How should I use this medicine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Insulin is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Do not inject insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine into a vein.
Use this medication within 15 minutes before eating a meal.
If you use an injection pen, use only the injection pen that comes with insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine. Attach a new needle before each use. Do not transfer the insulin from the pen into a syringe.
Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject this insulin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Do not inject this medicine into skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or has a scar or hard lump.
Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices can allow infections or disease to pass from one person to another.
Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Insulin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Keep this medicine in its original container protected from heat and light. Do not draw insulin from a vial into a syringe until you are ready to give an injection. Do not freeze insulin or store it near the cooling element in a refrigerator. Throw away any insulin that has been frozen.
Storing unopened (not in use) insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine:
- Refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
- Store at room temperature and use the vial within 28 days or use the injection pen within 10 days.
Storing opened (in use) insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine:
- Store the vial in a refrigerator or at room temperature and use within 28 days.
- Store the injection pen at room temperature (do not refrigerate) and use within 10 days. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.
This medicine should look cloudy. Do not use the medicine if it looks clear or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you have diabetes.