insulin lispro at a glance
Medicine class
Rapid-acting insulin analogue; the premixed product also contains an intermediate-acting component.
Main role
Controls blood glucose around meals in people with diabetes who need insulin.
Administration
Usually injected under the skin; selected Lyumjev vials may be used in a compatible insulin pump.
Key safety issue
Hypoglycaemia is the most frequent adverse effect. Carry fast-acting glucose and know your warning symptoms.
What is insulin lispro used for?
Selected products are licensed to treat diabetes mellitus requiring insulin.
Lyumjev is licensed for adults, adolescents and children aged 1 year and over.
Humalog Mix25 is licensed for people who require insulin to maintain glucose control.
Rapid-acting insulin is used in type 1 diabetes and in some people with type 2 or gestational diabetes.
How does insulin lispro work?
Insulin lispro helps muscle and fat cells take up glucose and reduces glucose production by the liver. It is absorbed faster than soluble human insulin. Lyumjev contains excipients that accelerate absorption; Humalog Mix25 combines rapid insulin lispro with a longer-profile protamine component.
insulin lispro preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 units/mL, 200 units/mL
How to take insulin lispro
Use only the prescribed product and device and follow its instructions because permitted routes differ between formulations.
Check the name, formulation and label before every injection.
Inject under the skin using the technique taught by your diabetes team.
Rotate sites within the abdomen, thigh, buttock or upper arm; avoid lumpy or thickened skin.
Use a new needle for each injection and never share a pen.
Humalog Mix25 is a white suspension for subcutaneous use and must never be injected intravenously.
Lyumjev is a clear solution; only suitable vial presentations should be used in a compatible pump.
insulin lispro side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hypoglycaemia, including sweating, shaking, hunger, palpitations, dizziness, blurred vision or confusion
- Redness, pain, swelling, bruising or itching at an injection or infusion site
- Rash or itching
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hypoglycaemia causing abnormal behaviour, seizure, unconsciousness or inability to swallow
- Generalised allergy or anaphylaxis, including widespread rash, swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure or collapse
insulin lispro in pregnancy
Insulin lispro can be used during pregnancy when clinically needed. Insulin requirements can change, so contact your diabetes team or midwife when planning pregnancy or once pregnancy is confirmed.
insulin lispro while breastfeeding
Insulin lispro can be used while breastfeeding. Insulin needs may change, so glucose should be monitored and treatment reviewed.
insulin lispro interactions
Medicines and lifestyle changes can alter glucose control or conceal hypoglycaemia symptoms. Check before starting or stopping other treatments.
Other glucose-lowering medicines
May increase glucose lowering and the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Beta-blockers
May reduce warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
Corticosteroids
Can raise blood glucose and change insulin requirements.
Common questions about insulin lispro
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can insulin lispro be used in an insulin pump?
Selected Lyumjev vial presentations may be used in a compatible pump. Humalog Mix25 must not be used in a pump.
Can I switch brands or pens?
Do not switch independently. Formulation, concentration, device and action-profile differences can alter glucose control.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.