What is Humalog: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Humalog

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• IV: A nurse or other health professional may give you this medicine into a vein if you are in the hospital.

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

• 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.

• Injection routeYou 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.

• 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: Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.

• Cartridge or prefilled pens: Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection.

• 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.Admelog® SoloStar® pen, Cartridge, 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Humalog

Humalog contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin lispro.

Humalog warnings

• 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 bloodFluid 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.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Humalog interactions

• 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.

• Never share insulin pens, cartridges, or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.