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Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Hormone (Insulin)
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Injection (vial), Injection (pen), Injection (cartridge)
- Price Range
- ₦2,000 - ₦25,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a life-saving hormone that is essential for the management of diabetes mellitus. Naturally produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, insulin regulates blood sugar by allowing glucose to enter the body's cells for energy. In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin at all, making daily insulin injections absolutely essential for survival. In type 2 diabetes, the body may still produce some insulin but not enough, or the body may not respond to it properly (insulin resistance). When oral diabetes medications such as Metformin and Glibenclamide are no longer sufficient to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, insulin injections become necessary. Insulin is also the treatment of choice for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and for diabetic emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
There are several types of insulin available in Nigeria, classified by how quickly they start working and how long their effects last. Rapid-acting insulins like NovoRapid (insulin aspart) start working within 10-15 minutes and are taken just before meals. Short-acting insulins like Actrapid (soluble insulin) start working within 30 minutes. Intermediate-acting insulins like Insulatard (NPH insulin) last about 12-18 hours. Long-acting insulins like Lantus (insulin glargine) provide a steady baseline of insulin for up to 24 hours. Premixed insulins like Mixtard 30/70 and Humulin 70/30 combine short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins in a single vial, which is convenient and widely preferred in Nigeria because it reduces the number of daily injections. Mixtard 30/70 is by far the most commonly used insulin preparation in Nigerian hospitals and clinics.
Despite being a life-saving medication listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, access to insulin remains a significant challenge for many Nigerians. The cost of insulin is a major barrier — a single vial of Mixtard 30/70 can cost between ₦2,000 and ₦8,000, and patients typically need multiple vials per month alongside syringes, a glucometer, and test strips. Insulin pens like NovoRapid and Lantus are even more expensive, ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 per pen. Beyond cost, the cold chain requirement is a critical challenge in Nigeria. Insulin must be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius, but frequent power outages across the country make this difficult. Additionally, many patients, particularly in rural areas, lack access to refrigeration entirely. The fear of needles and the stigma associated with injections also contribute to many patients delaying insulin therapy until their condition has significantly worsened.
What is Insulin used for?
In Nigeria, Insulin is commonly used for:
- Essential, life-long treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Type 2 diabetes when oral medications (Metformin, Glibenclamide, etc.) no longer achieve adequate blood sugar control
- Gestational diabetes (diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy) to protect both mother and baby
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and other diabetic emergencies requiring urgent blood sugar control
- Perioperative blood sugar management (controlling blood sugar during and after surgery)
- Severe infections or illness in diabetic patients where tight blood sugar control is critical
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
Insulin dosing is highly individualised and must be determined by a doctor based on the patient's blood sugar levels, weight, diet, activity level, and type of insulin used. A common starting regimen in Nigeria for type 2 diabetes is premixed insulin (e.g., Mixtard 30/70) at 10 units injected subcutaneously (under the skin) before breakfast, with gradual increases of 2-4 units every 3-7 days based on fasting blood sugar readings. Some patients may need a second injection before dinner. For basal insulin (e.g., Lantus), a typical starting dose is 10 units once daily at bedtime. Rapid-acting insulin (e.g., NovoRapid) is dosed based on carbohydrate intake and given immediately before meals. Total daily insulin requirements for type 2 diabetes typically range from 0.3 to 1.0 units per kilogram of body weight.
Children
Children with type 1 diabetes require insulin from the time of diagnosis. Dosing is based on body weight and is managed by a paediatric endocrinologist. A typical total daily dose ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 units per kilogram of body weight, divided between basal and mealtime doses. Children's insulin needs change as they grow and go through puberty, requiring frequent dose adjustments. Parents and caregivers must be thoroughly trained in insulin injection technique, blood sugar monitoring, and recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia.
Elderly
Elderly patients require careful insulin dosing with a focus on avoiding hypoglycemia, which can be particularly dangerous in this age group. Starting doses should be conservative, and blood sugar targets may be less strict than in younger patients. Long-acting insulin analogues like Lantus, which have a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to NPH insulin, may be preferred. Regular monitoring of kidney function is important as it affects insulin clearance.
Insulin is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the fatty tissue of the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock. Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent lipodystrophy (hard lumps or hollows in the skin). Never inject into the same spot twice in a row. Roll cloudy insulin (like Mixtard and Humulin) gently between your palms before use — do not shake. Clear insulins (like NovoRapid, Actrapid, and Lantus) do not need to be rolled. Use a new syringe or pen needle for each injection. Never share insulin pens or syringes with another person, even if the needle is changed.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — the most common and most important side effect. Symptoms include sweating, shaking, hunger, dizziness, confusion, irritability, fast heartbeat, and weakness
- •Weight gain (insulin promotes fat storage and can increase appetite)
- •Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection site)
- •Lipodystrophy (lumps or hollows in the skin at injection sites from repeated injections in the same spot)
- •Mild swelling of the hands and feet (insulin oedema, usually temporary when starting insulin)
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe hypoglycemia (can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, brain damage, and death if untreated)
- Severe allergic reaction (rare — generalised skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, rapid heartbeat, sweating)
- Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium levels, especially with high doses of insulin used in hospital settings)
- Lipodystrophy leading to unpredictable insulin absorption and erratic blood sugar control
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of severe hypoglycemia such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Someone with you should give you sugar or a sugary drink if you are conscious, or place you on your side and call for emergency help if you are unconscious — never put food or liquid in the mouth of an unconscious person. Also see a doctor if you notice persistent lumps or hollows at your injection sites, severe or worsening skin reactions, signs of an allergic reaction, or if your blood sugar remains consistently high despite taking your insulin as prescribed. If you are having frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, contact your doctor to review your insulin dose and regimen.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Insulin if you have:
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to the specific insulin preparation or any of its components
- During an episode of hypoglycemia (do not give more insulin when blood sugar is already low)
- Use the correct type of insulin as prescribed — do not switch between insulin types or brands without medical supervision, as different insulins have different onset and duration profiles
Drug interactions
- •Oral diabetes drugs (Metformin, Glibenclamide) — often used together with insulin, but the combination increases the risk of hypoglycemia
- •Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol) — can mask the warning signs of hypoglycemia such as rapid heartbeat and tremor
- •Alcohol — can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar, increasing the risk of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- •Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone, dexamethasone) — raise blood sugar and may require increased insulin doses
- •Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) — can raise blood sugar and reduce insulin effectiveness
- •ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, ramipril) — may enhance the blood sugar lowering effect of insulin
- •Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone) — when combined with insulin, increase the risk of fluid retention and heart failure
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Insulin is the preferred and recommended treatment for diabetes during pregnancy, including both pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and gestational diabetes. Insulin does not cross the placenta and is therefore safe for the developing baby. Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes who are on oral medications such as Metformin or Glibenclamide are typically switched to insulin for optimal blood sugar control during pregnancy, although some doctors in Nigeria may continue Metformin alongside insulin in certain cases. Blood sugar targets are tighter during pregnancy to prevent complications for both mother and baby. Insulin is also safe during breastfeeding, as it is a naturally occurring hormone and does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Insulin requirements often change during pregnancy and after delivery, so frequent monitoring and dose adjustments are essential.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Insulin in Nigeria
5 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixtard 30/70 | Novo Nordisk | 100 IU/ml | Injection (vial) | A4-0567 |
| Humulin 70/30 | Eli Lilly | 100 IU/ml | Injection (vial) | A4-0678 |
| NovoRapid | Novo Nordisk | 100 IU/ml | Injection (pen) | A4-0789 |
| Lantus | Sanofi | 100 IU/ml | Injection (pen) | A4-0890 |
| Actrapid | Novo Nordisk | 100 IU/ml | Injection (vial) | A4-0568 |
How to Verify Your Insulin is Genuine
- 1Check for the NAFDAC registration number on the vial or pen packaging. Genuine products will have a NAFDAC number such as A4-0567 for Mixtard 30/70 or A4-0789 for NovoRapid. Verify this number on the NAFDAC website or at a NAFDAC office.
- 2Look for the Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) scratch code on the pack where available. Scratch the panel and text the code to the number provided to confirm the product is genuine.
- 3Buy insulin ONLY from licensed pharmacies with proper cold chain storage (a working refrigerator). Never buy insulin from open markets, roadside vendors, or any outlet where it is not being stored in a refrigerator. Insulin that has been stored at room temperature for extended periods may have lost its potency and will not control your blood sugar properly.
- 4Inspect the insulin before each use. Clear insulins (NovoRapid, Actrapid, Lantus) should be completely clear and colourless with no particles or cloudiness. Cloudy insulins (Mixtard, Humulin 70/30) should be uniformly milky white after gentle mixing — do not use if there are clumps, particles, or frosting on the inside of the vial. Never use insulin that has changed colour, has an unusual smell, or has been frozen.
- 5BEWARE OF COUNTERFEIT INSULIN — this is a serious and potentially fatal risk in Nigeria. Counterfeit insulin may contain no active ingredient, the wrong concentration, or harmful substances. Signs of counterfeit products include unusually low prices, poor quality packaging, missing or incorrect batch numbers, and purchase from unregistered or suspicious outlets. If your blood sugar is not responding to your insulin despite correct dosing and diet, consider the possibility of a counterfeit product and consult your pharmacist immediately.
Insulin Price in Nigeria
Insulin prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦2,000 to ₦25,000 per vial/pen, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦2,000 – ₦25,000
per vial/pen
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Insulin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines