Medication Overview
Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus. It is designed to work quickly to help manage blood sugar levels during meals and snacks, simulating the natural insulin spike that occurs in people without diabetes.
Who Should Consider Humalog? Humalog is suitable for:
- Adults and children with type 1 diabetes.
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who require insulin to manage blood sugar spikes after meals.
How is Humalog Administered? Humalog is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. It should be injected within 15 minutes before eating or right after eating a meal. The dosing is individualized based on the patient’s blood glucose monitoring results and their healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Important Information for Humalog Users:
- How to Use: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when administering Humalog. Ensure proper injection technique and rotate injection sites to prevent skin changes such as lipodystrophy.
- Storage: Unopened Humalog vials, pens, and cartridges should be stored in the refrigerator but not frozen. Opened or in-use vials can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Pens and cartridges in use should not be refrigerated.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions at the injection site, lipodystrophy, and weight gain. Severe side effects can include systemic allergic reactions.
- Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential. Adjustments to insulin dosage should be made based on blood sugar levels and as directed by a healthcare provider.
Medication Warnings
- Hypoglycemia: Humalog can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be severe. Be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision, and know how to treat it promptly.
- Hyperglycemia: If not dosed properly or if a dose is missed, Humalog can lead to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion, and drowsiness.
- Potassium Levels: Humalog may cause a significant shift in potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Take Humalog?
- Suitable Candidates:
- Individuals requiring fast-acting insulin to manage mealtime blood sugar spikes.
- Unsuitable Candidates:
- Individuals with hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any of the excipients in Humalog.
- Patients experiencing hypoglycemia should not take Humalog until their blood sugar levels are stabilized.
For more detailed information and personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider.
