What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an episode of
hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before using insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine, tell your doctor if you have liver or
kidney disease.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including any oral (by mouth) diabetes
medications.
Insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine is only part of a complete program of treatment that
may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood
sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors
can affect your blood sugar levels.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine passes into breast milk or
if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your
doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly
dispose of used needles and syringes.
Use this medication within 15 minutes before eating a meal.
Insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine should be thin, clear, and colorless. Do not use the
medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not
inject into the same place two times in a row.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container
out of the reach of children and pets.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or
cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more
than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may
also change.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness,
dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin
doses if needed.
Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine dose if
needed.
Do not change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of
emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that
you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials or injection pens:
Keep in the carton and store
in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the expiration date on the
medicine label.
Unopened vials may also be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 28 days.
Unopened injection pens may also be stored at room temperature for up to
10 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not used within 10 days.
Storing after your first use:
You may keep "in-use" vials in the
refrigerator, protected from light. Use within 28 days.
Do not refrigerate an in-use injection pen.
Keep it at room
temperature and use within 10 days.
Do not freeze insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine
, and throw away
the medication if it has become frozen.