Medications and Drugs

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GENERIC NAME: INSULIN LISPRO - INJECTION (IN-sue-lin LISS-pro)

BRAND NAME(S): Humalog

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

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.