Is there a generic version of Humalog?
There is currently no therapeutically equivalent version of Humalog available in the United States. Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Humalog. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe.
Is lispro same as Humalog?
This generic, called insulin lispro, cost $137.35 per vial, and is identical to Humalog except it’s about half the price. While the move was billed as an effort to make insulin more affordable, new data reveals it may not be having much of an impact for many people with diabetes.
Can I substitute Lantus for Humalog?
The normal action time for Lantus is 24 hours. It would have been more critical if you had mistakenly taken Humalog when you should have taken Lantus (probably because your Lantus dosage is higher than your Humalog) and Humalog is a fast-acting insulin. This is definitely an instance where you should immediately call the doctor for advice.
Is there any generic version of insulin?
There are currently no generic insulin products available. "Biologic" medications, such as insulin, are regulated by different laws and rules than most other medications. These laws prevent any generic versions of these medications from being manufactured in the United States.
Is there a generic equivalent for Humalog?
Admelog and Humalog have the same active ingredient, insulin lispro, and both are short-acting insulins. Clinical studies have found that both Humalog and Admelog are also the same in terms of safety and efficacy.
What is the alternative to Humalog?
Humalog and Novolog are two diabetes medications. Humalog is the brand-name version of insulin lispro, and Novolog is the brand-name version of insulin aspart. These drugs both help manage blood glucose (sugar) in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Humalog and Novolog are both rapid-acting.
What is the name of generic Humalog?
Insulin Lispro is a prescription medication used to treat Type 1 or 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Insulin Lispro is available under the following different brand names: Admelog, Humalog, Humalog Kwikpen, Humalog Junior KwikPen, Admelog Solostar, Insulin Lispro-aabc, Lyumjev.
How much is Humalog generic?
Retail Prices of Mixed InsulinsInsulinAverage price per insulin unitHumalog 75/25 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL)$0.36Humalog 50/50 vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL)$0.39Humalog 75/25 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL)$0.47Humalog 50/50 KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL)$0.4812 more rows•Sep 20, 2022
Is Walmart insulin the same as Humalog?
Novolog has been around since 2000, following Eli Lilly's Humalog that was the first new rapid-acting analog insulin 4 years earlier. This Walmart version called “ReliOn Novolog” is the same drug as regularly-branded Novolog, just with a different name on the product.
Which is cheaper Novolog or Humalog?
Humalog Vs Novolog: Cost Humalog costs approximately $87 for a 3ml vial containing 100 units/ml of Insulin lispro ($29 per ml). Novolog costs approximately $277 for a 10ml vial containing 100 units/ml of Insulin Aspart ($27.70 per ml).
Does generic Humalog work as well?
Humalog is a brand-name medication that contains the active drug insulin lispro. The manufacturer of Humalog has also made insulin lispro available in biosimilar form. As with generic drugs, biosimilars are considered to be just as effective and safe as their parent medications.
What is the most affordable insulin?
Novolin R and Novolin N are currently the cheapest traditional insulins, with average unit prices as low as $0.03.
Is Lantus and Humalog the same insulin?
Summary. Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels. This medication is only available in a brand version. Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin that controls blood sugar around meal times for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
How much does 100 units of Humalog cost?
The cost for Humalog injectable solution (100 units/mL) is around $96 for a supply of 3 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit....Injectable Solution.QuantityPer unitPrice10 milliliters$29.88$298.761 more row
When will insulin be $35?
January 1, 2023Effective January 1, 2023, Part D insulin will be capped at $35 a month.
How much is insulin at Walmart without insurance?
$25 per vialYes, Walmart does sell insulin for (slightly less than) $25 per vial without a prescription or insurance, but it must be obtained at the pharmacy counter.
Which is better Lantus or Humalog?
Over time, as the disease progresses, patients frequently require insulin therapy. In two separate studies comparing Humalog® Mix75/25™ to Lantus, the former did a better job than the latter of helping patients with type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels and achieve better diabetes control over time.
What is the best fast-acting insulin?
Humalog is a fast-acting insulin that starts working faster and works for a shorter period of time than regular human insulin. Humalog is taken within 15 minutes before eating or right after eating a meal.
What is the difference between Humalog and Lyumjev?
Lyumjev starts lowering blood sugar faster than Humalog. Lyumjev and Humalog contain the same active ingredient, but Lyumjev has additional ingredients that make it absorb into your body quickly. In clinical studies, Lyumjev reduced blood sugar spikes better than Humalog 1 and 2 hours after meals.
What are the 3 short acting insulins?
Rapid-acting insulinFiasp and NovoRapid® (insulin aspart)Humalog® (insulin lispro)Apidra® (insulin glulisine).
What is insulin lispro?
Insulin lispro, sold under the brand name Humalog among others, is a fast acting insulin analog. It was first approved for use in the United States in 1996, making it the first insulin analog to enter the market. [2] Engineered through recombinant DNA technology, the penultimate lysine and proline residues on the C-terminal end of the B-chain are reversed. This modification does not alter receptor binding, but blocks the formation of insulin dimers and hexamers. This allows larger amounts of active monomeric insulin to be immediately available for postprandial injections. [3] Insulin lispro has one primary advantage over regular insulin for postprandial glucose control. It has a shortened delay of onset, allowing slightly more flexibility than regular insulin, which requires a longer waiting period before starting a meal after injection. Both preparations should be coupled with a longer acting insulin (e.g. NPH insulin) for good glycemic control. Medical uses Insulin lispro is an FDA approved drug used to treat people living with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. [4] Insulin lispro has non-FDA labeled uses for diabetic neuropathy prevention and cardiovascular disease prevention. [4] Side effects Common side effects include skin irritation at the site of injection, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and lipodystrophy. [4] Other serious side effects include anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions. [4] Contraindications Do not administer insulin lispro during episodes of hypoglycemia, or if the patient has a hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any of its excipients. [4] Cost In the United States as of 2015 the cost is between 10.06 and 29.36 USD per 100 units. [5] In Europe the price is far lower. The cost in the UK is between £1.66 (about $2.50) and £1.9 Continue reading >>
What is the difference between humalog and novolog?
Humalog is the brand-name version of insulin lispro, and Novolog is the brand-name version of insulin aspart. These drugs both help control blood glucose (sugar) in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Humalog and Novolog are both rapid acting.
What is humalog used for?
Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Humalog is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Humalog is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults.
How does insulin lispro work?
Insulin lispro works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body and by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy . It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
What is the generic name for insulin lispro?
Generic Name: insulin lispro (IN soo lin LISS pro) Brand Names: HumaLOG, HumaLOG Cartridge, HumaLOG KwikPen, HumaLOG KwikPen (Concentrated) What is Humalog ? Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin that starts to work about 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and keeps working for 2 to 4 hours. Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Humalog is used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Humalog is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Humalog is also used to treat type 1 diabetes in adults and children who are at least 3 years old. Important information Humalog is a fast-acting insulin that begins to work very quickly. If you use this medication with meal, use it within 15 minutes before or just after you eat. Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. You should not use Humalog if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Humalog is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels. Before taking this medicine You should not use Humalog if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Humalog should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old. Humalog should not be used to treat type 2 diabetes in a child of any age. To make sure Humalog is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: liver or kidney disease; or low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor if Continue reading >>
What is the purpose of lispro?
Insulin lispro is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems.
What is the cause of high blood sugar?
Diabetes is a disease that's characterized by high blood sugar, which doctors refer to as hyperglycemia. In type 2 diabetes, the two main contributors to high blood sugar are insulin resistance and a drop in your body's production of insulin.
Are Humalog and Humulin alike?
No, not really. Humalog and Humulin aren’t the same drug. Humulin contains human insulin, while Humalog contains insulin lispro. And different Humulin products also contain different types of insulin.
Does Humalog need to be refrigerated?
Yes, unopened Humalog needs to be refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. After getting Humalog from your pharmacy, you should place the unopened drug into your refrigerator. And make sure the temperature is between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C).
How does humalog work?
In the past, doctors would prescribe Humalog on a sliding scale to quickly lower a person’s blood sugar level depending on their blood sugar readings. With a sliding scale, small amounts of Humalog are injected as needed based on your current blood sugar level.
What is the difference between humalog and novolog?
Humalog and Novolog are both used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Novolog contains insulin aspart, while Humalog contains insulin lispro.
How long does humalog last?
Humalog can last about 4 to 5 hours in your body.
How long does it take for humalog to work?
This means that the action time starts 15 minutes after you take a Humalog injection. And the drug’s action time lasts about 2 to 4 hours, with a peak effect after 1 hour. (Peak effect is when the drug has its maximum effect in your body.)
Where to inject Humalog?
You’ll inject Humalog under the skin of your stomach, thigh, arm, or buttocks. To help prevent lipodystrophy, you’ll need to change your injection site each time you inject the drug. This means you’ll avoid injecting into the exact same spot for each injection.
What are some examples of long acting insulin?
Long-acting insulins manage blood sugar levels at night and between meals. Examples include Basaglar, Lantus, Levemir, Toujeo and Tresiba. Humalog is manufactured by Eli Lilly.
How is humalog given?
Humalog may also be given by subcutaneous infusion using an external insulin pump or given as an intravenous infusion after dilution and under medical supervision . In general, insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
How long does insulin work?
Insulin is classified according to how quickly and how long it works in the body to control blood sugar levels: 1 Fast-acting insulin: onset usually 15 to 30 minutes, with a peak at 30 minutes to 2 hours, and a duration up to 2 to 4 hours. Fast-acting insulin is used to lower blood sugar levels after meals. Examples include Humalog, Apidra, and Novolog. 2 Short-acting (regular) insulin: onset is usually 30 minutes to one hour, with a peak at 2 to 3 hours, and a duration up to 3 to 6 hours. Short-acting insulin can cover insulin needs for meals eaten within 30 minutes after injection. Examples include Humulin R and Novolin R. 3 Intermediate-acting insulin: onset is usually in 2 to 4 hours, with a peak at 4 to 12 hours, and a duration up to 12 to 18 hours. This type of insulin can cover your insulin needs between meals and during the night. Examples include Humulin N and Novolin N. 4 Long-acting insulin: onset usually in 1 to 4 hours, with little to no peak, and a duration up to 24 hours or longer. Long-acting insulins manage blood sugar levels at night and between meals. Examples include Basaglar, Lantus, Levemir, Toujeo and Tresiba.
What is humalog used for?
Humalog ( insulin lispro) is given by a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection and should generally be used in regimens with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin. Longer-acting insulins are also used to help to control blood sugar levels in-between meals and at night.
What is the onset of insulin?
The onset of an insulin is how soon the insulin starts working.
Does insulin help with blood sugar?
There are different types of insulin to help cover the mealtime and day-long needs for blood sugar control. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when and how often you should check your blood sugar levels.
How fast does humalog absorb?
Absorption and Bioavailability — Studies in healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes demonstrated that Humalog is absorbed more quickly than regular human insulin. In healthy volunteers given subcutaneous doses of Humalog ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 unit/kg, peak serum levels were seen 30 to 90 minutes after dosing. When healthy volunteers received equivalent doses of regular human insulin, peak insulin levels occurred between 50 to 120 minutes after dosing. Similar results were seen in patients with type 1 diabetes ( see Figure 2 ).
How is insulin lispro made?
Insulin lispro is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli. Insulin lispro differs from human insulin in that the amino acid proline at position B28 is replaced by lysine and the lysine in position B29 is replaced by proline. Chemically, it is Lys (B28), Pro (B29) human insulin analog and has the empirical formula C 257 H 383 N 65 O 77 S 6 and a molecular weight of 5808, both identical to that of human insulin.
What is the risk of hypoglycemia after insulin injection?
The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulin preparations, the glucose lowering effect time course of Humalog may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to co-administered medication [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6, 8.7 )].
How to administer Humalog U-200?
Administer the dose of Humalog U-100 or Humalog U-200 within fifteen minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal by injection into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks. To reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis, rotate the injection site within the same region from one injection to the next. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2) and Adverse Reactions ( 6 )].
What is humalog insulin?
Humalog is a rapid acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
Why is Humalog hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors. Accidental mix-ups between basal insulin products and other insulins, particularly rapid-acting insulins, have been reported. To avoid medication errors between Humalog and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection.
What type of antibody is used in diabetes mellitus?
In large clinical trials with patients with type 1 (n=509) and type 2 (n=262) diabetes mellitus, anti-insulin antibody (insulin lispro-specific antibodies, insulin-specific antibodies, cross-reactive antibodies) formation was evaluated in patients receiving both regular human insulin and Humalog (including patients previously treated with human insulin and naive patients). As expected, the largest increase in the antibody levels occurred in patients new to insulin therapy. The antibody levels peaked by 12 months and declined over the remaining years of the study. These antibodies do not appear to cause deterioration in glycemic control or necessitate an increase in insulin dose. There was no statistically significant relationship between the change in the total daily insulin dose and the change in percent antibody binding for any of the antibody types.
What is Humalog Mix?
Humalog Mix contains a mixture of insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine. Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin lispro is a fast-acting insulin. Insulin lispro protamine is an intermediate-acting insulin. This combination insulin starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes after injection, peaks in 2 hours, and keeps working for up to 24 hours.
How should I use this medicine?
Humalog Mix is injected under the skin. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What other drugs will affect Humalog Mix?
Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
How long does it take for lispro to work?
This combination insulin starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes after injection, peaks in 2 hours, and keeps working for up to 24 hours. Humalog Mix is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with diabetes mellitus.
How long can you store humalog?
Storing opened (in use) Humalog Mix: Store the vial in a refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 28 days. Store the injection pen at room temperature ( do not refrigerate) and use within 10 days. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached. Humalog Mix should look cloudy.
How old do you have to be to use Humalog Mix?
Humalog Mix is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
What are the side effects of Humalog?
Common Humalog Mix side effects may include: low blood sugar; itching, mild skin rash; or. thickening or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medicine. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What is humalog used for?
Humalog is a fast-acting insulin that may be used in conjunction with either an intermediate or long-acting insulin for the treatment of diabetes in adults and type 1 diabetes in children over the...
What is Januvia used for?
Januvia is a DDP-4 inhibitor that is used in addition to other medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Rarely, it may cause joint pain, skin reactions, pancreatitis, or an allergic reaction... View.
What is the half life of a drug?
The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.
Is metformin good for diabetes?
Metformin improves how the body responds to insulin and it is effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Taste disturbances, diarrhea, and other stomach-related side effects are common side... Januvia is a DDP-4 inhibitor that is used in addition to other medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
How much is Insulin Lispro?
Called Insulin Lispro, the generic version will be identical to rapid-acting Humalog, mirroring both its structure and function. The list price of one vial will be $137.35 and the price of a box of five pens will be $265.20. According to Lilly’s announcement, these products have already been manufactured and they plan to make them available in pharmacies around the United States quickly. Insulin Lispro will be sold under ImClone Systems, a Lilly subsidiary.
Can you take Humalog without a prescription?
Insulin Lispro will be available to patients who take Humalog without an additional prescription from a doctor. Patients will be able to speak directly with a pharmacist to determine whether Humalog or Insulin Lispro is a more cost effective option for them.
What is the new rule for pharmacy discounts?
In January, a new rule was proposed by Health and Human Services designed to encourage manufacturers to pass discounts directly to patients at the pharmacy by setting up a fixed-fee system between manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers.
Is Lilly insulin a generic?
In 2016, advocacy around the price of EpiPen spurred Mylan to begin selling an authorized generic. And while several generic and biosimilar insulins do exist, insulin currently lacks a generic market that offers substantial ly lower list prices . When Sanofi’s Admelog reached market in 2018, it cost $233 per vial and $450 per box (list price), offering only a 15% price discount from Humalog. Basaglar’s launch saw similar price savings. The 50% discounted list price for Insulin Lispro represents the first substantial reduction in list price.
Does Lilly Diabetes cover insulin?
Lilly Diabetes confirmed today that their team is working with insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and drug wholesalers to get Insulin Lispro added to formularies and covered by insurance along side Humalog.
Who said there are clearly patients who, despite many best efforts, are struggling to afford their insulin?
David Ricks said in an interview with the New York Times, “there are clearly patients who, despite many best efforts, are struggling to afford their insulin…This is a step we can take to close part of that remaining gap.”
Can you get half price if you have diabetes?
People without insurance who are paying 100% out of pocket for their supplies are likely to benefit the most from the half-price option. People with diabetes on high-deductible health insurance plans will also now have an option that reduces monthly out-of-pocket expenses before they’ve met their deductible. Those with comprehensive drug coverage as part of insurance may not experience a change.
What strengths does Humalog come in?
Humalog comes in two strengths: U-100, which contains 100 units of insulin per mL, and U-200, which contains 200 units of insulin per mL. The U-200 strength is used only for subcutaneous injections.
Is Humalog used long term?
Yes, Humalog and Humalog Mix are typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that either is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
How do I know how much Humalog or Humalog Mix I should use?
It’s based on many factors, such as your daily insulin needs and your diet. Your doctor will help you make a diabetes treatment plan and figure out the right Humalog or Huma log Mix dose for you.
Can I use Humalog at bedtime?
It’s unlikely that you’ll use your Humalog medication at bedtime. But if you’re having a meal immediately before bed, you may need to use it. This depends on the instructions your doctor gave you.
What size is a Humalog Mix50/50?
They come in a 3-mL size with U-100 of insulin. The cartridges are made for reusable insulin pens. Humalog Mix50/50 and Mix75/25 are available in two forms: Multidose vial. Vials come in 10-mL sizes with U-100 of insulin. The vial can be used for insulin injections.
What is humalog used for?
Humalog prescription medications are used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. These drugs come in two types: Humalog and Humalog Mix. The main ingredient in Humalog is insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin analog.
How many units of insulin can a Humalog Kwikpen give?
Humalog KwikPen. These are disposable, prefilled injection pens. They come in a 3-mL size with either U-100 or U-200 of insulin. The KwikPen can give up to 60 units of insulin per injection.
Is Humalog or Novolog better?
Both Humalog and Novolog are effective rapid forms of insulin. They’re administered in the same way and share many of the same side effects, including hypoglycemia — low blood sugar.
Can I use Humalog or Novolog with alcohol?
You should not use Humalog or Novolog with alcohol. Both of these forms of insulin can interact with alcohol.
Can Novolog and Humalog be used interchangeably?
No, Novolog and Humalog cannot be used interchangeably. They have different dosages, timing, and people who can take them.
How long does it take for insulin to work?
Humalog and Novolog are in the rapid-acting class of insulin. The American Diabetes Association estimates that both medications start working after 15 minutes.
What is the difference between humalog and novolog?
Humalog is the brand-name version of insulin lispro, and Novolog is the brand-name version of insulin aspart. These drugs both help manage blood glucose (sugar) in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Humalog and Novolog are both rapid acting.
What drugs interact with Humalog?
Both Humalog and Novolog interact with the following drugs: high blood pressure drugs, including beta-blockers. androgens (male hormones) alcohol. Make sure you tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbs you take. This information can help them prevent drug interactions.
Which insulins work faster, humalog or novolog?
Humalog and Novolog are both rapid acting. That means they work more quickly than other types of insulin.
Overview
- What is Humalog (insulin lispro)?
If you have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe Humalog.
Humalog basics
- Humalog comes in two forms: Humalog and Humalog Mix.
Humalog is a solution that can be given: - as an injection under your skin
through an insulin pump, which injects the drug under your skin over a period of time
Taking Humalog
- Humalog comes in two forms: Humalog and Humalog Mix.
Humalog comes as a solution. Your doctor may prescribe Humalog as: - An injection under your skin, using one of the following forms:
a vial and insulin syringes
Dosage
- The best time to administer Humalog is either 15 minutes before you eat or right away after you’…
How much Humalog you’ll take varies depending on: - any other medical needs you have
If you’re in a hospital and you need insulin, your doctor may use a dosage scale for Humalog. A dosage scale involves taking small doses of Humalog or another rapid-acting insulin as needed depending on your current blood sugar level. Your healthcare professionals will manage your ins…
Humalog sliding scale
- In the past, doctors would prescribe Humalog on a sliding scale to quickly lower a person’s bloo…
Using a sliding scale requires you to test your blood sugar at home and calculate your insulin dose based on the scale. But this dosage scale is no longer recommended.
Taking Humalog with other drugs
- You may need to take other medications together with Humalog to manage your blood sugar lev…
If you’re taking insulin such as Humalog, your doctor may decrease the dosage of, or have you stop taking, other diabetes drugs that increase your insulin level. Doing so helps prevent your blood sugar levels from dropping too low. - Examples of other diabetes medications that may be used with Humalog include:
insulin products other than Humalog
Questions about taking Humalog
- Below, we answer common questions related to taking Humalog.
What if I miss a dose of Humalog? If you miss a dose of Humalog, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s been longer than 1 hour since you’ve eaten, just skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose with your following meal like usual. Your body will start to lower your … - Will I need to use Humalog long term? Diabetes, which Humalog is used to manage, is a long-ter…
Should I take Humalog with food? You’ll take Humalog either 15 minutes before eating or right away after eating. If you don’t eat, taking Humalog may lower your blood sugar levels to dangerously low levels.
Mild side effects
- Here’s a short list of some of the mild side effects that Humalog can cause. To learn about othe…
Mild side effects of Humalog that have been reported, and are discussed below in “Side effect focus” include: - Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if the…
* Humalog comes in different forms and strengths. For more information, see the “How is Humalog taken?” section above.
Serious side effects
- Serious side effects from Humalog can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side …
Serious side effects of Humalog that have been reported include: - edema ( swelling) in your hands and legs
local amyloidosis, which is a buildup of amyloids (a type of protein) under your skin where you inject the drug
Side effect focus
- Learn more about some of the side effects Humalog may cause.
You can gain weight while you’re taking Humalog, or any other insulin product. - Experts say that this happens because with treatment of high blood sugar levels, you’re no longe…
Also, insulin helps your body’s cells absorb sugar from your bloodstream. But when your cells absorb too much sugar, your body makes fat. And this may lead to weight gain.
What’s the difference between Humalog and Admelog?
- Like Humalog, Admelog is a rapid-acting insulin that’s used to manage blood sugar levels in peo…
Like Humalog, Admelog is taken by injection under your skin or injection into your vein. Additionally, both of these medications can be taken as an injection through an insulin pump. (Insulin pumps continuously deliver insulin into your body.) - Admelog is used in adults and some children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, just like Humalog is…
Admelog is a follow-on version of Humalog. This means that it was developed by a different drug company as their version of Humalog.
How fast does Humalog work?
- Humalog comes in two forms: Humalog and Humalog Mix.
The onset of Humalog’s action is 15 minutes after it’s injected. This means that the action time starts 15 minutes after you take a Humalog injection. And the drug’s action time lasts about 2 to 4 hours, with a peak effect after 1 hour. (Peak effect is when the drug has its maximum effect in y… - Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin, but it loses its effect quickly. This is unlike long-acting insulin, …
Humalog Mix contains a mixture of rapid-acting insulin and longer-acting insulin. Like Humalog, Humalog Mix starts working 15 minutes after it’s injected. But its effects can last up to 22 hours.
How long does Humalog last in your body?
- Humalog comes in two forms: Humalog and Humalog Mix. Each form can last a different amou…
Humalog can last about 4 to 5 hours in your body, while Humalog Mix can last about 22 hours. - Humalog’s half-life is 1 hour. This means that half of a dose of Humalog will be eliminated by yo…
The half-life of Humalog Mix isn’t known for sure.
Does Humalog need to be refrigerated?
- Yes, unopened Humalog and Humalog Mix need to be refrigerated until you’re ready to use them…
Once you open Humalog or Humalog Mix, you can store it at room temperature, but below 86°F (30°C). You’ll have to use Humalog vials, cartridges, and prefilled pens within 28 days. And you’ll have to use Humalog Mix vials within 28 days, or the prefilled pens within 10 days. - Any unused Humalog Mix vials or Humalog vials, cartridges, and prefilled pens should be discar…
What should be considered before taking Humalog?
Interactions
- Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the dru…
Before taking Humalog, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take (including prescription and over-the-counter types). Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with … - Interactions with drugs or supplements
Humalog can interact with several types of drugs, such as:
Warnings
- Humalog may not be suitable for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors tha…
Hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be life threatening. Your doctor may suggest increasing how often you check your blood sugar levels when you first start Humalog or whenever your dosage is changed. During these times, you have a higher risk for hypoglycemia with Huma… - Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Humalog or any of its ingredients, you shou…
Low blood potassium levels. If you have low potassium levels in your blood, taking Humalog may be dangerous. If you develop low potassium levels during treatment with Humalog, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the drug. Your doctor may also have you take supplements to raise y…
Use with alcohol
- Alcohol can affect Humalog’s effect in lowering your blood sugar level.
Specifically, alcohol can cause insulin, such as Humalog, to act stronger than usual. And this can increase your risk for low blood sugar and other side effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Doctors don’t have enough information on whether Humalog is harmful if used by pregnant peo…
Studies show that Humalog doesn’t increase the risk of major problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects ), pregnancy loss, or other problems during pregnancy. And there’s more risk for a pregnant person and their fetus if diabetes isn’t well-managed during preg… - Currently, doctors aren’t sure whether Humalog:
passes into human breast milk, or
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia
- Overdose of Humalog can cause severe hypoglycemia, which may lead to these symptoms:
seizures or convulsions (jerky movements)
What to do in case you take too much Humalog
- If you have a glucagon injection available, ask someone to inject it for you, if you’re unable to do …
Also, call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Humalog. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the near… - Note: If you haven’t already, be sure to talk with your doctor about when and how to use glucagon.
What to ask your doctor
Q
- What is the difference between Humalog KwikPen and Humalog Tempo Pen?
A
- Humalog KwikPens and Humalog Tempo Pens are very similar.
These pens work in the same way. But Tempo Pens can connect with a smartphone app to record your insulin doses. Humalog KwikPens don’t have this feature. - Both KwikPens and Tempo Pens hold 3 milliliters (mL) of insulin. But Tempo pens come in a str…
If you’d like to know more about the differences and similarities of these pens, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which device would be a better option for your needs.