Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. It is given as a shot under your skin of your stomach, buttocks, thigh, or upper arm.

Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

Each package of insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro combination injection contains a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully before beginning your treatment and each time you get a refill for any new information. Make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the medicine.
  • How to inject the medicine.
  • How to use disposable insulin delivery device.
  • How to dispose of syringes, needles, and injection devices.

If you use this medicine at home, you will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections.

Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, bruised, scaly, hard, damaged, thick, or has pits, lumps, or scars.

This medicine should be white and cloudy after mixing. Do not use if it is clear, or has lumps or particles in it.

When used as a mealtime insulin, this insulin combination should be taken within 15 minutes before a meal (2 meals or a meal and a snack).

To use the vial:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Gently roll the vial between the palm of your hands and move the vial up and down at least 10 times.
  • Use only syringes that are made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.
  • Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin.

To use the Kwik® Pen:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Gently roll the pen between your hands at least 10 times. Move the pen up and down at least 10 times.
  • Prime the pen by removing the air from the needle and cartridge. Select 2 units when turning the dose knob.
  • Hold the pen with the needle pointing up, then gently tap the cartridge holder to collect the air bubbles at the top.
  • Press the dose knob until it stops. You should see a "0" in the dose window.
  • You should see insulin at the needle tip. If you do not see insulin, repeat the priming steps but not more than 4 times. If there is still no insulin, change the needle and repeat the priming steps.
  • Turn the dose knob, be careful not to press it.
  • Insert the needle into your skin and press the dose knob all the way in for at least 5 seconds. Keep pressing until the needle has been pulled out from the skin. This will make sure that you have received the full dose.
  • Use a new needle each time you give yourself an injection. Always remove and throw the needle after each injection. Store the pen without a needle attached. Do not use the pen if it is broken or damaged.

Follow carefully the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your condition, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Also, exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

You should never mix insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro combination with other insulin injections without checking with your doctor first. These injections are usually done separately. Also, this medicine should not be used in an insulin infusion pump. If you have questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form (suspension):
    • For diabetes mellitus:
      • Adults—The dose is based on your blood sugar and must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Store unopened vials or pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use the insulin if it has been frozen. You may also store the pen for 10 days or vial for 28 days at room temperature. Throw the medicine away after the expiration date has passed.

Store opened pens at room temperature for up to 10 days. Do not refrigerate. Store opened vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Do not freeze.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.