What is Insulin Lispro?
Lispro works by lowering the levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin Lispro is a rapid-acting form of insulin. It starts working 15 minutes after the injection, reaches its peak in an hour, and continues to work for up to four hours.Insulin lispro helps control blood sugar levels in children and adults with type 2 diabetes.
Admelog, or humalog, is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Or Type 1 diabetes, in adults and children older than 3 years.Lyumjev cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Warnings
Insulin lispro should not be shared with anyone else. It includes pens, cartridges, needles, and syringes. Sharing can spread infections. You may have infections that you are unaware of.Insulin lispro can cause low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can cause seizures, brain damage, and death.Insulin lispro can also cause low blood potassium. This can cause a heartbeat to not be normal, breathing problems, and even death if not treated.
During times of stress, such as a fever, an infection, surgery, or injury, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may be affected by changes in diet, physical activity, or exercise.If your blood sugar is low, do not drive. This increases the chances of an auto accident. Consult your doctor before drinking alcohol or taking products that contain alcohol.
Before you take this drug
If you have an episode of low sugar or hyperglycemia, you should not take insulin lispro.A child under the age of 3 should not receive insulin lispro. Insulin lispro is not recommended for treating type 2 diabetes among children of any age.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Insulin Lispro is safe for use:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart problems
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
Inform your doctor if any of the medicines you take contain pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take certain oral diabetes medications while using insulin lispro.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about insulin lispro. It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy. High blood sugar can pose risks to both mother and infant.
Similar/related drugs
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, and Tresiba
How to take Insulin Lispro?
Insulin lispro should be used exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions and directions provided on the prescription label.Insulin lispro can be injected into the skin using a syringe, a pen, or an infusion pump. You will be taught how to use insulin lispro properly by a healthcare provider.Please read and heed all directions included with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Just prepare the injection when you are ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.
Admelog and Humalog should be taken within 15 minutes of eating or immediately after. Lyumjev can be given before a meal or within 20 minutes of eating.Your healthcare provider can show you the best place to inject insulin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice. Avoid injecting into damaged skin that is tender, bruised, or pitted.
Neither should concentrated insulin lispro 200 units be used with an insulin pump or mixed with any other insulin. Transferring insulin lispro into a syringe from an injection pen could result in a serious overdose.Even if you have changed the needle, never share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else. These devices can spread infections and diseases from person to person.If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel shaky, dizzy, or confused. You might also be irritable. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins).
In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection if you need it in an emergency.Watch for signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), such as increased thirst and urination.Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication.
Insulin lispro should be stored in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. Insulin Lispro should not be frozen or stored near a cooling element in a fridge. Do not use any frozen insulin lispro.
Insulin Lispro: Store unopened (not used).
- Use within the expiry date.
- Use within 28 days. Store it at room temperature.
Insulin lispro that has been opened and is in use:
- Use the vial within 28 days. Store in a fridge or at room temperature.
- Use the cartridge within 28 days. Store it at room temperature.
Only use a needle or syringe once, and then place them into a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to discard this container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for insulin lispro dosing because it is taken with meals. Follow the instructions for your brand of insulin, Lispro, to determine whether you should take the medication before or after eating. Never take two doses of insulin lispro at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include confusion, blurred or cloudy vision, numbness in the mouth, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, and clumsy movements.
What should be avoided?
Low blood sugar can be caused by insulin. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have a better understanding of how insulin lispro affects you.Check the label of your medication before injecting insulin (Lispro) to avoid mistakes.Avoid alcohol consumption.
Side effects of Insulin lispro
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention: swelling or redness where the injection was administered, itchy or swollen skin, a rash on your entire body, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, feeling as if you may pass out, or swelling around your throat or tongue.
If you experience:
- Weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, and feeling short of breath
- Low sugar; headache; dizziness; rapid heart rate; and feeling anxious.
- Low sodium: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Insulin Lispro may cause side effects such as:
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- Itching
- The skin may become thicker or hollower where the medication was injected.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other medicines can also affect your blood glucose, and some can increase or decrease insulin's effects. You may also experience fewer hypoglycemic symptoms when you take certain drugs, making it more difficult to detect low blood sugar. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take. You can include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
