Key facts about Humalog
What is Humalog?
Humalog is the brand name for insulin lispro and is available for subcutaneous or intravenous use.
What dosages is Humalog available in?
Humalog is available as 100 units/mL (U-100) and 200 units/mL (U-200) in vials and prefilled pens.
What is Humalog used for?
Humalog is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes.
How does Humalog work?
Humalog is a fast-acting insulin, which is a natural hormone your body normally makes to lower glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It helps your body absorb sugar from your bloodstream after you eat a meal and store it for energy. Insulins also stop your liver from making glucose.
How do I take Humalog?
Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the dose that works best for you. Your dose depends on many things, such as whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels and how they change with insulin, and how you’re injecting the medication (under the skin, into the vein, using an insulin pump).
Is it safe for me to take Humalog?
Humalog is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Episodes of hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any of the excipients in the product
Humalog Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Humalog:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Pain
- Cough
- Infection
Humalog Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Humalog. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severely low blood sugar: dizziness, shakiness, feeling confused, feeling irritable or anxious, feeling faint, sweating, extreme hunger, not able to think clearly
- Ketoacidosis (high ketone levels in the blood): nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, thirsty, dry mouth, fruity breath, trouble breathing
- Severely low potassium levels: weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, abnormal heartbeat, tiredness, trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reactions: rash; hives; swelling of face, tongue, and throat; trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Humalog
The following medications may interact with Humalog:
- Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors,
- Pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog, and sulfonamide antibiotics
- Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens,
- Glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens, protease inhibitors,
- Somatropin, albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline, and thyroid hormones
- Drugs that may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and pentamidine
- • Drugs that may blunt the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia: beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine
Who makes Humalog?
Eli Lilly and Company
Is Humalog safe in pregnancy?
Published studies with insulin lispro used during pregnancy have not reported an association between insulin lispro and the induction of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other serious complications.
