What is Humalog Mix?
Humalog Mix is a combination of insulin Lispro and insulin Lispro Protamine. Insulin works by decreasing the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Insulin Lispro is an insulin with a rapid-acting effect. Insulin protamine lispro is an insulin with intermediate action. The combination insulin begins to act within 10–20 minutes of injection. It reaches its peak in two hours and continues to function for 24 hours.Humalog Mix helps to control blood sugar levels in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. The medicine can be used to treat type 1 diabetes or type 2.Humalog Mix can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Humalog Mix
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where you received an injection, an itchy rash all over your body, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, or feeling as if you may pass out.
If you experience:
- Fluid retention can manifest as swelling of the hands and feet, weight gain, or feeling breathless.
- Low potassium can cause leg cramps or constipation. It may also lead to irregular heartbeats or chest flutters. You might experience increased thirst and urination.
Side effects of Humalog Mix include:
- Low blood sugar
- Itching skin, mild rash
- The skin may become thicker or more hollow where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Humalog Mix should be consumed within 15 minutes of eating your meal.Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone, even after the needle is changed. This can lead to diseases such as HIV or hepatitis being spread.Humalog Mix should never be injected into the skin. If you have an allergy to insulin or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), you should not use Humalog Mix.
Before you take this drug
Humalog Mix should not be used if the patient is allergic to insulin or has hypoglycemia.Humalog Mix should not be used by those under the age of 18.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Humalog Mix will be safe for you:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hypokalemia refers to low potassium levels in the blood.
Inform your doctor of any pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, or combinations (often found in combination with metformin or glimepiride). Certain oral diabetes medications can increase the risk of heart disease if taken with insulin.Inform your doctor whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant..If you're pregnant, or if you get pregnant in the future, follow your doctor’s advice about the use of Humalog Mix.
How to take Humalog Mix?
Humalog mix is injected into the skin. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for any longer.Insulin injections are given under the skin. The injections will be demonstrated at home. If you don't know how to properly use and dispose of the used needles or syringes, do not inject yourself with Humalog Mix. Humalog Mix should not be injected into veins.This medication should be taken within 15 minutes of eating.You will be shown by your care provider the most effective places to inject Humalog Mix. Each time, inject in a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.This medicine should not be injected into damaged skin that is bruised, pitted, or thickened.Use only the Humalog Mix injection pen if you are using an injection pen. Before each injection, attach a fresh needle. Transferring insulin directly from the pen to a syringe is not recommended.Do not share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe of Humalog Mix with anyone else, even after the needle is changed. This can cause infection or spread disease.
Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how and where you can get a "sharps' disposal container that is puncture proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.Everyone with diabetes can experience low blood sugar. The symptoms of low blood sugar include headaches, sweating, and irritability. They can also cause nausea or dizziness. Always keep sugary foods such as hard candy, fruit juices, crackers, or raisins on hand to treat low blood sugar.If you are suffering from severe hypoglycemia and can't eat or drink anything due to it, your doctor may prescribe an emergency glucagon injection kit. Make sure that your close family members and friends are familiar with how to administer this emergency injection.Watch for other signs, such as an increase in thirst or increased urination.Stress, illnesses, surgeries, exercise, drinking alcohol, and skipping meals can all affect blood sugar levels. Before changing the dosage or schedule of your medication, consult your doctor.
Insulin may be part of an overall treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular testing for blood sugar levels. You should follow your doctor’s advice.Humalog Mix should be kept in the original packaging, away from light and heat. You should not transfer insulin into a syringe from the vial until you're ready to inject. Store insulin away from the refrigerator's cooling elements. Do not store frozen insulin. Do not use any frozen insulin.Store Humalog mix that has not been opened and is therefore no longer in use.
- Use within the expiration date or refrigerate.
- Use the pen or vial in 10 to 28 days. Store the vial at room temperature.
Humalog mix in use:
- Use the vial within 28 days. Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- Use the pen within 10 days. Store at room temperature. Store the pen without the needle.
Humalog Mix must appear cloudy. If the medication is clear or contains particles, do not take it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Wear or carry a medical ID to alert others that you are diabetic in an emergency.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Humalog Mix can be taken before meals, so you might not have a set schedule. You should eat within 15 minutes of taking the medication. Do not use two doses at one time.Always keep insulin handy. Refill your prescription before it runs out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An insulin overdose may cause hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening. The symptoms include confusion, drowsiness or weakness in the muscles, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness or convulsions, or even loss of consciousness.
What should be avoided?
Low blood sugar can be caused by insulin. Humalog Mix can cause low blood sugar. Avoid driving and operating machines until you are sure of how they will affect you.Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Alcohol is harmful to your health. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels and interfere with diabetes treatments.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines may also affect blood sugar levels, while others can alter insulin-producing effects. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemic symptoms when you take certain drugs, which makes it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you have started or stopped using. Include prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products.
