Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

INSULIN LISPRO PROTAMINE/INSULIN LISPRO - INJECTION

(IN-sue-lin NPL/IN-sue-lin LISS-pro)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Humalog Mix

Uses

This medication is used to control blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, blindness and circulation problems.

How To Use

Inject this medication under your skin (SC) exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not inject this medication into a vein (IV). Learn the proper way to inject insulin. Check the dose carefully. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Rotate the injection site daily to prevent skin bulges or pockets. Do not inject cold insulin. Insulin lispro is usually injected 10 to 15 minutes before a meal. Ask your pharmacist for details on injecting insulin as it varies depending on your insulin treatment plan. Follow all of your doctor's directions carefully. Do not stop using this medication or make any changes to your treatment unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor. Monitor your urine or blood sugar as prescribed. Keep track of your results. This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature, away from direct light or heat. The length of time you can store at room temperature depends on the product. Consult your pharmacist. Do not mix this insulin product with any other insulin. Consult your pharmacist for more information. This product should be checked visually before use. Use only if it appears uniformly cloudy after mixing. Do not use this product after the expiration date. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects

Mild rash, irritation, or redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: muscle cramps/aches, changes in the appearance of the skin at the injection site. Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The symptoms of low blood sugar include: cold sweat, shaking, rapid heartbeat, weakness, headache, fainting. If you experience these symptoms, eat a quick source of sugar such as glucose tablets or liquid, orange juice, honey, or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule. Too little insulin can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). The symptoms of high blood sugar include: confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor, increased urination or unusual thirst. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor promptly. Your insulin dose may need adjustment. An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems (hypo- or hyperthyroid), nerve disorders (neuropathy), current infections, allergies (especially to pork, beef or human insulin). Dosage adjustment may be required when you become ill or are under stress. Consult your doctor if you become ill, catch a cold or the flu or experience nausea or vomiting. Limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Check your sugar readings before and after exercise. You may need to eat a snack before exercising. Consult your doctor if you have changes in your usual physical activity or meal plan. You may require a change in the dose of your insulin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you use, especially of: beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol), oral anti-diabetics (e.g., glyburide, glipizide), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, linezolid, selegiline, tranylcypromine), aspirin and aspirin-like compounds (salicylates), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone), sulfa antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole), water pills (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), thyroid replacement drugs (e.g., levothyroxine), phenothiazine drugs (e.g., prochlorperazine), sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine), fenfluramine, birth control pills, estrogens, octreotide, isoniazid, niacin, cold and allergy medications, drugs that contain alcohol or sugar. Other medications can affect the action of insulin and can alter the results of urine tests for sugar or ketones. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unconsciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, headache, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, shakiness, nervousness, fast heartbeat, hunger, or sweating.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, foot, and medical exams. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed Dose

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Discuss specific instructions with your doctor now, in case you miss a dose of insulin in the future.

Storage

Insulin lispro may be stored under refrigeration between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) up to the expiration date noted on the package and must be discarded after that date. Consult your pharmacist for the storage requirements of your particular form/type of insulin, including room temperature storage options. Do not expose insulin to direct heat or light. Do not freeze.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).