Drug Notes

Rapid-acting insulin (Injection)

Treats diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone that helps get sugar from the blood to the muscles, where it is used for energy. This type of insulin starts working faster than regular insulin.

Brand Name(s):

Humalog, Humalog Pen, Insulin-Humalog, Lispro-PFC

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• This insulin usually starts to work less than 15 minutes after it has been injected. It may keep working for as long as 4 to 5 hours after the injection, but it slowly works less and less. The way this insulin works for you might be different. You and your health caregiver must work together to know the best times for you to use your insulin.
• 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.
• There are many different devices available for giving an insulin injection. You may be taught how to use a regular syringe, an insulin pump, a FlexPen®, or some other device. Each device has special instructions that you must follow. Make sure you understand all the instructions for your device before you use it.
• Most people will use rapid-acting insulin just before a meal. You may be told to use Humalog® (insulin lispro) immediately after you eat.
• Know what your usual kind of insulin should look like. Before each injection, look at the insulin to make sure it still looks the same. Most insulin should not be used if it has changed color or looks too cloudy or thick.
• 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.
• Use only syringes that are specially made for insulin. It is best to always use the same brand and type of syringe. Some types of insulin must be used with a certain type of syringe. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.Some people might be able to use special reusable needles or syringes. Your health caregiver must teach you how to reuse needles or syringes before you give yourself an injection.
• Do not change the brand or type of your insulin unless your health caregiver tells you to. If you must change the brand or type, ask your health caregiver before giving yourself an injection.
• Do not mix one kind of insulin with another kind or with water, unless your health caregiver has told you to. Never mix Lantus® (insulin glargine) with any other insulin.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.Your doctor may suggest that you follow an exercise program. You may also be taught to check your own blood sugar levels at home. Diet, exercise, medicine, and checking your blood sugar are all important to control your diabetes.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store unopened insulin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you cannot refrigerate the insulin you will use for the day, keep it in a cool place away from heat and light. Do not use insulin that has been frozen or overheated. Follow any special storage instructions that come with your specific brand of insulin.
• The Humalog® 3 mL cartridge that is used with an external insulin pump should be thrown away after 7 days. Any Humalog® that is left in the pump should be thrown away every 48 hours or less.
• Do not use insulin if it is past the expiration date stamped on the bottle.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your needles, syringes, or medicine with anyone else.

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 medicines can 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 also using a beta blocker such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Inderal®, Lopressor®, or Tenormin®. These medicines could cover up the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Because this insulin starts to work faster than some other types of insulin, the effects do not last as long. Your doctor may also prescribe a longer-acting insulin for you to use. If you are using an external insulin pump, you should use the rapid-acting insulin by itself. Do not dilute it or combine it with other insulins.
• You may sometimes have low blood sugar while you are using insulin. This is more likely if you miss a meal, exercise for a long time, or drink alcohol. If you have low blood sugar, you may feel very hungry, drowsy, confused, or chilled. You might sweat or vomit, or you might have a fast heartbeat, vision changes, or a headache that will not go away.
• Ask your doctor what to do if you have low blood sugar. You will need to control it quickly. Teach your friends, co-workers, or family members how to help you in case you have low blood sugar.
• Your correct insulin dose may change slightly with changes in your diet or activity. Your dose needs may also change if you are ill (especially diarrhea or vomiting), pregnant, traveling, using a new medicine, or exercising more or less than usual. Follow your health caregiver's instructions about changes in your insulin dose.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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.
• Unusual tiredness, breath that smells fruity, warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

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

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

Last Updated: 6/12/2013