Insulin Lispro 

Humalog

Humalog is FDA-approved for improving glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The prescription medication contains insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels after 10-20 minutes of taking a meal and reduces the chances of severe complications of diabetes. It comes in single-use prefilled pens, cartridges and vials that are usually prescribed along with long-acting insulin or other antidiabetic medications. The dosage of the drug depends on your age, condition and requirements. Humalog should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients who have known hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any inactive ingredient present in Humalog. For more information on dosage, storage and potential risks and benefits of using this medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider. 

Product Overview

Humalog is a medication that improves glycemic control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It contains insulin lispro, a rapid-acting insulin that helps lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduces the risk of serious diabetes complications. Humalog is typically prescribed alongside long-acting insulin or other antidiabetic medications, available in various forms like single-use, prefilled pens, cartridges, and vials. The dosage of Humalog depends on factors like age, condition, and individual requirements. 

Humalog insulin lispro should be taken 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial while using Humalog and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Common side effects of Humalog include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection site reactions. It should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia or by individuals with known hypersensitivity to insulin lispro.

Humalog should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, and moisture. Unopened Humalog can be used until its expiration date, while opened vials or cartridges should be discarded after 28 days. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for more information on Humalog’s dosage, storage, and potential risks and benefits. 

Uses

Targeted Treatment

It improves glycemic control in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Benefits

Your doctor may also prescribe Humalog to treat the following conditions: 

• Gestational diabetes 
• Diabetic ketoacidosis 
• Hyperglycemia
• Hyperkalemia

[Note: Do not take Humalog without consulting your doctor. They will determine whether you need this medication based on your conditions.]

Humalog Dosage

Forms & Strengths

Humalog comes in the form of a liquid solution available as: 

Form: KwikPen pen (100 IU or 200 IU/ml) 

Strength: 3 ml

Form: Tempo Pen (100 IU/ml)

Strength: 3 ml

Form: Junior KwikPen (100 IU/ml)

Strength: 3 ml

Form: Vial  

Strength: 3 ml, 10 ml

Form: Cartridges

Strength: 3 ml

Recommended Dosages

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus 

• Daily dose for adults: 0.5-1 unit/kg/day in divided doses is recommended. 
• Non-obese: 0.4-0.6 units/kg/day
• Obese individuals: 0.8-1.2 units/kg/day. 
• Pediatric Patients: 0.4-1 units/kg/day for children aged 3 and above. 

For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 

• Starting dose: 4 units or 10% of your total daily insulin. 
• To be injected 15 minutes before or after a meal.  

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Take It?

• Carefully read the instructions for use that come along with your prescription. 
• You can inject Humalog by yourself, but if you want the insulin to be injected in the upper arm, you will need help from someone. Ensure you and your caregiver know how to inject the insulin properly. 
• Before using Humalog for the first time, your doctor will show you how to inject the insulin properly. 
• Humalog is usually given subcutaneously, under the skin of the abdomen, front thigh, buttocks and upper arm. 
• Before injecting the insulin, ensure that you have the proper insulin in the correct dosage. Also, check the insulin for any change in appearance. 
• Do not use the insulin if there is any color change, it appears cloudy or if it has some particles in it. 
• Do not share your injections with others, even if the needle is changed, as it may cause infection to spread from one person to another. 
• Do not reuse the needle after using it, as it may be contaminated. Always use a new needle for injecting. 
• Constantly rotate the injection spot to reduce the chances of getting thickened skin, lumps, and pits under your skin.
• Do not inject the injection where the skin is torn, damaged, red, tender, bruised or has stretch marks. 
• Properly wash your hands before and after administering the injection. 
• Administer the injection before 15 minutes or within 20 minutes of starting a meal. 
• Do not mix Humalog with other insulin or medication apart from insulin NPH (for intravenous administration). 
• Select your prescribed dosage and inject the insulin into your skin as shown by your doctor or healthcare provider. 
• Do not try to adjust the dosage while injecting the insulin. 
• Pull the needle out of your skin and ensure that you have injected the complete dose of the medication. 
• Replace the cap after use. 
• Dispose of the needle in a sharps container. Do not throw it in wastewater or your household garbage bin.  

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Humalog Work?

Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin that starts to affect swiftly in the body within 10-20 minutes of injection. Its mechanism of action is the same as the insulin that naturally occurs inside the body. It helps glucose absorption by the bloodstream so that our body can utilize it for energy. It suppresses the production of glucose inside the liver. 

Important Safety Information

Side Effects

Common side effects of Humalog may include: 

• Low blood sugar
• Weight gain
• Rashes 
• Itching
• Swelling in hands and feet
• Injection site reaction

Serious Side Effects of Humalog may include:

• Severe allergic reaction
• Severe hypoglycemia
• Severe hypokalemia
• Heart failure
• Hyperglycemia
• ketoacidosis 

[Note: This list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

• Do not share your Humulin with others, even if the needle changes. This includes syringes, cartridges, needles, injectable pens, and more, as they can spread infection from one person to another. 
• Do not start, stop or change your insulin brand or dosage without consulting your doctor. 
• Do not use Humalog when the patient is having an episode of hypoglycemia. 
• Do not take Humalog (insulin lispro) with medications that belong to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones, as it may cause heart failure. 
• It is considered unsafe to consume alcohol alongside humalog as it may cause unwanted side effects.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or indulge in activities that require your concentration unless you determine how this medication affects you. 
• Humalog should be used with caution in patients who have conditions related to their liver, kidney or heart. 
• Humalog should be used with caution in patients who have renal or hepatic impairment. Such patients may require dosage adjustments and careful monitoring of their condition. 
• While using subcutaneously, do not mix Humalog with any other medication or insulin apart from NPH insulin.
• When administered intravenously, Humalog should not be mixed with any insulin. 
• Hypoglycemia is the most common side effect of Humalog, which, if not treated, may become life-threatening. 
• All insulins, including Humalog, may result in hypokalemia, which, if not treated, may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and ultimately death. 
• Tell your doctor if you also take pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, taking it together with Humalog may cause heart related problems. 

Precautions

• Before taking Humalog, tell your doctor if you have any condition and what medications you are taking for its treatment. This includes all prescription, non-prescription, and over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and vitamins. 
• Before starting treatment with Humalog, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have a disease related to the heart, kidneys, and liver. 
• Before taking Humalog, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to insulin lispro or any inactive ingredients in the medication. 
• Let your doctor know if you think you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or if you are breastfeeding a baby. You may require a dosage adjustment. 
• It is essential to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly while receiving treatment with Humalog and share the report with your doctor to help them determine the best dosage for you. 
• Constantly rotate the injection spot each time you inject the medication to avoid injection site reaction. 
• Do not inject into skin that is torn, damaged, red, swollen or if it has stretch marks. 
• Do not use the product if it is discolored or has particles. 

Contraindications 

Humalog is contraindicated for use in patients: 

• During episodes of hypoglycemia
• Who have known hypersensitivity to Humalog, insulin lispro or any of its inactive ingredients. 

Missed Dose

• For safe and efficient use of the medication, it is recommended that the dosage of Humalog be maintained consistently. 
• If you missed a dose of the medication, check your blood sugar levels and decide accordingly. 
• If your blood glucose levels are in the average range, you can skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 
• If your blood sugar levels are high, you should immediately inject the prescribed dosage. 
• However, if it is time for your next dose of Humalog, you may skip the missed dose and take the medication as per your dosing schedule. 
• Do not take two doses of the same medication, as it may cause adverse effects. 

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Overdose

Overdose of Humalog may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia, which, if not treated, can become life-threatening. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, sweating, and loss of consciousness. Mild symptoms of overdose may be treated by giving the patient oral glucose. But if someone has taken Humalog more than recommended and has passed out, is having seizures or can’t be woken up, immediately call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. 

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help immediately or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Storage

• Keep Humalog in the original container at average room temperature, away from direct sunlight, excess heat and moisture. 
• Do not freeze the product or use it if it is frozen, as injecting frozen insulin can be painful. 
• Safely discard the frozen insulin and get a new one from your pharmacist. 
• When unopened Humalog is kept at room temperature, it is suitable for use until its expiration date. 
• When opened, it is best recommended to use it within 28 days. 
• Throw it away after 28 days, even if any medication is left. 
• Do not keep medications that are outdated or no longer needed. 
• Do not flush the medicine unless instructed to do so. 
• Do not throw the drug in wastewater or household garbage bins. 
• For guidance on safely disposing of the medication, you can contact your healthcare provider or the local waste disposal company. 
• You should discard the needles, syringes, cartridges and vials in a sharps disposal container. If you do not have a sharps container, use a container made of hard plastic with a tightly fitting lid to discard the used medication. 
• Keep all insulins, including Humalog, in a safe place away from the reach and sight of children. 

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional the proper disposal of unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Humalog Interactions

• Metformin
• ACE inhibitors 
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• Glucagon-like peptide agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors 
• Sulfonylureas 
• Thiazolidinediones
• Certain antidepressants
• Antipsychotic drugs 
• Corticosteroids  
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Certain cholesterol-lowering medications 
• Protease inhibitors used to treat HIV
• Oral contraceptives
• Albuterol
• Clonidine
• Reserpine
• Guanethidine
• Beta-blockers
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers 

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Humalog. Tell your doctor about prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products.]

Humalog Alternatives

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Metformin (Metformin Hydrochloride)
• Lantus (insulin glargine)
• Apidra (insulin glulisine)
• Toujeo (insulin glargine)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When taking Humalog, what should I monitor?

Keeping a close eye on the sugar level in the blood is essential. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect seen in patients who use insulin lispro. This is why close glucose monitoring is recommended and mandatory for all patients who have diabetes. Any changes to dosage should be done only under medical supervision.

2. Can you take Humalog Kwikpen without eating?

The blood sugar levels may be dangerously low if you do not eat when taking Humalog. How long does Humalog take to work? Humalog and Humalog Mix both work quickly to lower your blood sugar. Within 15 minutes after administration, the drugs begin reducing blood sugar levels.

3. Does Humalog insulin need to be avoided at certain times?

To use Humalog safely, you must not inject it into any areas of the skin that are thickened or have developed lumps or “pits.” Furthermore, you should not inject Humalog into areas where the skin is bruised, tender, scaly, complex, or otherwise damaged.

4. Can you estimate how much Humalog should lower blood sugar by 1 unit?

Generally, one unit of insulin is needed to correct a high blood sugar situation. One unit of insulin is usually required to lower the blood glucose level to 50 mg/dld. The drop in blood glucose can vary from 30 to 100 mg/dl, depending on particular insulin sensitivity and other circumstances.

Our Guarantee

At PolarBearMeds.com, we assure you the most affordable price to buy Humalog from Canada. Rest easy knowing that your order will be dispatched from a reputable Licensed Canada Pharmacy Online, adhering to the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our discounted medications are shipped directly from Canada to your doorstep, ensuring a swift and secure delivery experience. To conveniently access Humalog at a substantial cost, call us at 1-888-779-2193 toll-free.