Questions About Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50
What can affect my insulin needs?
Will Humalog insulin alone control my diabetes?
What are my choices for taking Humalog insulin?
What should my Humalog insulin look like?
What should my Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50 insulin look like?
How should I store my Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 insulin?
Where do I give myself an injection?
What are the possible side effects of Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50?
How often will I need to check my blood sugar?
What can affect my insulin needs?
Your insulin needs may change because of:
- illness
- stress
- other medicines you are taking
- changes in eating
- physical activity changes
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions to make changes in your insulin dose.
Will Humalog insulin alone control my diabetes?
If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to take a longer-acting insulin in addition to Humalog (except when using an external insulin pump). If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be taking diabetes pills and/or a longer-acting insulin in addition to Humalog.
What are my choices for taking Humalog insulin?
There's more than one way to take Humalog insulin. The choices currently available are:
- Vial and syringe
- Prefilled pen
- Reusable pen
- Insulin pump
To decide which insulin delivery device is right for you, ask your healthcare team about these options and to discuss the pros and cons with you.
What should my Humalog insulin look like?
Look at your Humalog before using. Humalog should be clear, have no color, and look like water. If your Humalog is cloudy, thickened, even slightly colored, or has solid particles or clumps in it, do not use. Return it to your pharmacy for new Humalog.
What should my Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50 insulin look like?
Look at your Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50 before each injection (and after mixing). If it is not evenly mixed or has solid particles or clumps in it, do not use. Return it to your pharmacy for new Humalog Mix75/25 or Humalog Mix50/50.
How should I store my Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50 insulin?
When Humalog insulin is not handled and stored correctly, it may not work the way it should. Be sure to read the directions that are packaged with your insulin vials, cartridges, or pens. To keep insulin in good condition, you must do the following:
- Keep your extra supply of insulin in the refrigerator
- Never let your insulin freeze
- If you use a vial, keep the vial you are currently using in the refrigerator whenever possible
- Your unused prefilled pens and insulin cartridges should be stored in the refrigerator
- The insulin pen you are currently using should NOT be stored in the refrigerator
- Keep unrefrigerated insulin as cool as possible (below 86°F) and away from heat and light
Where do I give myself an injection?
You can give an injection anywhere there is a layer of fat under the skin. These areas include the stomach, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. Never inject into a muscle or vein.
What are the possible side effects of Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50?
The most common side effects experienced are:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood sugar symptoms can happen suddenly. Symptoms of low blood sugar may be different for each person and may change from time to time. Severe low blood sugar can cause seizures and death. Low blood sugar may affect your ability to drive a car or use mechanical equipment, risking injury to yourself or others. Know your symptoms of low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can be treated by drinking juice or regular soda or eating glucose tablets, sugar, or hard candy. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider if low blood sugar is a problem for you.
For information on the causes and symptoms of hypoglycemia, as well as guidance on treating hypoglycemia, see low blood sugar.
Serious allergic reactions
Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions can happen with insulin. Get medical help right away if you develop a rash over your whole body, have trouble breathing, or suffer wheezing, a fast heartbeat, or sweating.
Reactions at the injection site
You may get redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. If you keep having injection site reactions or they are serious, you need to call your healthcare provider. Do not inject insulin into a skin area that is red, swollen, or itchy.
Skin thickens or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy)
This can happen if you don't change (rotate) your injection sites enough.
These are not all the side effects from Humalog, Humalog Mix75/25, and Humalog Mix50/50. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
How often will I need to check my blood sugar?
Check your blood sugar levels as told by your healthcare provider. To learn more about checking your blood sugar, visit the Blood Sugar Targets page.
