Humalog is FDA-approved to treat type 1 and type 2 debates. Humalog is typically used with intermediate-acting insulins or long-acting insulins. Fast-acting insulins can help cover insulin needs for meals eaten within 30 minutes of injection. Longer-acting insulins help maintain healthy levels of blood sugar (glucose) throughout the rest of the day and at night.
Humalog (insulin lispro) prescription available online
If you are suffering from diabetes, Humalog can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Humalog from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of diabetes. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
About Humalog (insulin lispro)
Humalog is a fast-acting insulin dose that starts working about 15 minutes after injection. It helps control high blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Humalog moves sugar from the blood into other tissues where it's used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing blood sugar and slows the liver's production of glucose.
Humalog is available only by prescription. It's available in two different forms: Humalog and Humalog Mix (combination protamine and insulin lispro). It's available in a generic formulation under the name insulin lispro.
Humalog is prescribed as an insulin dose subcutaneous (SQ) injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed insulin lispro injection (Humalog), be sure to take it as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t adhere to your prescription, Humalog may not adequately treat your high blood sugar levels.
Humalog uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for insulin lispro injection (Humalog), but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe Humalog for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, talk with your doctor.
Diabetes mellitus
What are the pros and cons?
Cons
- One
- Two
Humalog side effects
The side effects associated with taking Humalog are typically mild. Individuals taking insulin lispro (Humalog) report a variety of side effects, and side effects may vary from patient to patient.
The side effects of insulin lispro injection products may include:
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Weight gain
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Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Hypokalemia (low blood potassium)
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Fat loss (lipoatrophy) at injection site
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Allergic reaction to insulin lispro products
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Local amyloidosis at the injection site
Call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects or if you develop any new or concerning symptoms. Seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911 if you have severe symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you experience insulin weight gain while taking Humalog. Humalog is FDA-approved in children over the age of 3 with type 1 diabetes.
How to take Humalog
Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin dose that works faster than human insulin. You can inject Humalog under the skin using a syringe and needle, injection pen, or insulin pump.
Your doctor may prescribe Humalog or Humalog Mix (protamine and insulin lispro) to manage blood sugar. Your doctor will show you how to properly use insulin lispro by yourself. Humalog is taken within a dose window of 15 minutes before or after a meal.
What to avoid while taking Humalog
Humalog has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
Humalog (insulin lispro) injection drug interactions may include:
Tell your doctor if you're taking oral diabetes medicines, such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. Taking certain diabetes medications while using insulin injections can increase your risk of severe heart problems.
It's safe to drink alcohol while taking insulin lispro injectable suspension. However, you should avoid alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled.
Never share your insulin pump or injection supplies with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
What to avoid
Medication alternatives to Humalog
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest other insulins, such as other rapid-acting insulin analogs. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Type 1 diabetes
Humalog prescription FAQs
How much does Humalog cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, brand-name Humalog costs around $530 for a five-pack of 3 mL Humalog U-100 KwikPens without health insurance. Generic Humalog, called insulin lispro, is more affordable without insurance. Depending on your pharmacy, a five-pack of 3 mL insulin lispro U-100 KwikPens, without insurance, may cost as little as $76 with a coupon card. Fortunately, generic and brand-name versions are well-covered by insurance so will be even more affordable.
How can I refill my Humalog prescription?
To refill your insulin lispro (Humalog) prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top-rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying review of your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Humalog?
You should avoid taking Humalog if you have:
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Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
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A history of low blood sugar reactions
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Allergic reactions to insulin products
How much Humalog can you take in a day?
The starting dose for Humalog is about four units or about 10% of your long-acting insulin dose. You should take Humalog at your largest meal of the day.
How long can Humalog be unrefrigerated?
Unopened Humalog vials should be refrigerated until you're ready to use them. Any unopened Humalog vials, cartridges, and prefilled pens should be discarded after 28 days when kept at room temperature.
How long does it take for Humalog to take effect?
A fast-acting insulin dose such as Humalog starts working about 15 minutes after injection to lower blood sugar levels.
What is the difference between insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro?
Insulin lispro protamine is an intermediate-acting insulin, while insulin lispro is a fast-acting insulin.
3 simple steps to request your Humalog prescription today
Book a Humalog prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Humalog prescription.
Pick up Humalog, if prescribed.
Humalog prescription pricing details
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Humalog prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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American Family Physician. Insulin Lispro: A Fast-Acting Insulin Analog. Accessed on September 3, 2022. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1998/0115/p279.html
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DailyMed. Humalog - insulin lispro solution. Accessed on September 3, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c8ecbd7a-0e22-4fc7-a503-faa58c1b6f3f
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Food and Drug Administration. Humalog insulin label. Accessed on September 3, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/020563s115lbl.pdf
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.