Insulin Isophane / NPH is used in the treatment of diabetes.

Insulin Isophane / NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin, starts working within 10-20 minutes after injection. It works similar to insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Injection site allergic reaction

• Insulin Isophane / NPH helps to control blood glucose level and avoids long-term complications.
• You should continue to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other diabetes medicines along with Insulin Isophane / NPH.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side-effect; learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
• Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
• Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
• Opened vials/cartridge are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator  (2°C–8°C).

Ques. Q. How does biphasic isophane insulin work?
Insulin isophane is a recombinant human insulin analogue (genetically modified insulin that is grown in a laboratory and similar to human insulin). It is an intermediate acting insulin preparation. Insulin isophane acts by replacing the normal production of insulin and by helping transfer sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is utilized to generate energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar. Intermediate acting insulin preparations start acting within an hour or 2 of injection, and reach a period of peak activity that lasts up to 7 hours, following which the action trails off; overall duration of action ranges from 18 to 24 hours.