Health Library

Insulin lispro (By injection)

Insulin Lispro, Recombinant (IN-su-lin LIS-pro, ree-KOM-bi-nant)

Treats diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Admelog, Admelog SoloStar Pen, HumaLOG, HumaLOG Junior KwikPen, HumaLOG KwikPen, HumaLOG Tempo Pen, Insulin Lispro KwikPen, Lyumjev KwikPen U-100, Lyumjev Kwikpen U-200, Lyumjev Tempo Pen, Lyumjev U-100

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin (including stomach, thigh, buttocks, or upper arm) or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.
• Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, bruised, scaly, hard, damaged, thick, or has pits, lumps, or scars.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If you use a syringe, use only the kind that is made for insulin injections. Some insulin injections must be given with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.
• Always check the label before use to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.
• Use this medicine 15 minutes before a meal or right after you eat.
• Vial:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Do not shake the vial.
  • Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.
  • Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin.
• Cartridge or prefilled pens: Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection.
• Solostar® Prefilled Pen:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Prime the pen by removing the air from the needle and cartridge. Select 2 units when turning the dose selector.
  • Press the injection button until it stops. You should see a "0" in the dose window.
  • You should see insulin at the needle tip. If you do not see insulin, repeat the priming steps but not more than 3 times. If there is still no insulin, change the needle and repeat the priming steps.
  • Turn the dose selector, be careful not to press the injection button.
  • You may see air bubbles in the insulin, which is normal.
  • Insert the needle into your skin and press the injection button all the way in for at least 10 seconds. Keep pressing until the needle has been pulled out from the skin. This will make sure that you have received the full dose.
  • Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection. Store the pen without a needle attached.
• Do not use the pen if it is broken or damaged.
• Insulin pump:
  • Keep the pump and pump equipment away from heat and direct light. Heat may increase the temperature of the insulin, and prevent it from working as it should.
  • Use insulin lispro by itself. Do not mix it with other insulins.
  • Change the insulin solution in the pump reservoir at least every 7 days. Change the infusion set and infusion site at least every 3 days.
  • Tell your doctor right away if your insulin pump breaks or leaks. Your blood sugar levels may change rapidly. You may need to give yourself injections until your pump is fixed.
• Do not mix different types of insulin, unless your doctor tells you to. If you are told to mix lispro with a longer-acting insulin, draw up insulin lispro into the syringe first. Then draw up the longer-acting insulin and inject it right away.
• Do not transfer Humalog® U-200 from the prefilled pen to a syringe for use.
• The insulin solution should look clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, clumpy, discolored, or has particles in it.
• Keep all medicine away from heat and direct light.
• Unopened medicine: Store unused vials, pens, or cartridges in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. This medicine may be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Throw the medicine away after the expiration date has passed.
• Opened medicine:
  • Vials: Keep in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days.
  • Pen, cartridge, and prefilled pen: Do not refrigerate the cartridge or pen that you are currently using. Store it at room temperature in a cool place for up to 28 days.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines that you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the blood
  • Fluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Never share insulin pens, cartridges, or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, change in how much or how often you urinate, fruit-like breath odor, stomach pain, weakness
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain
• Fever, stuffy or runny nose, muscle aches, sore throat, headache
• Redness, itching, swelling, or any skin changes where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024