Medicine · Generic

Long-acting human insulin (isophane)

Human insulin, intermediate- to long-acting (basal insulin)

Listed in Bangladesh as Insulin Human [Long-Acting]. Also known as NPH insulin, Isophane insulin, Intermediate-acting insulin.

12 brands
10 makers
SC Injection
From ≈ ৳190

What it is used for

This insulin is used to control blood sugar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including diabetes during pregnancy. It provides background (basal) insulin between meals and overnight. People with type 1 diabetes use it together with a mealtime insulin, while people with type 2 diabetes may use it alone or with tablets.

How it works

It is human insulin combined with a protein called protamine, which makes it absorb slowly from under the skin so that it works for longer than regular insulin. Insulin helps sugar move from the blood into the body's cells and reduces the sugar released by the liver.

Drug class: Human insulin, intermediate- to long-acting (basal insulin)

Available in Bangladesh

12 brands from 10 makers, in these forms and strengths:

SC Injection: 40 IU/ml100 IU/ml

Brands and prices

Same medicine, different makers — ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.

Long-acting human insulin (isophane) SC Injection · 100 IU/ml12 brands · from ≈ ৳323

Maxsulin NIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳323
Insul NPopular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳327
Insulet NAristopharma Ltd.≈ ৳327
Diasulin NACI Limited≈ ৳331
Insulatard HMEskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳337
Humulin NEli Lilly and Company≈ ৳340
Insulatard PenfillNovo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd≈ ৳341
Ansulin NSquare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳346

Show all 12 brands

Mysulin 30/70Drug International Ltd.≈ ৳354
Mysulin 50/50Drug International Ltd.≈ ৳357
Gensulin NBeximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳358
Insulatard FlexpenNovo Nordisk Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd≈ ৳365

Long-acting human insulin (isophane) SC Injection · 40 IU/ml4 brands · from ≈ ৳190

Insul NPopular Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳190
Maxsulin NIncepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳191
Diasulin NACI Limited≈ ৳208
Insulatard HMEskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.≈ ৳232

Cheapest first. Prices are DGDA maximum retail prices (MRP) per unit as listed, rounded down to the whole taka. ≈ marks an indicative MRP from a public price list that Mukti has not yet checked against the pack. The MRP printed on the pack always applies.

Prescription

Mukti's medicine catalogue marks Long-acting human insulin (isophane) as a prescription medicine. Keep a valid prescription ready when you order it in the Mukti Health app, and use it only as your doctor directs.

Important safety information

Common side effects

The most common side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), which can cause shaking, sweating, hunger, a fast heartbeat and confusion. Some people get redness at the injection site, lumps under the skin if the same spot is used often, or weight gain.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first

Anyone who is ill, vomiting or eating less than usual, as insulin needs can change
People with kidney or liver disease
Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, as insulin needs change as pregnancy goes on, and breastfeeding mothers
Anyone taking steroids, beta-blockers or other diabetes medicines, which can affect blood sugar or hide warning signs of low sugar
People who drink alcohol, change their exercise, or plan to fast, including during Ramadan

Warnings

Learn the signs of low blood sugar and keep a sugary drink or glucose with you. Get emergency help if someone is confused, very drowsy or unconscious.
Insulin comes in more than one concentration. Use only the syringe or pen that matches your insulin, as a mismatch can cause a serious overdose or underdose.
This is a cloudy insulin. Roll and tip it gently until it looks evenly mixed before use; do not shake it hard.
Store unopened insulin in the fridge, never in the freezer. Keep the one in use away from heat and direct sun, and do not use it if it has been frozen or looks lumpy.
Never share pens or needles, and change injection sites to avoid lumps.

Questions people ask

How should I store insulin in hot weather?

Keep spare insulin in the fridge but away from the freezer compartment. The insulin in use can be kept at room temperature for the limited time shown on the pack, away from sunlight and heat. Ask your pharmacist or diabetes team how to keep it cool if you have no fridge.

How is human insulin different from insulin glargine?

Long-acting human insulin is cloudy and its action rises to a peak and then falls, which can lead to low sugar at certain times, such as overnight. Insulin glargine is a clear, modified insulin with a flatter, steadier action. Your doctor decides which suits you.

Can I fast during Ramadan while using insulin?

Some people with diabetes can fast safely with changes to their insulin plan, while others are advised not to fast. Speak to your doctor well before Ramadan so they can adjust your treatment and explain when to break the fast.

What is the cheapest brand of Long-acting human insulin (isophane) 100 IU/ml sc injection in Bangladesh?

Of the 12 brands of Long-acting human insulin (isophane) 100 IU/ml sc injection listed, the lowest maximum retail price is ৳323, for Maxsulin N (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.). They contain the same medicine; ask your doctor or pharmacist before you switch brands.

What is the price of Long-acting human insulin (isophane) in Bangladesh?

Listed maximum retail prices range from ৳190 to ৳365 per unit, depending on the form, strength and maker.

How many brands of Long-acting human insulin (isophane) are there in Bangladesh?

Mukti lists 12 brands of Long-acting human insulin (isophane) from 10 makers, as sc injection.