Insulin Lispro

Information about Insulin Lispro

Insulin lispro uses

Insulin Lispro is used in the treatment of diabetes. It is recommended to patients with diabetes mellitus who require insulin to maintain normal sugar levels. It also helps in the initial stabilization of diabetes mellitus.

How insulin lispro works

Insulin Lispro is fast-acting insulin which starts working within 10-20 minutes after injecting. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of glucose in muscle and fat cells and also blocks the release of glucose from the liver.

Common side effects of insulin lispro

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Lipodystrophy (skin thickening or pits at the injection site), Weight gain, Infusion site reaction, Headache, Pain, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Auto-antibody formation, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Hypersensitivity, Decreased potassium level in blood, Edema (swelling)

Available Medicine for Insulin Lispro

Humalog
₹990 to ₹5145
Cipla Ltd
6 variant(s)
Eglucent
₹990 to ₹4950
Lupin Ltd
4 variant(s)
Lyumjev
₹4724 to ₹5936
Cipla Ltd
2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Insulin Lispro

Take it 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Monitor your blood sugar level regularly.
Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremors, weakness, and anxiety.
Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
Do not use it if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless or if it contains particles.

Frequently asked questions for Insulin Lispro

Insulin Lispro

Q. Is Insulin Lispro safe in pregnancy?

Yes, Insulin Lispro is considered safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while using Insulin Lispro. Your dosage may need to be adjusted by your doctor and you may also require more frequent blood glucose monitoring.

Q. What are the common side effects that may be caused by Insulin Lispro?

The most common side effect of Insulin Lispro is hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. Hence, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose/glucon-D or fruit juice with you.

Q. Where do I inject Insulin Lispro?

Insulin Lispro is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will show you the area of your skin where you should inject it. Try not to inject on the same spot every time. Rotate between the typical injection sites, such as abdomen, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms. Never inject Insulin Lispro into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, making sure to move around within that area with each injection. Then move to another area of your body and repeat the process. Use the same area for at least a week to avoid extreme blood sugar variations.

Q. How do I inject the dose of my insulin?

Wash your hands before injecting. Choose a site for injection and clean the skin as instructed. Remove the pen cap and wipe the same site is not used more than once in a month. Remove the paper tab from the pen needle and then screw the needle tightly on top of the pen. Select the prescribed dose and then place the pen at around 90 degrees at the chosen injection site and press the dose button. Hold the pen in the same position for around 10 seconds to make sure the entire insulin is injected into the skin. Remove the needle, unscrew it and discard it. Place the cap on the pen and store it.

Q. Is it necessary to prime my pen before using it?

Yes, you need to prime your pen before injecting. Priming means removing the air from the needle and insulin. Dial 2 units and keep the pen vertical, facing towards the ceiling. Now, press the dose button till a drop appears on the tip of the needle. If you are using the pen for the first time, you might have to repeat the process till a drop is visible.

Q. Does Insulin Lispro need to be refrigerated?

Unopened cartridges and unused pre-filled pens of Insulin Lispro must be stored in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and do not use Insulin Lispro if it has been frozen. When the cartridge has been inserted into the injection pen, it should not be refrigerated and should be kept at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C) and must be used within 28 days or be discarded, even if they still contain Insulin Lispro.

Q. Can Insulin Lispro be mixed with other insulin preparations?

No, Insulin Lispro solution must not be mixed with any other insulin preparation. Also, do not mix insulin in vials with insulin in cartridges.

Q. Can Insulin Lispro cause hypoglycemia? How to prevent it?

Yes, hypoglycemia is the most common side effect of Insulin Lispro is hypoglycemia. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, don’t skip meals and be consistent in the timing and amount of your meals. Take some snacks as per your requirement if you over exercise. Always carry some glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Take all your medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.

Q. For how long do I need to take Insulin Lispro?

If you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Insulin Lispro for the rest of your life. This is because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin and therefore you would need Insulin Lispro as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, in some cases your doctor may ask you to stop Insulin Lispro if you are able to manage your diabetes with proper exercise, diet and oral medicines.