Is ReliOn insulin the same as Novolin N? A Look at Walmart's Private-Label Option

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

For many diabetes patients struggling with medication costs, Walmart's low-price ReliOn insulin has been a lifeline, with vials often costing significantly less than their branded counterparts. This raises a common question: Is ReliOn insulin the same as Novolin N? The answer is a qualified yes, with key pharmaceutical and branding details that are critical for patient safety and financial planning.

Quick Summary

ReliOn Novolin N and brand-name Novolin N contain the same active intermediate-acting insulin isophane and are manufactured by the same company, Novo Nordisk, but differ in branding and price.

Key Points

Pharmacologically Identical: ReliOn Novolin N and brand-name Novolin N contain the same active ingredient, insulin isophane human (NPH), and are manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Cost and Availability: The primary difference is cost, with ReliOn Novolin N offering a significantly cheaper alternative available over-the-counter at Walmart in many areas.
Intermediate-Acting Profile: Both are intermediate-acting insulins with a peak action several hours after injection, differing from modern rapid-acting or long-acting analogs.
Importance of Medical Consultation: Patients should always consult a healthcare provider before switching between insulin brands or types, as management strategies may differ.
Branding and History: ReliOn is Walmart's private label, but the manufacturing partner has changed over time. The current ReliOn Novolin products are made by Novo Nordisk.
Label Verification is Key: Always verify the specific insulin product name on the label (e.g., Novolin N, ReliOn Novolin N) to avoid medication errors.

The Pharmaceutical Connection: A Shared Ingredient

At the core of the matter, ReliOn Novolin N and brand-name Novolin N are pharmacologically identical. The active ingredient in both is insulin isophane human, more commonly known as NPH insulin. The reason for this identity lies in the manufacturing process and a specific licensing agreement. According to documentation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ReliOn brand is a registered trademark of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and is used under a license by Novo Nordisk Inc., the original manufacturer of Novolin N. This means that the same pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, produces the exact same NPH insulin formula and puts it into different packaging—one labeled Novolin N for broader distribution and the other labeled ReliOn Novolin N exclusively for sale at Walmart pharmacies.

This arrangement is similar to a store brand product versus a national brand. The contents of the package are the same, but the branding and retail location are different. For a patient, this means switching from Novolin N to ReliOn Novolin N—or vice-versa—should have no effect on the insulin's performance, as the chemical composition, concentration ($U-100$), and action profile are identical.

Brand vs. Private Label: What's the Difference?

Branding, Cost, and Availability

While the medication is the same, the most significant differences between ReliOn Novolin N and Novolin N are their price and availability. ReliOn Novolin N is often available at a much lower price point than brand-name Novolin N and is sold over-the-counter (OTC) behind the pharmacy counter, without a prescription in many states. This offers a critical, low-cost option for patients, particularly those without insurance or with high deductibles.

In contrast, Novolin N is the national brand, available at most pharmacies and typically requires a prescription. The out-of-pocket cost for Novolin N without insurance can be significantly higher than the ReliOn version. For patients with insurance, the choice between the two may depend on their specific plan's coverage and formulary, as sometimes the lower-cost ReliOn product is not covered, or the copay for the brand name is similar. The price disparity makes understanding this pharmaceutical relationship a vital part of managing diabetes care effectively and affordably.

Historical Context

For added context, it is important to note that the manufacturing partnerships for ReliOn have shifted over time. While Novo Nordisk currently manufactures the ReliOn Novolin products, there was a period from 2010 to 2012 when Eli Lilly held the contract to produce ReliOn-branded insulins. This historical nuance, though not relevant to the current Novolin N product, underscores the importance of verifying the manufacturer and product labeling, especially when discussing older formulations.

A Comparison of Intermediate-Acting Insulin (NPH)


Feature	ReliOn Novolin N	Brand-Name Novolin N
Active Ingredient	Insulin Isophane Human (NPH)	Insulin Isophane Human (NPH)
Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk (licensed to Walmart)	Novo Nordisk
Drug Class	Intermediate-Acting Insulin	Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Availability	Walmart pharmacies (OTC in many states)	Most retail pharmacies (typically requires prescription)
Cost	Significantly lower cash price	Higher cash price
Indication	Diabetes management in adults and children	Diabetes management in adults and children
Onset of Action	1-2 hours	1-3 hours
Peak of Action	4-12 hours	4-12 hours
Duration of Action	Up to 24 hours	14-24 hours

The Pharmacological Action of NPH Insulin

NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin is characterized as an intermediate-acting insulin, meaning its action is slower to begin and lasts longer than rapid-acting or short-acting insulins. It is often used to provide basal insulin coverage, which helps maintain steady blood glucose levels between meals and overnight.

How NPH works:

It is created by combining insulin with a protein called protamine. This process slows the absorption of the insulin from the injection site into the bloodstream.
NPH insulin appears cloudy or milky and must be gently mixed before injection.
After a subcutaneous injection, it typically starts to lower blood sugar within 1 to 2 hours.
Its peak effect, when it is most actively lowering blood glucose, occurs between 4 and 12 hours after the injection.
The duration of action can last up to 24 hours, but this can be variable from person to person.

This variable absorption can lead to a less predictable peak compared to modern analog insulins, which can increase the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar overnight). For this reason, dosage and timing must be carefully managed in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: A Cost-Saving Option, but Consult a Doctor

For anyone with diabetes, knowing that ReliOn Novolin N is pharmacologically identical to brand-name Novolin N is a critical piece of information that can lead to significant cost savings. The functional similarity is a result of a direct licensing agreement between Walmart and Novo Nordisk. However, the financial and regulatory details are where the two differ substantially, particularly concerning price and availability.

While the ReliOn product offers an essential, more affordable option, it is paramount that any decision to switch insulins be made in close consultation with a healthcare provider. A doctor can ensure that the medication is appropriate for your specific diabetes management plan and can advise on any necessary dosage adjustments. This is especially important for individuals who might be considering a switch from more modern analog insulins, as the action profile of NPH insulin is different. For more information on diabetes care, you can visit the American Diabetes Association.

Important Considerations for Switching Insulin

Never switch insulin types or brands without your doctor's approval.
Pay careful attention to the labeling to ensure you are getting the correct type of ReliOn insulin, as other formulations exist.
Be prepared for a change in dosing schedule or timing when switching from an analog insulin to NPH, due to differences in onset and peak.
Understand that while the active ingredient is the same, some older insulin formulations may have different storage requirements.

Always Check Your Insulin Label

With multiple types of ReliOn and Novolin insulin available (e.g., N, R, and 70/30 mixes), double-checking the label on the vial or pen is crucial for patient safety. Administering the wrong insulin can lead to serious health complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, ReliOn Novolin N is an exact substitute for brand-name Novolin N in terms of its active ingredient, insulin isophane human (NPH), as both are manufactured by the same company, Novo Nordisk.

ReliOn insulin is cheaper because it is Walmart's private-label brand, offered at a lower price point. The same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, produces it under a licensing agreement, allowing for a significant reduction in cost for the consumer.

No, in many states, ReliOn Novolin N is available over-the-counter (OTC) and can be purchased behind the pharmacy counter without a prescription. Check with your local Walmart pharmacy for specific regulations.

No, ReliOn Novolog is a rapid-acting analog insulin, while Novolin N is an intermediate-acting human insulin (NPH). They have different onset, peak, and duration profiles and are not interchangeable.

Yes, because it contains the identical active ingredient (insulin isophane human) and is produced by the same manufacturer, the pharmacological action and duration are the same for ReliOn Novolin N and Novolin N.

While the medications are the same, it is always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before switching insulins. They can ensure the change is appropriate for your treatment plan and address any concerns.

Human insulin, such as NPH, is an older formulation with more variable absorption and a distinct peak, while analog insulins (like Novolog or Lantus) are genetically engineered for more predictable action profiles.