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Medication guide

Insulin lispro: uses, appearance and warnings

What the official FDA label says Insulin lispro is used for, what it looks like, and its most important warnings — in plain English, with the label text one click away.
Insulin AnalogPrescription label

Uses

What the official label says Insulin lispro is used for

The FDA label for Insulin lispro states:

HUMALOG Mix50/50 is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. HUMALOG ® Mix50/50™ is a mixture of insulin lispro protamine, an intermediate-acting human insulin analog, and insulin lispro, a rapid-acting human insulin analog, indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: The proportions of rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins are fixed and do not allow for basal versus prandial dose adjustments. …
Read the label's “Indications and usage” section (verbatim)
HUMALOG Mix50/50 is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. HUMALOG ® Mix50/50™ is a mixture of insulin lispro protamine, an intermediate-acting human insulin analog, and insulin lispro, a rapid-acting human insulin analog, indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: The proportions of rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins are fixed and do not allow for basal versus prandial dose adjustments. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use The proportions of rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins in HUMALOG Mix50/50 are fixed and do not allow for basal versus prandial dose adjustments.

Names & forms

Brand names, forms and strengths

Brand names (from RxNorm; not every brand is still sold): Admelog, Humalog, Lyumjev.

Generic name: insulin lispro · RxNorm ID (RxCUI): 86009

Forms and strengths of Insulin lispro listed in RxNorm
FormStrengths listed in RxNorm
Cartridge100 UNT/ML
Injectable Solution100 UNT/ML
Pen Injector0.5 UNT Doses 3 ML insulin lispro 100 UNT/ML, 0.5 UNT Doses 3 ML insulin lispro-aabc 100 UNT/ML, 100 UNT/ML, 200 UNT/ML

Strengths are listed so you can recognise a product — not as dosing information. Only your prescriber can decide what is right for you.

Read the label's “Dosage forms and strengths” section (verbatim)
Injectable suspension: 100 units/mL (U-100) of HUMALOG Mix50/50, 50% insulin lispro protamine and 50% insulin lispro, is a white and cloudy suspension available as: 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen prefilled pen Injectable suspension: 100 units/mL (U-100) of HUMALOG Mix50/50, 50% insulin lispro protamine and 50% insulin lispro available as: ( 3 ) 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen ® prefilled pen

Appearance

What Insulin lispro looks like

The DailyMed product data we retrieved does not include colour or shape details for Insulin lispro (common for subcutaneous products). Appearance varies by manufacturer — your pharmacist can confirm what yours should look like.

Read the label's “How supplied” section (verbatim)
16.1 How Supplied HUMALOG Mix50/50 (insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro) injectable suspension, is a white and cloudy suspension of 100 units/mL (U-100) of 50% insulin lispro protamine and 50% insulin lispro available as: Five 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen prefilled pens NDC 0002-8798-59 HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed.. Always use a new disposable needle for each injection to prevent contamination. The HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen dials in 1 unit increments. 16.2 Storage and Handling Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use. Protect from direct heat and light. Do not freeze and do not use if it has been frozen. See storage table below: a When stored at room temperature, HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen can only be used for a total of 10 days including both not in-use (unopened) and in-use (opened) storage time. Not In-Use (Unopened) Refrigerated (36° to 46°F [2° to 8°C]) Not In-Use (Unopened) Room Temperature (up to 86°F [30°C]) In-Use (Opened) (see temperature below) 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen a prefilled pen Until expiration date 10 days 10 days Room temperature only (Do not refrigerate) 16.1 How Supplied HUMALOG Mix50/50 (insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro) injectable suspension, is a white and cloudy suspension of 100 units/mL (U-100) of 50% insulin lispro protamine and 50% insulin lispro available as: Five 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen prefilled pens NDC 0002-8798-59 HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed.. Always use a new disposable needle for each injection to prevent contamination. The HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen dials in 1 unit increments.

Safety

Important warnings for Insulin lispro

Never share a HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. …

Contraindications — who should not use it (verbatim)
HUMALOG Mix50/50 is contraindicated: during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to HUMALOG Mix50/50 or to any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Do not use during episodes of hypoglycemia. ( 4 ) Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to HUMALOG Mix50/50 or any of its excipients. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions (verbatim excerpt)
Never share a HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen between patients, even if the needle is changed. ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Make changes to a patient's insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia: May be life-threatening. Increase frequency of blood glucose monitoring with changes to insulin dosage, co-administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; and in patients with hypoglycemia unawareness. ( 5.3 ) Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. ( 5.4 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue HUMALOG Mix50/50, monitor and treat if indicated. ( 5.5 ) Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk of hypokalemia and treat if indicated. ( 5.6 ) Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) : Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reductions or discontinuation if heart failure occurs. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Never Share a HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPen Between Patients HUMALOG Mix50/50 KwikPens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. 5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, dosage adjustments of concomitant anti-diabetic products may be needed. 5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with all insulins, including HUMALOG Mix50/50. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may lead to unconsciousness, may be life-threatening, or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time, this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )], or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of HUMALOG Mix50/50 may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to co-administered medication [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. 5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between HUMALOG Mix50/50 and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. 5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including HUMALOG Mix50/50. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue HUMALOG Mix50/50; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. HUMALOG Mix50/50 is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to HUMALOG Mix50/50 or any of its excipients [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including HUMALOG Mix50/50, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations). …
Side effects — opening of the label's adverse reactions section
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Adverse reactions observed with HUMALOG Mix50/50 include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, weight gain, edema, pruritus, and rash. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies or Postmarketing Reports The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-marketing use of HUMALOG Mix50/50. …
Drug interactions — opening of the label's section
Table 1 describes the clinically significant drug interactions with HUMALOG Mix50/50. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with HUMALOG Mix50/50 Drugs that May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Intervention: Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when HUMALOG Mix50/50 is co-administered with these drugs. …

This is not a complete list of warnings or side effects. Read the full label and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. To report a side effect to the FDA, use MedWatch.

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Sources

Label text is quoted from the Eli Lilly and Company label (label version effective July 27, 2026), retrieved October 20, 2026. Other manufacturers' labels for the same medicine may differ in wording.

If anything here differs from the label that came with your medicine, follow your label and your pharmacist.

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