Lispro (Humalog) Drug for Diabetes: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Lispro
(Humalog, United States and Canada)

Use:

Lispro or Humalog is a rapid onset insulin. It results from switching two amino acids on the human insulin chain - lysine and proline. Thus the name.

How It Works:

Lispro or Humalog replaces insulin in conditions where insulin levels are low or non existent - diabetes. Insulin is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Once injected insulin aggregates and is slowly absorbed. Lispro or Humalog aggregates less and is more rapidly absorbed.

Side Effects:

As with all insulin use, Lispro or Humalog may produce hypoglycemia - too low a blood sugar. Being aware of the signs of symptoms of hypoglycemia and realizing that this side effect occurs sooner than with other insulins - 1-3 hours after injection - will ensure that this side effect is managed.

Cautions for People:

Lispro or Humalog has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of action, thus people can inject it right before a meal. This means easier meal planning.
People who are highly insulin dependant may find that Lispro or Humalog does not provide them with enough control between meals. These people may still need intermediate or long acting insulin.

Drug Interactions:

As with all insulin, Lispro or Humalog can interact with other drugs which lower blood sugar levels to produce hypoglycemia.

Further Reading:

FDC Reports 1996;58(26):3
Clin Pharmacol Ther 1995;58:459
Diab Med 1995;12:1
Diabetes 1994;43:396
Horm Metab Res 1994;26:588
Med Letter 1996;38(986):97

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.