injecting insulin is not difficult, but it does take a bit of practice. There are three main sites where insulin can be injected: the stomach area except for a 2-inch circle around your navel, and the soft part of your waist, but not anywhere near your spine; the top and outer part of your thighs, but not your inner thighs or anywhere close to your knee; the outer back of your upper arm where there is a pocket of fatty tissue. Continue reading

More FAQ

More about ReliOn / Novolin 70 / 30 (insulin isophane / insulin regular)

Patient resources

Other brands

Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30, Humulin 50/50, Humulin 70/30 Pen

Professional resources

Other brands

Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30

Related treatment guides

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.