Insulin Lispro (By injection)

IN-su-lin LIS-pro, ree-KOM-bi-nant

Treats diabetes.

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Insulin lispro is a fast-acting type of insulin. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), your body cannot make enough or does not use insulin properly. So, you must take additional insulin to regulate your blood sugar and keep your body healthy. This is very important as too much sugar in your blood can be harmful to your health.

Insulin lispro starts to work faster than some other types of insulin, and its effects do not last as long. It should act more like the insulin your body would normally produce. Because the effects of insulin lispro are short-acting, your doctor may also prescribe a longer-acting insulin for you to use.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

IV: A nurse or other health professional may give you this medicine into a vein if you are in the hospital.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

This insulin works faster than other types of insulin, and its effects do not last as long.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type. Do not change the brand unless your doctor tells you to.

Use this medicine 15 minutes before a meal or right after you eat.

Vial: Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.

Cartridge or KwikPen: Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection.

Insulin pump:

Keep the pump and pump equipment away from heat and direct light. Heat may increase the temperature of the insulin, and prevent it from working as it should. Make sure your pump is meant for fast-acting insulin. Use insulin lispro by itself. Do not mix it with other insulins. Change the insulin solution in the reservoir of the pump at least every 7 days. Change the infusion set and infusion site at least every 3 days. Tell your doctor right away if your insulin pump breaks or leaks. Your blood sugar levels may change rapidly. You may need to give yourself injections until your pump is fixed.

Do not mix different types of insulin, unless your doctor tells you to. If you are told to mix lispro with a longer-acting insulin, draw up insulin lispro into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin and inject it right away.

Do not transfer Humalog® U-200 from the KwikPen to a syringe for use.

The insulin solution should look clear and colorless. Do not use insulin lispro if it is cloudy or clumpy.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Keep all medicine away from heat and direct light.

New, unused medicine: Store unused vials, pens, or cartridges in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. This medicine may be refrigerated for up to 28 days. Throw the medicine away after the expiration date has passed.

Medicine that is currently being used:

Vials: Keep in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Cartridge or KwikPen: Do not refrigerate your cartridge or pen that you are currently using. Store the cartridge or pen at room temperature in a cool place, away from heat and direct light, for up to 28 days.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some food and medicines can change the amount of insulin you need and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

Albuterol, clonidine, danazol, isoniazid, lithium, niacin, somatropin, terbutaline Birth control pills, estrogen Beta-blocker blood pressure medicine Diuretic (water pill) Protease inhibitor (treats HIV/AIDS) Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine) Corticosteroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone) Thyroid medicine

Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin lispro.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood sugar levels Low potassium levels Heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

Never share an insulin pen or cartridge with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Shaking, trembling, lightheadedness, sweating, hunger, confusion, fast heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Redness, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

HumaLOG KwikPen, Humalog, Humalog Pen, Lispro-PFC

There may be other brand names for this medicine.