Insulin Lispro Injection

Humalog Logo

Brand name(s): Humalog

How should this medicine be used?

Insulin lispro comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal. Your doctor will tell you how many times you should inject insulin lispro each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin lispro exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Never use insulin lispro when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or if you have checked your blood sugar and found it to be low. Call your doctor in these cases.

Insulin lispro controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin lispro even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin lispro without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor.

Insulin lispro comes in vials, cartridges that contain medication and are to be placed in dosing pens, and dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin lispro comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens you will need to inject your medication.

If your insulin lispro comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Be sure to use syringes that are marked U-100. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.

If your insulin lispro comes in cartridges, you will need to purchase an insulin pen separately. Check the manufacturer's information for the patient to see what type of pen is right for the cartridge size you are using. Carefully read the instructions that come with your pen, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of pen you should use.

If your insulin lispro comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully, and always prime the pen before use. Never remove the cartridge from the pen or attempt to add any other type of insulin to the cartridge.

Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, cartridges, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture resistant container.

Your doctor may tell you to mix your insulin lispro with another type of insulin in the same syringe. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to do this. Always draw insulin lispro into the syringe first, always use the same brand of syringe, and always inject the insulin immediately after mixing.

You can inject your insulin lispro in your thighs, stomach, or upper arms. Each time you inject insulin lispro you should choose a spot that is at least 1/2 inch away from the spot where you gave your last injection.

Always look at your insulin lispro before you inject it. It should be as clear, colorless, and fluid as water. Do not use your insulin lispro if it is colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.

If your insulin lispro comes in vials, follow these steps to prepare your dose:

• Wash your hands.
• If you are using a new bottle, flip off the plastic cap, but do not remove the stopper.
• Wipe the top of the bottle with an alcohol swab.
• Pull back the plunger of the syringe until the top of the plunger is even with the dose your doctor told you to inject.
• Push the needle through the rubber stopper on the bottle.
• Push down on the plunger to inject the air into the bottle.
• Turn the bottle upside down without removing the syringe.
• Be sure the tip of the needle is under the liquid in the bottle. Slowly pull back on the plunger until the top of the plunger is even with the dose your doctor told you to inject.
• While the needle is still in the bottle, check whether there are air bubbles in the syringe. If there are bubbles, hold the syringe upright and tap on it to push the bubbles to the top. Push the plunger up to move the bubbles out of the syringe, and then pull the plunger back down to the correct dose.
• Remove the needle from the bottle and lay the syringe down so that the needle is not touching anything.

To inject a prepared dose of insulin lispro using a syringe or pen, follow these steps:

• Use an alcohol pad to wipe the area where you plan to inject your medication.
• Pinch up a large area of skin, or spread the skin flat with your hands.
• Insert the needle into your skin. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to do this.
• If you are using a syringe, push the plunger all the way down. If you are using a pen, follow the manufacturer's instructions for dispensing a dose.
• Pull the needle out and press down on the spot for several seconds, but do not rub it.

Last Revised: 01/01/2004

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