| Skip navigation | ||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
||
| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
  |
| Contents of this page: | |
Insulin lispro is used to control blood sugar in people who have diabetes. Insulin lispro is in a class of medications called hormones. People who have diabetes do not produce enough natural insulin, a substance that is needed to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food and to move sugar from the blood to other parts of the body. Insulin lispro works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body. Insulin lispro starts working more quickly but continues to work for a shorter time than regular insulin. Insulin lispro is always used with other medications for diabetes. You will need to use another type of insulin or take an oral medication, depending on the type of diabetes you have.
Insulin lispro comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal. Your doctor will tell you how many times you should inject insulin lispro each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin lispro exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Never use insulin lispro when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or if you have checked your blood sugar and found it to be low. Call your doctor in these cases.
Insulin lispro controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin lispro even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin lispro without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor.
Insulin lispro comes in vials, cartridges that contain medication and are to be placed in dosing pens, and dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin lispro comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens you will need to inject your medication.
If your insulin lispro comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Be sure to use syringes that are marked U-100. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.
If your insulin lispro comes in cartridges, you will need to purchase an insulin pen separately. Check the manufacturer's information for the patient to see what type of pen is right for the cartridge size you are using. Carefully read the instructions that come with your pen, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of pen you should use.
If your insulin lispro comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully, and always prime the pen before use. Never remove the cartridge from the pen or attempt to add any other type of insulin to the cartridge.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, cartridges, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture resistant container.
Your doctor may tell you to mix your insulin lispro with another type of insulin in the same syringe. Your doctor will tell you exactly how to do this. Always draw insulin lispro into the syringe first, always use the same brand of syringe, and always inject the insulin immediately after mixing.
You can inject your insulin lispro in your thighs, stomach, or upper arms. Each time you inject insulin lispro you should choose a spot that is at least 1/2 inch away from the spot where you gave your last injection.
Always look at your insulin lispro before you inject it. It should be as clear, colorless, and fluid as water. Do not use your insulin lispro if it is colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
If your insulin lispro comes in vials, follow these steps to prepare your dose:
To inject a prepared dose of insulin lispro using a syringe or pen, follow these steps:
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using insulin lispro,
Be sure to follow all dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet, and to eat about the same amounts of the same kinds of food at about the same times each day. Skipping or delaying meals or changing the amount or kind of food you eat can cause problems with your blood sugar control.
Insulin lispro must be injected shortly before or after a meal. If you remember your dose before or shortly after your meal, inject the missed dose right away. If some time has passed since your meal, call your doctor to find out whether you should inject the missed dose. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you have any of these symptoms, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately; symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:
Insulin lispro may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if the following symptom is severe or does not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Insulin lispro may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store vials of insulin lispro in the refrigerator but do not freeze them. If necessary, you may store the vial you are using outside the refrigerator in a cool dark place for up to 28 days. If your doctor tells you to dilute your insulin lispro, the vial of diluted medication can be stored for 28 days in the refrigerator or 14 days at room temperature. Store extra insulin lispro pens and cartridges that are not in use in the refrigerator but do not freeze them. Store the pen and cartridge you are using outside the refrigerator in a cool dark place for up to 28 days. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Insulin lispro overdose can occur if you take too much insulin lispro or if you take the right amount of insulin lispro but eat or exercise less than usual. Insulin lispro overdose can cause hypoglycemia. If you have any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia listed above, eat or drink a food or beverage with sugar in it, such as hard candy or fruit juice, and call your doctor immediately. Other symptoms of overdose:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to insulin lispro. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to insulin by measuring your blood or urine sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2004
The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
| Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
| Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |