Insulin lispro is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Diabetes is a condition where your body is unable to produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar levels or insulin becomes ineffective (insulin resistance).
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Use Insulin lispro exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor as small changes in the amount of this medicine may affect your blood sugar level.
This medicine is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area) immediately before or after a meal. Try to administer it at the same time each day.
Insulin lispro is available as a vial, pre-filled pen, or as a solution for injection in a cartridge. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine may become ineffective if your insulin pen does not work properly.
How to use insulin vial:
- Gather all the supplies you will need for injection (e.g. vial, syringe, alcohol swab, cotton).
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Pull off the protective colour cap of the medicine (on the top of the vial) then you will see a grey rubber stopper. Wipe the top of the grey rubber stopper with alcohol swab.
- Remove the needle cover of the syringe recommended by your doctor. Draw air, equal to your required dose, into the syringe by pulling back the plunger.
- Put the vial on a flat surface then insert the needle down the grey rubber stopper.
- Push the plunger of the syringe down to inject the air and keep the needle inside the vial.
- Turn the vial upside down. Slowly pull back the plunger to fill the syringe with your dose.
- Keep the needle inside the vial. To remove air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your fingers until the air bubbles rise to the top then slowly push the plunger up. Pull the plunger back down to measure your required dose.
- Remove the prepared syringe and needle from the vial and hold it in your hand that will inject the medicine.
- Wipe the selected injection site with alcohol swab and pinch the skin using your other hand. Insert the needle in a way your doctor or nurse showed you. Push the plunger of the syringe as far as it will go to deliver your dose.
- Slowly let go of the skin and gently pull the needle out of the skin. Do not recap the needle.
- Place a cotton ball over the injection site and press for several seconds.
- Dispose your used needles and syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist's instructions. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection.
Ensure that you are using the correct type of syringe. Check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure.
How to use the insulin pre-filled pen:
- Prepare the injection pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Attach the needle to the injection pen. Ensure that the needle is screwed on securely.
- Dial the correct dose.
- Swab the injection site area with alcohol.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button.
- Press the injection pen against your body using the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection method.
- Use your thumb to push the injection button until it stops. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 5 to get a full dose.
- Withdraw the injection pen from your body.
- Remove the needle from the pen. Never store the injection pen with the needle attached.
- Reset your pen as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Throw away the used needle. Recap your pen and store it according to the instructions on the label or as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
- Use a new needle in every administration of this medicine.
If you have been given the solution for injection in a cartridge, you must use the cartridge with the provided injection pen. Follow the instructions for pre-filled pen to use it.
Remember to rotate the choice of injection site area. Do not inject into the same area all the time. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Do not dilute or mix this medicine with any other insulin formulation or solution.
Do not share your insulin injection with anyone else.
Insulin lispro can also be administered using a continuous infusion in a pump. Administration using insulin pumps requires thorough training. Do not administer this medicine using insulin pumps by yourself unless instructed properly.
If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Insulin lispro must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor. If you suddenly stop using this medicine, it may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level).
Discuss with your doctor on how you should manage your insulin injection if you miss a dose.
Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor on how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.
A missed dose may lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level). If you often forget to inject your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know. They can give you some advice to help you remember your dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not use Insulin lispro if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you are experiencing episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Insulin lispro to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not change the brand or type of insulin you are using without first consulting your doctor.
If you have an infection or illness (particularly vomiting or diarrhoea), inform your doctor as these conditions may affect your blood sugar level.
Exercise and change in diet will also change your insulin requirement. Consult your doctor if you change your diet or exercise routine or start on a new exercise program.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
If you are travelling, discuss with your doctor about how to adjust your injection schedule. Carry your insulin in your hand-carry luggage. Do not put insulin in your check-in luggage as it may freeze.
For as long as you are using Insulin lispro, you will need to have routine blood tests (e.g. blood sugar level, electrolytes level, renal and liver function tests). Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these blood tests.
If you are using this medicine, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms do not improve after the second serving.
Insulin lispro may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which may affect your ability to concentrate and react. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headache, cough, itching, swelling, and redness at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- muscle cramps or weakness, irregular heartbeats
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- birth control pills
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- medicines for asthma e.g. salbutamol, terbutaline
- medicines for thyroid problems
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. pioglitazone, pramlintide
- certain antibiotics e.g. sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole
- certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, irbesartan, metoprolol
- certain medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine, isocarboxazid
- danazol (medicine for endometriosis [abnormal growth of tissues outside the womb])
- aspirin (medicine for pain, inflammation, and blood problems)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Insulin lispro.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
If you have not yet opened it, store Insulin lispro in a refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do NOT freeze otherwise it will become less effective and should not be used.
Once opened, this medicine may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 30°C away from direct light. It will expire 28 days after opening.
Storage recommendations may vary among different products or preparations. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Do not use this medicine if it has changed colour, has a frosted appearance or if you see lumps floating in the liquid or stuck to the side of the glass. Throw away any unused portion.
Make sure you know how to store your medicine. This medicine may become ineffective if not stored properly. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep away from heat, light, and from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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