Prescription
Intermediate-acting insulin (Antidiabetic)
Isophane insulin
Last reviewed April 2026
Who is this for?
What is this drug?
Isophane insulin (also called NPH insulin) is a man-made version of the insulin your body naturally produces. It is an intermediate-acting insulin, meaning it works slowly over several hours to lower your blood sugar by helping your body's cells absorb sugar from your blood.
What is it used for?
Diabetes (sugar disease) — used to control high blood sugar in both Type 1 diabetes (where your body makes no insulin) and Type 2 diabetes (where your body does not use insulin well enough)
Prescription Required
A doctor's prescription is required to obtain this drug legally.