What are Insulin Lispro and Insulin Lispro Protamine?
Insulin works by lowering the levels of sugar in the blood. Insulin Lispro insulin is fast-acting. Insulin lispro protamine has an intermediate action. This combination of insulin begins to work 10 to 20 minutes following the injection. It reaches its peak in two hours and continues to function for up to twenty-four hours.
The combination medicine of insulin lispro with insulin lispro proton is used to control blood sugar in adults who have diabetes. Insulin lispro or insulin lispro proton may be used to treat type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for insulin lispro or insulin lispro protamine.
Side Effects Insulin Lispro and Insulin Lispro Protamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: swelling or redness where an insulin injection was administered; an itchy or swollen skin rash on your entire body; difficulty breathing; rapid heartbeats; feeling as if you may pass out; or swelling in either your tongue or throat.
Serious side effects can occur with insulin lispro or insulin lispro proton. If you experience:
- Fluid retention: weight gain, swelling of the hands or feet, or feeling short-breathing;
- Low sodium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling
Side effects associated with insulin lispro or insulin lispro protamine include:
- Low blood sugar
- Mild skin rash;
- 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.
Warnings
Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if it has been re-needled.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an episode of hypoglycemia.Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use insulin lispro or insulin lispro proton.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia)
Inform your doctor if, in addition to insulin, you are taking pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. These medications may be combined with glimepiride and metformin. You may be at greater risk for serious heart problems if you take certain diabetes medications while using insulin.
Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or nursing. If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about insulin.
How to take Insulin Lispro and insulin Lispro Protamine?
Keep all instructions or guides that come with your medication in mind, and follow all directions carefully. Follow the directions on the label. Insulin is injected into the skin. You can learn how to use the medication properly by yourself from a healthcare provider. Avoid injecting insulin lispro or insulin lispro proton into the veins.Use this medication at least 15 minutes prior to eating.Use only the insulin lispro or insulin lispro proton-containing injection pens. Attach a fresh needle each time. Transferring insulin from the pen to a syringe is not recommended.
Your healthcare provider will show you the best spots on your body where you can inject this insulin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice.This medicine should not be injected into damaged skin that is bruised, scaly, or has a hard lump or scar. Do not share an injection pen or cartridge with anyone else, even if you have changed the needle. This can cause infection or disease.
Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. If you have hypoglycemia, you may feel dizzy, irritable, or confused. You might also be shaky. If you want to treat hypoglycemia quickly, consume or drink something that will provide sugar fast (fruit juices, crackers, raisins, or regular soda).
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 in case of an emergency. Watch for signs such as increased thirst and urination. Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before changing the dose or schedule of your medication. Insulin is just one part of an overall treatment plan that can include other things like diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular blood sugar tests and medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice.
This medicine should be kept in the original container, away from heat and sunlight. You should not transfer insulin from the vial to a syringe before you are ready for an injection. Store insulin away from the cooling element of a fridge. Do not use any frozen insulin.
Insulin lispro (not used) and insulin lispro protamine should be stored unopened.
- Use within the expiration date.
- Use the vial or the pen within 28 days.
Insulin lispro (in use) and insulin lispro protamine can be stored in the following ways:
- Use the vial within 28 days. Store in a fridge or at room temperature.
- Use the pen within 10 days. Store at room temperature. Store the pen without a needle.
This medicine should appear cloudy. If the medicine is clear or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist.Wear or carry a medical identification card to alert others that you have diabetes.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Individualise dosage based on glucose treatment goals, metabolic needs, and eating habits.
Available as:
Humalog 75/25 (75% of insulin lispro suspension and 25% of insulin lispro)
Humalog 50/50 (50/50 insulin lispro suspension and insulin lispro)
Usual dosage: Administer the prescribed units subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to or after meal ingestion.
Comments:
The duration of action can vary depending on the dose, the injection site, the blood flow, body temperature, and physical activity.
Use: To improve the glycemic level in diabetic patients.
Adult dosage for diabetes type 1:
Individualise dosage based on glucose treatment goals, metabolic needs, and eating habits.
Available as:
Humalog mix 75/25 (75% of insulin lispro suspension and 25% of insulin lispro)
Humalog 50/50 mix (50% insulin protamine suspension with 50% insulin lispro)
Usual dose: Administer the prescribed units subcutaneously 15 minutes prior to meal ingestion.
Comments:
The total daily insulin requirement is estimated at between 0.5 and 1 unit/kg/day.
The duration of action can vary depending on the dose, injection site, and temperature.
Use: To improve the glycemic level in diabetic patients.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for insulin lispro or insulin lispro protamine because they are used before meals. You should eat within 15 minutes of taking the medication. Never take two doses of the medicine at once.Always keep insulin handy. Refill your prescription before you run completely out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. An insulin overdose can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia. The symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Insulin can cause low sugar levels. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have determined how the medicine will affect you.Check the label of your medication before you inject it to avoid any mistakes.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause low sugar levels and interfere with diabetes treatment.
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.
