Humalog (Insulin Lispro) – Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog (Rx)

Humalog (insulin lispro) is a rapid-acting insulin analog indicated for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is structurally modified from human insulin to allow faster absorption and onset of action, making it ideal for postprandial (mealtime) glucose control.

Insulin lispro works by facilitating cellular glucose uptake, inhibiting hepatic glucose production, and regulating carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Due to its rapid onset, it is typically administered immediately before or shortly after meals.

Key Details

• Active Ingredient: Insulin lispro
• Drug Class: Rapid-acting insulin analog
• Indications:
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Mechanism of Action: Promotes glucose uptake and reduces blood glucose levels
• Onset of Action: ~10–20 minutes
• Peak Effect: ~1–2 hours
• Duration of Action: ~3–5 hours
• Prescription Status: Prescription-only medicine

Specifications

• Dosage Forms:
  • Solution for injection (vials, cartridges, prefilled pens)
• Strength: Typically 100 units/mL (U-100); also available as 200 units/mL (U-200) in some formulations
• Administration Routes:
  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII – insulin pump)
• Timing: Within 0–15 minutes before meals or shortly after eating
• Metabolism: Proteolytic degradation (primarily liver, kidney, muscle)
• Elimination Half-Life: ~1 hour (functional duration longer due to absorption kinetics)
• Storage:
  • Unopened: Refrigerated (2°C–8°C)
  • In-use: Room temperature for a limited period (per manufacturer guidance)

Dosage & Administration

• Individualized based on blood glucose levels, diet, and activity
• Used as part of a basal-bolus insulin regimen
• Can be combined with long-acting (basal) insulin
• Frequent blood glucose monitoring required

Compatibility / Suitable Use

• Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes requiring insulin therapy
• Suitable for mealtime glucose control
• Compatible with insulin pumps (CSII)
• Used alongside long-acting insulin or oral antidiabetic agents
• Requires medical supervision and dose adjustment

Contraindications

• Hypoglycaemia
• Hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or excipients

Warnings & Precautions

• Risk of hypoglycaemia (most common adverse effect)
• Monitor blood glucose regularly
• Dose adjustments required with diet, exercise, illness, or medication changes
• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
• Use caution in renal or hepatic impairment

Adverse Effects

• Hypoglycaemia
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
• Weight gain
• Lipodystrophy with repeated injections

Drug Interactions

• Increased hypoglycaemia risk with other antidiabetic agents
• Reduced insulin requirement with ACE inhibitors, alcohol
• Increased glucose levels with corticosteroids, beta-agonists

Why Choose Humalog?

Humalog is a trusted rapid-acting insulin designed for precise mealtime glucose control. Its fast onset and flexibility make it ideal for modern insulin regimens, helping patients maintain tighter glycaemic control and reduce post-meal glucose spikes.