Humalog

Frequently Asked Questions About Humalog

What kind of insulin is Humalog?

Insulin lispro (Humalog) has a fast-acting mechanism. It starts lowering blood sugar levels about 15 minutes after injection, reaches a peak in about an hour, and continues for two to four hours. Blood sugar spikes during meals can be controlled with Humalog. Before or right after a meal, it should be taken within 15 minutes.

What should I do if I miss my injection of Humalog?

As Humalog is taken before meals, your dosing schedule may not be timed. Humalog is usually administrated 15 minutes after eating a meal. Please note, you should never take two doses at the same time.

Maintain a supply of insulin at all times. Make sure your prescription is refilled as soon as possible.

What should I do if I take too much Humalog?

Poison Help can be reached at 1-800-222-1222. If you feel you have an overdose, please seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line immediately. Ingesting too much insulin may lead to hypoglycemia. The most common symptoms are drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the mouth, difficulty speaking, weakness of the muscles, clumsy movement, or a loss of consciousness.

How do I use Humalog insulin?

Take Humalog insulin as directed by your prescriber. If specific instructions have been given, follow them precisely. Do not ignore or administer different doses than what your prescriber recommends to you. In general, Humalog is injected within 15 minutes before or after eating.

Is there anything I should avoid when I use Humalog?

Insulin use can sometimes result in low blood sugar levels. Take this medicine before you drive or operate machinery. Constantly check the label before injecting your insulin to avoid medication errors. Avoid alcohol consumption. You may experience low blood sugar, interfering with your diabetes treatment.

How does Humalog interact with substances?

In addition to those medicines, some medications can increase or decrease the effects of insulin. It may also be difficult to tell when you are experiencing hypoglycemia using certain drugs. Be sure your health care providers are aware of all medications you are taking and any medications you start or stop taking. The category includes over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal medications.

Are Humulin and Humalog the same thing?

Human insulin analogs, such as Humulin and Humalog, are insulins with modified structures absorbed more rapidly than non-analog insulins. For more information on the differences between, see our article on Humulin and Humalog in our resources section. 

What’s the difference between Humalog and Novolog (NovoRapid)?

Humalog and Novolog are both short-acting insulins that control blood sugar levels in a short amount of time. Humalog may be used in adults and children older than three, whereas Novolog may be used in children as young as 2.

Is it possible to mix Humalog with Lantus?

Humalog (insulin lispro) and Lantus (insulin glargine) insulins should never be mixed in the same syringe. Taking Lantus and any other injectable medication or insulin should never be combined. Combining Lantus could result in unpredictable effects and poor blood sugar control.

Admelog vs. Humalog: How do they differ?

The safety, effectiveness, and dosing of Admelog are similar to those of Humalog. In addition to Humalog, Admelog will be more affordable.

The insulin lispro injections Admelog and Humalog control blood sugar (glucose) in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Admelog, from Sanofi, was the first rapid-acting, mealtime insulin approved as a “follow-on” product that relied, in part, on the FDA’s finding that Humalog was safe and effective.