Humalog Mix75/25
Humalog Mix75/25
eMedTV.com
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Humalog Mix75/25 is a medication approved to control blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. This prescription medication starts working quickly and continues to work for several hours, as it contains both an intermediate-acting and a rapid-acting insulin. Humalog Mix75/25 is typically injected just under the skin twice a day. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and reactions at the injection site.
What Is Humalog Mix75/25?
Humalog? Mix75/25 (insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro) is a prescription insulin medication. Like all forms of insulin, it is used to treat diabetes. It contains a mixture of two different types of insulin: insulin lispro protamine (an intermediate-acting insulin) and insulin lispro (a rapid-acting insulin). Ideally, using Humalog Mix75/25 decreases the number of injections per day, as it combines two types of insulin in one injection.
(Click Humalog Mix75/25 Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Who Makes It?
Humalog Mix75/25 is made by Eli Lilly and Company.
How Does Humalog Mix75/25 Work?
Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pancreas. This hormone is important for several functions, such as controlling blood sugar. Insulin helps the cells of your body remove glucose ("sugar") from your bloodstream. This sugar fuels your body's cells, giving them the energy they need to work properly. You may need to take insulin if your pancreas has trouble making enough, which is the case for people with type 1 diabetes and for some people who have type 2 diabetes.
Humalog Mix75/25 contains two different insulins -- one that is rapid-acting (insulin lispro) and one that is intermediate-acting (insulin lispro protamine). It starts working quickly and continues to work for several hours.
When and How to Take Humalog Mix75/25
Some general considerations for those taking Humalog Mix 75/25 include the following:
* This diabetes medication comes in injectable form. It is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) immediately before meals, within 15 minutes before you start eating. Typically, it is taken twice a day.
* This insulin comes in vials or in two different pen injection devices (Humalog Mix75/25 Pens or KwikPensÙ). To use the vials, you will need insulin syringes with needles attached. To use the pen devices, you will need specific types of needles known as "pen needles." Either way, each time you inject the insulin, you will need to use a new needle.
* Humalog Mix75/25 comes as a suspension that settles between doses. You must "resuspend" the insulin before each injection. For the vials, shake or rotate them until the insulin is uniformly cloudy. For the pens, make sure to follow the instructions specific to your particular pen device.
* Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject Humalog Mix75/25. It can be injected into the skin and fat layer of the abdomen (stomach), upper arm, or thigh. Choose one of these three areas, and rotate injection sites within your chosen area.
* Never mix Humalog Mix75/25 with any other insulin in the same syringe.
* For this diabetes drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Humalog Mix75/25 will not work if you stop taking it. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as your healthcare provider recommends.
Dosing Information
The dose of Humalog Mix75/25 your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
* The carbohydrate content of your meals
* Your blood sugar levels
* Your current dose of other insulins
* Other medications you are taking
* Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Humalog Mix75/25
Just like any insulin, Humalog Mix75/25 can cause side effects. These side effects can be quite dangerous, especially if the dose is too high.
Possible side effects of Humalog Mix75/25 (as well as all other forms of insulin) include but are not limited to:
* Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
* A skin reaction at the injection site
* Thickening or pitting of the skin at the injection site
* Allergic reactions.
(Click Humalog Mix75/25 Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions
This form of insulin can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Humalog Mix75/25 Drug Interactions).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
* Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
* Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
* Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
* Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Humalog Mix75/25 and Pregnancy)
* Breastfeeding (see Humalog Mix75/25 and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Humalog Mix75/25 Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much of any type of insulin may experience symptoms such as:
* Shakiness
* A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
* Confusion
* Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
* Fainting
* Sweating
* Seizures
* Coma
* Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much Humalog Mix75/25, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Humalog Mix75/25 Overdose for more information.)
How Should Humalog Mix75/25 Be Stored?
Unopened vials and pens should be kept in the refrigerator, although they are still good for 28 days at room temperature. Opened vials are good for 28 days, either at room temperature or under refrigeration. Opened pens are good for ten days only and must be kept at room temperature (do not keep them in the refrigerator once you start using them).
Available Strengths
Humalog Mix75/25 is available in the following strengths and forms:
* Humalog Mix75/25 vials -- 10 mL, with 100 units of insulin per mL (75 percent insulin lispro protamine and 25 percent insulin lispro)
* Humalog Mix75/25 Pen -- 3 mL, with 100 units of insulin per mL (75 percent insulin lispro protamine and 25 percent insulin lispro)
* Humalog Mix75/25 KwikPen -- 3 mL, with 100 units of insulin per mL (75 percent insulin lispro protamine and 25 percent insulin lispro).
Generic Humalog Mix75/25
At this time, this medication is not available in generic form (see Generic Humalog Mix75/25).
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