INSULIN LISPRO (IN su lin LYE sproe) treats diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It belongs to a group of medications called rapid-acting insulins. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Episodes of low blood sugar
Eye disease, vision problems
Kidney disease
Liver disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to insulin, metacresol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected under the skin or into a vein. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. If you are using Humalog or Admelog, you should inject this medication within 15 minutes before or after your meal. If you are using Lyumjev, you should inject this medication at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Have food ready before injection. Do not delay eating. You will be taught how to use this medication and how to adjust doses for activities and illness. Do not use more insulin than prescribed. Do not use more or less often than prescribed.
Always check the appearance of your insulin before using it. This medication should be clear and colorless like water. Do not use it if it is cloudy, thickened, colored, or has solid particles in it.
If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss a dose. Your care team should discuss a plan for missed doses with you. If you do miss a dose, follow their plan. Do not take double doses.
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CHAT NOWWhat may interact with this medication?
Alcohol
Antivirals for HIV or AIDS
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
Chromium
Clonidine
Diuretics
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Fenofibrate
Gemfibrozil
Guanethidine
Isoniazid
Lanreotide
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Medications for weight loss
Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
Medications for mental health conditions
Niacin
Nicotine
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Octreotide
Other medications for diabetes, such as glyburide, glipizide, or glimepiride
Pasireotide
Pentamidine
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
Reserpine
Some herbal dietary supplements
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
Testosterone or anabolic steroids
Thyroid hormones
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Lipodystrophy—hardening or scarring of tissue at injection site
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Weight gain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
Your care team will monitor your hemoglobin A1C. This is a simple blood test. It measures your average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. It will help you and your care team manage your diabetes.
Learn how to check your blood sugar levels. Know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a source of quick sugar with you for symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include glucose tablets, juice, or sugar candy. Teach your family members, friends, and others how to help you if your blood sugar is too low and you are not awake enough to treat it.
Talk to your care team if you have high blood sugar. You may need to adjust your insulin dose. Many factors can cause high blood sugar, including illness, stress, or a change in activity.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar levels.
Make sure that you have the correct syringe for the type of insulin you use. Do not change the brand or type of insulin or syringe unless your care team tells you to. Switching insulin brand or type can affect your blood sugar enough to cause serious adverse effects.
Always keep an extra supply of insulin and related supplies on hand. Only use syringes once. Get rid of syringes and needles in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Do not share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.
Do not use a syringe to take insulin out of an insulin pen. Doing this may result in the wrong dose of insulin.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Unopened Vials:
Admelog Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Humalog Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Insulin lispro Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Lyumjev Vials: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the vial must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Unopened Pens:
Admelog Solostar Pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Humalog KwikPens, Humalog Junior KwikPens and Humalog Tempo Pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Insulin Lispro KwikPens: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Lyumjev KwikPens, Lyumjev Junior KwikPens, and Lyumjev Tempo Pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the pen must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Unopened Cartridges:
Humalog Cartridges: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the cartridge must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Lyumjev Cartridges: Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F) or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the insulin has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. If stored at room temperature, the cartridge must be discarded after 28 days. Throw away any unopened and unused medication that has been stored in the refrigerator after the expiration date.
Vials that you are using:
Admelog Vials: Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Humalog Vials: Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Insulin lispro Vials: Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Lyumjev Vials: Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and heat. Throw the opened vial away after 28 days.
Pens that you are using:
Admelog Solostar Pens: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the pen away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Humalog KwikPens, Humalog Junior KwikPens, and Humalog Tempo Pens: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the pen away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Insulin Lispro KwikPens: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the pen away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Lyumjev KwikPens, Lyumjev Junior KwikPens, and Lyumjev Tempo Pens: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the pen away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Cartridges that you are using:
Humalog Cartridges: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the cartridge away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
Lyumjev Cartridges: Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep away from heat and light. Throw the cartridge away after 28 days, even if it still has insulin left in it.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
