Humalog Insulin Lispro

Humalog/Insulin Lispro

The Humalog is the brand name version of insulin lispro which are fast acting insulin used in treatment of diabetic people to control their blood sugar. The Humalog is of two varieties which are Humalog is “Mix75/25” which is the mixture (75% insulin lispro protamine suspension and 25% insulin lispro injection) and Humalog “Mix50/50” which is the mixture (50% insulin lispro protamine and 50% insulin lispro injection). These both kinds of insulins are used to treat adults with diabetes.

A major precaution is never to take insulin if you are allergic to insulin lispro or any other ingredient also do not take Humalog insulin if your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia).

Important information you should know about Humalog

The Humalog includes Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen, Humalog Junior KwikPen, Humalog Mix50/50 and Humalog Mix75/25, the following are the things to keep in mind when using any of those insulins mentioned above:

• Under any circumstance do not share your Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen, Humalog Junior KwikPen, Humalog Mix50/50 and Humalog Mix75/25, syringes, reusable pen compatible with Lilly 3 mL cartridges or syringes with other people. This is to prevent transmission of diseases from one person to another.

• Do not change the insulin you use without talking to your endocrinologist. Changes may make you more likely to experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Changes should be made cautiously under the supervision of your endocrinologist.

• The Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen contains 2 times as much insulin (200 units/mL) in 1 mL as standard insulin (100 units/mL).

• Your insulin dosage may need to be altered due to illness conditions, stress, other medications have been prescribed with, changes in your diet, or change in physical activity or exercises.

• The Humalog U-200 KwikPen should ONLY be injected with the Humalog U-200 KwikPen. Do NOT withdraw Humalog U-200 from the pen using any other type syringe since the result could be an overdose which will cause severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) hence endangering your life.

• When used in an Insulin pump, do not mix or dilute Humalog U-100 with any other insulin or liquid. Do not use the Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix50/50 or Humalog Mix75/25 in a pump since it was never intended to be used that way.

• Regularly test and monitor your levels of blood sugar as your endocrinologist instructs.

How you should use Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, or Humalog Mix50/50?

• These types of insulins start working faster than any other kind of insulin which contain a regular human insulin and you should take insulin within 15 minutes before or after eating your meals. For the Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 they should be taken within 15 minutes before eating.

• Since the Humalog is colorless clear and has no particles in it, you should never use Humalog if it is colored and cloudy or contain some precipitates/particles in it.

• Humalog Mix75/25 and Humalog Mix50/50 should be mixed carefully before usage and should be milky or cloudy after the mixing.

•  Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50 should never be mixed with in the same syringe used with other insulin products.

•  Never use Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50 in an insulin pump.

•  Never mix Humalog U-100 with insulin other than NPH when using a syringe. Do not mix or dilute Humalog U-100 when used in a pump.

• Throw away used needles and always use new needles for each insulin shot, never reuse the same needle.

•  Avoid alcohol, use medicines that contain alcohol like paracetamol, driving or operate heavy machinery when using Humalog until you know how Humalog affects you.

• Always inject your insulin shots under the skin and not veins or muscles and remember to change or rotate the injection site with each dosage.

Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, or Humalog Mix50/50 possible side effects

The possible side effects of this medications includes the followings:-

• A severe decrease in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to seizure, unconsciousness and even death if not treated instantly and the major cause can be taking too much insulin. The simple and quick treatment for low blood sugar condition is eating or drinking a quick source of sugar right away although the circumstance can be different for each person.

• Allergic reaction including whole body reaction can happen. Seek medical attention if you observe rash all over the body, extensive sweating, and difficulty in breathing or high rate of heartbeats.

• A severe decrease in blood potassium level (hypokalemia) which may cause difficulty in breathing or high rate of heartbeats and even death.

•  Insulin pump failure or infusion set can cause degradation of insulin in the pump and lead to ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia so it is always advised to carry have alternative form of insulin administration in case of insulin pump failure.

• Sometimes swelling of your hands and feet and even heart failure when taken with certain medications such as thiazolidinediones or “TZDs”.

·         In summary the most common side effect of Humalog although these are not least is low blood sugar, allergies, injection spots reactions, swelling at injection spots (lipodystrophy), developing rashes and itching.

NOTE

• You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088

•  Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 are available by prescription only.

Also read more about Humalog U-100, Humalog U-100 KwikPen, Humalog U-200 KwikPen, Humalog Junior KwikPen, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50.