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 - INJECTION

(IN-sue-lin LISS-pro)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Humalog

Uses

Insulin lispro is a synthetic product almost identical to human insulin and is used to treat diabetes mellitus. It starts working faster and lasts for a shorter period of time than regular insulin. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, circulation problems, and blindness.

How To Use

Insulin must be injected. Learn the proper way to inject insulin. Check the dose carefully. Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site daily to prevent skin bulges or pockets. Do not inject cold insulin. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature. The length of time you can store it at room temp. depends on the product. Consult your pharmacist. Insulin lispro is frequently injected 10 to 15 minutes before a meal. It may also be injected immediately after a meal. Ask your pharmacist or nurse for details of injecting insulin as it varies depending on your insulin treatment plan. 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. Follow all of your doctor's directions carefully.

Side Effects

Insulin may cause minor and usually temporary side effects such as rash, irritation or redness at the injection site. Too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The symptoms include cold sweat, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting. If you experience these symptoms, eat a quick source of sugar such as glucose (glutose, etc.) table sugar, orange juice, honey, or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule. Too little insulin can cause symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which include confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, fruity breath odor or increased urination. If these symptoms occur contact your doctor. Your insulin dose needs adjustment. Inform your doctor if you experience: skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, wheezing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps/aches, fainting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: thyroid problems, liver problems, kidney problems, infections, allergies (especially allergies to beef, pork, or human insulin). Dosage adjustments may be required when you become ill, are under stress, or when quitting smoking. Consult your doctor if you catch a cold or the flu, become nauseated or if your blood glucose levels are high. Fat deposits can occur if injection site is not rotated. Check your sugar readings before and after exercise. You may need a snack beforehand. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to breast-feed.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, especially of: beta-blockers (propranolol, timolol), dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), salicylates (aspirin- like compounds), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), birth control pills, sulfa antibiotics, water pills, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), octreotide, isoniazid, niacin, estrogens, cold and allergy drugs, 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. 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 headache, sweating, shakiness, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, tiredness, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

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, use of 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 may be stored under refrigeration 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 heat or sunlight. 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).