Humalog Kwikpen

The active ingredient in Humalog Kwikpen is insulin lispro. This insulin lispro injection is a rapid-acting insulin that helps manage hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). Unlike long-acting insulins that are used once daily, fast-acting insulins are used multiple times a day to help manage blood sugar spikes post-meals. This type of insulin therapy works to lower high blood glucose levels by stimulating our muscles and our fat to take up glucose from the blood and by blocking our liver from making more. It also blocks fat and protein breakdown, leaving more fat and muscle for glucose to be absorbed from the bloodstream. If high blood sugar levels are left untreated, patients can develop several complications related to their heart, eyes, nerves, and kidneys. In Type 1 Diabetes, persistently high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that Humalog Kwikpen cannot treat.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Humalog Kwikpen. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Humalog Kwikpen:

• Humalog Kwikpen should be used exactly as prescribed. The doses of insulin you use will depend on a number of factors, including your age, blood glucose control, type of diabetes, prior insulin use, and more.
• Before using, check the insulin to ensure it is clear and colorless. Cloudy insulin pens or those that are past their expiration date should not be used and should be taken to your pharmacy to be disposed of.
• Humalog Kwikpen is a subcutaneous injection, meaning that it is injected into the fat layer right under your skin. Injection sites can include the stomach area, upper legs, buttocks, or the deltoid of the upper arm. Ensure you rotate your injection site each time to minimize the risk of injection site reactions. Use a new needle each time to prevent infection, and do not share needles with others. Dispose of used needles in a sharps container provided by your local pharmacy.
• Do not mix the insulin with any other insulin or solutions.
• Do not use in an insulin pump.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sometimes, your dose may be too high and cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar events that can affect your daily functioning
• Do not drink alcohol or use over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol while on Humalog Kwikpen. Alcohol can lower your blood glucose, and when combined with insulin, could cause hypoglycemia. Watch for symptoms of low blood sugar.
• If you miss a dose, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Some mild or common side effects of Humalog Kwikpen include:

• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. If left unaddressed, this could be life-threatening. Symptoms to watch for include dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, confusion, headache, changes in vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, increased irritability, mood swings, or increased appetite.
• Injection site reactions, such as redness, swelling, or pain at the site of injection.
• Skin thickening, lumps, or buildup of fat at the injection site (lipodystrophy).
• Weight gain.
• Swelling.
• Infections.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Humalog Kwikpen. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Signs of hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood) such as muscle weakness, cramping, spasms, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• New onset of shortness of breath, trouble breathing, swelling of the lower limbs and feet, and sudden weight gain. These may be symptoms of heart failure, which can develop if this medication is used with TZDs.
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, rash, or swelling of the face or body.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Humalog Kwikpen. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Humalog Kwikpen, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Use thiazolidinediones or TZDs
• Heart failure or any other heart problems
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Do not use Humalog Kwikpen if you have:

• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• An allergy to insulin lispro or any of the other ingredients in Humalog Kwikpen

Humalog Kwikpen is a short-acting insulin. It typically starts to work in about 10 to 15 minutes after injection, reaching peak effects in about 1 hour, which can last for a total of 2 to 4 hours.

When Humalog Kwikpen is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other diabetes medications including GLP-1 agonists, DPP4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors
• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs
• Disopyramide
• Fibrates
• Fluoxetine
• MAOIs
• Pentoxifylline
• Pramlintide
• Salicylates
• Somatostatin analogs such as octreotide
• Sulfonamides
• Atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and clozapine
• Corticosteroids
• Danazol
• Diuretics
• Estrogens
• Glucagon
• Isoniazid
• Niacin
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenothiazines
• Progestogens
• Protease inhibitors
• Somatropin
• Sympathomimetic agents such as albuterol, epinephrine, and terbutaline
• Thyroid hormones
• Beta-blockers
• Clonidine
• Lithium
• Pentamidine
• Guanethidine
• Reserpine

Humalog Kwikpen is available as a 3 mL prefilled pen that contains 100 units of insulin lispro per mL (or 300 units in total).

It is also available as a 3 mL pen containing 200 units of insulin lispro per mL (or 600 units in total).

New pens that have not been used yet should be kept in the fridge. Do not freeze. If the pen is frozen, it should be discarded. Once opened, store the pen at room temperature and protect it from heat or light for up to 28 days. Keep the pen out of reach of children.

Humalog Kwikpen is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company.

Yes, there is a generic biosimilar available for Humalog Kwikpen.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while using Humalog Kwikpen.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.