What is this medication for?
Insulin is a naturally-occurring hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use or store the blood glucose (sugar) it gets from food. For people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body's requirements, or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is made. As a result, glucose cannot be used or stored properly and accumulates in the bloodstream. Insulin injected under the skin helps to lower blood glucose levels.
Having good control of blood glucose levels is the key to reducing the risk of complications of diabetes (e.g., kidney disease, eye problems, nerve problems).
There are many different types of insulin that are absorbed at different rates and work for varying periods of time. This type of premixed insulin contains a mixture of fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulins. This type of insulin is used by people with diabetes who have their blood glucose under control and have found a particular ratio of fast-acting to intermediate-acting insulin that works best for them. This premixed insulin starts working 10 to 15 minutes after injection, has its maximum effect between 1 and 8 hours, and stops working after about 18 hours. It is used to help control blood glucose (sugar) in people with diabetes.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Humalog Mix® 50/50 is available as:
- injectable suspension
- 10 mL vials (50 units insulin lispro protamine and 50 units insulin lispro per mL)
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Your required dose of insulin depends on how much natural insulin your pancreas is producing and how well your body is able to use the insulin. Your doctor or diabetes educator will determine the appropriate dose for you according to various lifestyle factors and the blood glucose values obtained while monitoring your blood glucose.
Your dose of insulin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) exactly as instructed by your doctor or diabetes educator. The dose of insulin is measured in units (U). This premixed insulin is injected within 15 minutes before eating certain meals. There are many variations of insulin dosing. Your doctor or diabetes educator will educate you about proper injection technique.
Check to make sure you are injecting the correct insulin and dose, especially if you use other insulin with this medication.
Consult your doctor or diabetes educator for proper instructions for injecting insulin. The best places to inject insulin under the skin are on the upper arm, abdomen area (stomach), buttocks or thigh. Never inject it into a vein or muscle. Rotate these injection areas in order to prevent thickening of the skin (which can happen if certain skin areas are used more frequently than others).
While using this medication, it is important to monitor your blood glucose level regularly, as directed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
Do not dilute or mix this insulin with other insulin or solutions.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The timing of insulin with respect to your meals is crucial to keeping blood glucose under control and preventing unwanted side effects. If you miss a dose, contact your health care professional for advice.
Mix premixed insulin by slowly rolling the bottle or pen between your hands. Premixed insulin suspension should appear uniformly cloudy and white after mixing. Do not use the insulin if it looks lumpy or grainy, seems unusually thick, sticks to the bottle or vial, or appears discolored. Do not use it if it contains crystals, if the bottle or vial looks frosted, or if the suspension remains clear after being rolled between your hands. Never use insulin after its expiration date.
Keep unopened, unused insulin in the refrigerator until needed. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin vials that are currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days and then discarded. Insulin pens that are currently in use should be kept at room temperature for no more than 10 days and then discarded.
Insulin must not be exposed to extremely hot temperatures or to sunlight. Keep insulin out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to insulin or any ingredients of the medication
- have low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)