LoginHumalog
Generic Name: insulin lispro (rbe)
Product Name: Humalog, Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50
Indication: What Humalog is used for
Humalog insulins are used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes is a condition in which your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar level. Extra insulin is therefore needed.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 diabetes – also called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). Patients with type 1 diabetes always need insulin to control their blood sugar levels;
- Type 2 diabetes – also called Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Some patients with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise and tablets.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Action: How Humalog works
Humalog insulins are insulin lispro, which works more quickly than soluble human insulin because the insulin molecule has been changed slightly.
Humalog Mix25 is 25% insulin lispro and 75% insulin lispro protamine sulfate suspension. This means that the action of Humalog Mix25 is prolonged.
Humalog Mix50 is 50% insulin lispro and 50% insulin lispro protamine suspension. This means that the action of Humalog Mix50 is prolonged.
The duration of effect of Humalog insulins varies in each individual and also depends on dose, site of injection, blood supply, body temperature and physical activity.
Humalog has a very rapid onset of action, allowing it to be given immediately before a meal, compared to regular insulin, which should be given 30 minutes before a meal. In initial clinical pharmacology studies, the onset of action of Humalog was seen within 15 minutes of administration, while the onset of action for regular insulin was 30 to 45 minutes following administration. Serum insulin levels peaked earlier with Humalog, corresponding to an earlier peak action of Humalog (approximately 1 hour) as compared to regular insulin (2 to 3 hours). The pharmacokinetics of Humalog translated into a shorter duration of activity when compared to regular insulin, approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours for Humalog as compared with 5.5 to 7.5 hours for regular insulin.
All cartridges in the Humalog range contain 100 units of insulin lispro per mL.
Humalog also contains meta-cresol, glycerol, sodium phosphate dibasic, zinc oxide and water for injection.
Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 also contain meta-Cresol, phenol, glycerol, sodium phosphate dibasic, protamine sulfate, zinc oxide and water for injection.
Dose advice: How to use Humalog
Before using Humalog Insulins
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or if you have ever experienced any of these conditions.
When you must not use the Humalog Insulins
Do not use/inject Humalog Insulins:
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Humalog, Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50, or to any of the ingredients listed here. Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, swelling and itching at the injection site, rash, shortness of breath, fast pulse or sweating.
- If the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering;
- If you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia);
- If Humalog solution is cloudy, thickened, coloured or has solid pieces in it;
- If Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 suspension is no longer cloudy white after gentle shaking or if it has solid pieces in it;
- If the cartridge appears frosted. This can occur when solid white particles stick to the bottom and walls;
- If the expiry date (EXP) on the pack has passed.
Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should not be given intravenously.
The use of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 has not been studied in children under the age of 18.
Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should not be used in an insulin infusion pump.
If you are not sure whether you should start using Humalog Insulins, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before you start using Humalog Insulins
You must tell your doctor:
- If you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine which you have used previously to treat your current condition;
- If you have or have had any medical conditions, especially kidney, liver or heart disease;
- If you experience fluid retention especially in the hands, ankles or feet;
- If you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult. Insulin needs usually decrease during the first three months of pregnancy and increase during the last six months;
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Humalog is excreted in significant amounts in breast milk;
- If you often have hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or if you have trouble recognising the symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
- Under certain conditions the early warning signs of hypoglycaemia can be different or less pronounced;
- If you drink alcohol;
- If you are ill. Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin needs to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should design an insulin plan for those times when you are sick;
- If you are exercising more than usual. Exercise may lower your need for insulin. Exercise may also speed up the effect of an insulin dose, especially if the exercise involves the area of injection site (e.g. the leg should not be used for injection just prior to running). Discuss with your doctor how much insulin you should use if you are exercising;
- If your diet changes. Changes in diet may cause your insulin needs to change.
Tell your doctor about these things before you use Humalog Insulins.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may affect the way your Humalog insulin works. These include:
- Oral antidiabetic medicines;
- Medicines that affect your metabolism (corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone);
- Medicines used for oral contraception;
- Medicines used in thyroid replacement therapy;
- Certain antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis, such as isoniazid;
- Medicines such as aspirin or other salicylates;
- Certain medicines used to treat depression;
- Certain medicines used to treat asthma, such as salbutamol or terbutaline;
- Medicines used to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions;
- Certain medicines used to treat people with growth disorders and tumours, such as octreotide;
- Medicines used to treat hormone-related disorders, such as danazol;
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also used to treat type 2 diabetes; when used with insulin there may be an increased risk of fluid retention and heart disease.
Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using Humalog Insulins.
Tell your doctor about these medicines before you use Humalog Insulins.
How to use Humalog Insulins
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. These may differ from the information contained here.
Your doctor may tell you to use Humalog with a longer-acting human insulin such as Humulin NPH.
There may be a delay in the effect of Humalog when it is mixed with Humulin NPH, compared to Humalog and Humulin NPH being injected separately.
Humalog should not be mixed with any other animal or human insulin preparations.
How much to use
Your doctor will tell you how much insulin you need to use each day.
Your doctor will tell you the type of Humalog that is best suited to you.
Do not change your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. Be very careful if you do change insulin. If you change the type of insulin that you use (for example from human insulin to Humalog), you may have to take more or less than before. This may happen with the first injection or it may be a gradual change over several weeks or months.
How to use Humalog in a re-usable pen
Inject Humalog, Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 under the skin. Under no circumstances should Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 be given intravenously.
Follow the steps below.
Preparing a dose
- Check your cartridge. The solution of Humalog should be clear and colourless. The suspension in Humalog Mix25, Humalog Mix50 cartridges should be white and cloudy or milky;
- Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 cartridges must be rolled between the palms ten times and inverted ten times until the contents are uniformly mixed. Do not shake vigorously as this may cause frothing which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose;
- Inspect the cartridge for uniform mixing and repeat the above steps if necessary. If Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 cartridges appear “frosted”, please return to the place of purchase for exchange. This can occur when solid white particles stick to the bottom and walls. Check your cartridge before each injection. The manufacturer’s instructions for the HumaPen delivery systems should be followed for loading the cartridge, attaching the needle and administering the insulin injection;
- Wash your hands;
- Put the cartridge into the pen. Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 3 mL cartridges are only for use with the HumaPen.
Check for insulin flow (priming)
- Set the dose to 1 or 2 units;
- Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the side of the pen so that any bubbles float to the top;
- With the pen still pointing up, press the injection button. Do this until a stream of insulin comes out of the needle. This is very important to ensure the correct dose is injected;
- Only after seeing a stream of insulin at the needle tip can you proceed to dial up your required dose. There may still be some small air bubbles left in the cartridge. These are harmless, but if the air bubble is too big, it may make the dose of your injection less accurate.
Injecting a dose
- Wash your hands;
- Choose a site for injection. Use of injection sites should be rotated so that the same site is not used more than approximately once a month;
- Remove outer needle cap;
- Stabilise the skin by spreading it or pinching up a large area. Insert the needle as instructed by your doctor;
- Press the knob. Count to 5 slowly before pulling the needle out;
- Pull the needle out and apply gentle pressure over the injection site for several seconds. Do not rub the area;
- Using the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle and dispose of it safely. Do not reuse the needle. Needles, cartridges or pens must not be shared;
- Leave the cartridge in the pen.
Further injections
- Check your cartridge before each injection. Ensure Humalog Mix25 contents are uniformly mixed, as described in ‘Preparing a Dose’;
- Before every injection, check for insulin flow. Do this by dialling 1 or 2 units and pressing the injection button with the pen pointing up. Do this until a stream of insulin comes out of the needle;
- Stop using the cartridge if the leading edge of the plunger has gone to, or beyond, the left side of the gauge on the side of the cartridge;
- You can see how much insulin is left by looking at the gauge on the side of the cartridge. The scale on the cartridge shows how many units you have left. If there is not enough for your dose, change the cartridge.
Do not mix any other insulin in your cartridge. Once the cartridge is empty, do not use it again.
When to use it
Your doctor will tell you when to use your Humalog insulin.
You should normally use Humalog, Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 immediately (or up to 15 minutes) before a meal. When necessary, Humalog can be used soon after a meal. When Humalog is given after a meal, it must be within 20 minutes of the start of the meal.
How to use Humalog in a subcutaneous infusion pump
- Humalog may be given under the skin by means of an insulin infusion pump. Use the type of pump system recommended by your doctor, read and follow the instructions that accompany your pump;
- Humalog should never be mixed with any other insulin when used in a pump;
- Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 should never be used in a pump;
- Before inserting the needle, wash your hands and the skin where the needle is to be inserted so as to prevent infection at the infusion site;
- When you are filling a new syringe, be certain not to leave large air bubbles in either the syringe or the catheter;
- Change the syringe and catheter after a maximum of 2 days’ usage;
- Follow your doctor, nurse or pharmacists advice about the basal infusion rate and the mealtime insulin boluses to be taken;
- To get the benefit of insulin infusion, and to detect a possible malfunction of the insulin pump, you should measure your blood sugar levels regularly.
What to do in case of infusion pump system failure
In case of infusion pump system failure, you should always carry a spare cartridge of Humalog and a pen, or an alternative insulin delivery system, for injection under the skin.
How long do I use it
Do not stop using your Humalog insulin just because you feel better. It is important that you do not stop using your Humalog insulin unless your doctor tells you.
If you inject too much
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is the most likely reaction if you have injected more insulin than you need. Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycaemia can include:
- Sweating;
- Hunger, headache;
- Tremor, unsteady movement;
- Lightheadedness;
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Depressive mood, anxiety;
- Irritability, personality change;
- Abnormal behaviour;
- Inability to concentrate;
- Sleep disturbance;
- Blurred vision;
- Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat;
- Tingling in the hands/feet/lips or tongue;
- Slurred speech.
Recognising these mild to moderate hypoglycaemic symptoms early may allow you to take the necessary steps to avoid more serious hypoglycaemia. Symptoms of severe hypoglycaemia can include:
- Disorientation;
- Seizures;
- Unconsciousness.
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, eat some sugary food or drink, such as jelly beans, orange juice or glucose tablets.
If you do not feel better after eating/drinking some sugary food or drink, contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
While you are using Humalog Insulins
Things you must do
Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Humalog or Humalog Mix25, Humalog Mix50.
While you are using Humalog Insulins, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start any new medicine.
If you become pregnant while using Humalog Insulins tell your doctor.
Always carry a supply of your Humalog insulin cartridges and your pen with you.
Always carry something to show you have diabetes.
Always carry glucose or sugary foods with you.
Always check for insulin flow before injecting a dose.
Immediately after an injection, remove the needle from the pen. This will ensure sterility and prevent leakage, re-entry of air and potential needle clogs.
Things you must not do
Do not stop using your Humalog insulin without first checking with your doctor.
Do not give your Humalog insulin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Your doctor has prescribed your Humalog insulin specifically for you.
Do not share needles, cartridges or pens.
Do not reuse needles.
Do not inject Humalog Mix 25 or Humalog Mix 50 directly into a vein (intravenously).
Things to be careful of
- If you become ill;
- If you are exercising more than usual;
- if your diet changes.
You should learn to recognise your own symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). You can then take the appropriate action, when necessary. If you are having problems recognising these symptoms, frequent monitoring of your blood sugar level is recommended.
After using Humalog Insulins
Storage
Keep your cartridges in a fridge between 2°C-8°C. Do not freeze any of these Humalog Insulins.
You may keep the cartridges below 30°C for up to 28 days while you are using them. Do not put your cartridges near heat or in the sun. When the cartridge has been inserted into the pen, the cartridge pen combination should not be put in the fridge.
Do not use a cartridge after the expiry date (month, year) stamped on the label.
All medicines should be kept where young children cannot reach them.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop using Humalog Insulins or you find your cartridges have passed their expiry date, please return any leftover cartridges to your pharmacist.
Empty cartridges and needles should be disposed of in a sharps container or similar puncture-proof container composed of hard plastic or glass.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist where you can dispose of the container once it is full.
Schedule of Humalog
Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 is a Schedule 4 – prescription only medicine.
Side effects of Humalog
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using any of the Humalog Insulins. Like other medicines, Humalog Insulins may cause some unwanted side effects. These are likely to vary from patient to patient. Some side effects may be related to the dose of your insulin so it is important that you never exceed the stated dose.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible about any unwanted effects. Your doctor may then decide to adjust the dose of insulin you are using.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Hypoglycaemia
- The most common unwanted effect when using insulin, including Humalog Insulins, is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). If untreated, severe hypoglycaemia may lead to unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, death;
- If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), eat some sugary food or drink, such as jelly beans, orange juice or glucose tablets;
- If you do not feel better after eating/drinking some sugary food or drink, contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital;
- Local allergy
- Some patients occasionally experience redness, swelling and itching at the injection site. Sometimes this local allergy may be due to factors other than your insulin, such as irritants in the skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique;
- If you have local allergic reactions while using Humalog Insulins contact your doctor;
- Generalised allergy
- Generalised allergy is less common, but can be more serious than local allergies. Symptoms of generalised allergy include rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure, fast pulse or sweating. Severe cases of generalised allergy may be life-threatening;
- If you think you are having a generalised allergic reaction to any Humalog insulin, tell a doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital;
- Lipodystrophy
- A depression in the skin or an enlargement or thickening of the tissue can develop at the injection site. Tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms;
- A change in the way you inject and rotating the injection site may help relieve these symptoms;
- Oedema
- Fluid retention, particularly in the ankles, feet and hands.
Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual or if you are concerned about any aspect of your health, even if you think the problems are not connected with this medicine and are not referred here.
For further information talk to your doctor.
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