Description
Description
Each Humalog KwikPen 100 Units delivers 1–60 units in increments of 1 unit. This disposable single-patient-use prefilled insulin pen contains a total of 300 units of Humalog. Users can administer multiple doses. The dial allows you to give yourself from 1 to 60 units of insulin from a single injection. Each turn of the knob will click and deliver a single unit. You can reload this pen with Humalog 100 Unit cartridges.
Humalog is fast-acting insulin used to control blood glucose levels, specifically blood sugar spikes that may happen naturally with meals. This rapid-acting insulin works quicker than human insulin in the body as the insulin molecule has been changed slightly. It works very quickly, and its duration is shorter than soluble insulin (2 to 5 hours). Humalog easily gets confused with Humulin but they both differ from one another.
Humalog is now available through the Humalog U-100 KwikPen that is easy to use and portable. You can take it anywhere since it doesn’t have to be refrigerated after first use. Humalog KwikPen is an insulin pen that contains insulin lispro, which is used to treat diabetes. Humalog does provide their insulin through vials and other formulas, such as Mix 25.
Each dosage is displayed in a window by the movement of a dial. The dial moves slightly after using the pen, which may sometimes go unnoticed. It will reach the end of the cartridge when all 300 units have been used.
Before using Humalog KwikPen, be sure to read all information from your leaflet carefully and follow instructions as provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
Humalog KwikPens is also available in 200 units.
Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions
Do NOT use Humalog KwikPen if you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or are allergic to insulin lispro or other ingredients part of the formulation.
Before use, check the label to ensure it’s the correct pre-filled pen (Humalog KwikPen); right brand and type as prescribed and provided by your pharmacist.
Keep close watch of blood sugar levels using a blood glucose testing kit to ensure insulin therapy is working and that you are not experiencing any symptoms. Consider scheduling your meals carefully in addition to how often and how rigorous you plan on exercising.
Some have experienced hypoglycemia when switching from animal insulin to human insulin. Some warning signs may be less obvious; discuss with your doctor if you have issues determining symptoms such as hypoglycemia.
Advise your doctor or pharmacist if you have experienced or plan any of the following:
– If you have become recently ill
– Experiencing trouble with liver or kidneys
– Have increased the frequency of exercise
– If you are planning on traveling to other countries, this may change your insulin schedule due to time zone changes
– If you are experiencing heart failure or unusual shortness of breath, notify your doctor.
– Have experienced sudden weight gain or localized swelling (edema)
– The insulin you require may change if you have consumed alcohol.
This pen is not recommended to be used by the visually impaired or blind without proper training.
When using Humalog KwikPens, you should rotate injection sites to avoid skin changes, such as lumps under the skin. By injecting into lumpy areas, insulin may not work as effectively. Suppose you find yourself injecting into a lumpy area. In that case, you should advise your doctor, who may tell you to closely monitor your blood glucose levels and adjust the regimen of other medication currently being taken.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, dosage amounts may be modified, especially during the first three months. If you are currently breastfeeding, you may also need to alter your insulin intake and diet.
Due to hypoglycemia, your ability to focus may be affected. Consider this when operating any heavy machinery or driving. Speak to your doctor about whether you are safe to operate a vehicle when using this diabetes medication.
This medicine contains less than one mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say, essentially ‘sodium-free.
Getting Started With Humalog
Getting Started With Humalog
When getting started with using a Humalog KwikPen, you should note the following:
– Take it within 15 minutes before or immediately after meals
– Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a potential side effect that can lead to seizures or death. Be aware of possible symptoms such as increased heartbeat, slurred speech, confusion, sweating, dizziness or light-headedness, headache, shakiness, blurred vision, anxiety, mood changes, irritability, or hunger.
– Treat low blood sugar by carrying a sugary snack such as candy or a sugary drink with you to put you back into a safe range.
– Understand the units of measurement on the device to ensure you are taking the correct dosage with your meals as recommended by a doctor
Humalog Kwikpens are small, portable, lightweight prefilled insulin pens that can be taken with meals. It makes carrying your insulin dosage quickly and discreetly when away from home.
Usage
Usage
You should only use the medication you are provided. Do not share this pen with others as they may have adverse reactions even if they have a similar condition. This is also to limit the transmission of diseases.
Only use this medication as directed by your doctor and discuss any concerns if you are unsure how to use it.
You should typically administer the Humalog KwikPen within 15 minutes of a meal or soon after starting your meal. Your doctor should provide instructions on dosage when to take, and frequency. Be sure to follow instructions as advised.
It should only be administered subcutaneously (under the skin). If you are injecting in any other way, be sure to advise your physician or nurse.
Since Humalog is already dissolved in water, you don’t need to mix it. Inspect before use to ensure insulin is colorless, transparent, and does not contain any particles.
Before administering Humalog KwikPens:
– Wash your hands thoroughly
– Read any instructions if needed and follow instructions that come with the medication or as instructed by your doctor
– Use a clean needle (needles are not included)
– Prime KwikPen before use to ensure insulin comes out and clear any air bubbles left in pen. While tiny air bubbles are harmless, more giant air bubbles can affect your insulin dose.
Injecting Humalog
– Clean your skin before injecting Humalog
– Do not inject into a vein
– After injection, leave the needle in the skin for at least 5 seconds to ensure you have taken the entire dose
– Do not rub the injection site.
– Inject at least half an inch (1 cm) from the last injection site
– Whether you inject in the thigh, buttock, abdomen, or upper arm, your Humalog injection will work faster than soluble human insulin
– Do not administer Humalog intravenously. A doctor should only do this under extreme circumstances
– Only administer medication as advised by your physician or nurse
After injecting Humalog
After you have administered the injection, unscrew the needle from the KwikPen using the outer needle cap. This keeps the insulin from leaking, ensures it’s sterile and that it stops air from entering the pen and needle from clogging.
Using Humalog with an infusion pump
Humalog KwikPen insulin should only be used under the skin. Do not attempt to administer your insulin any other way. Take as directed and based on the type of Humalog you have been prescribed.
If you have taken more insulin than needed or are unsure about the amount you have administered, check your blood sugar levels as you may experience low blood sugar.
Carry glucose tablets, candy, or sugary drinks with you in the event you experience hypoglycemia.
If your skin gets pale or your breathing becomes shallow, advise a medical expert immediately.
Glucagon injections may be recommended to treat hypoglycemia if experienced frequently.
If you are taking less than prescribed, then you may experience high blood sugar.
Not change your insulin unless under the direction of your doctor. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about this medication.
Side Effects
Side Effects
As with any insulin medication, you may experience side effects. However, not everyone experiences them.
Symptoms may include allergic reactions, rashes all over the body, wheezing/difficulty breathing, increased heartbeat, drop in blood pressure, and sweating.
If you experience these side effects and are concerned, speak to your doctor at once.
Local allergic reactions may be experienced at injection sites that include redness, itching, and swelling. This usually clears up within a few days. Notify your doctor if you are experiencing this happen to you.
However uncommon, lipodystrophy is experienced if you are repeatedly injecting it to the same site. The skin may either thicken (lipohypertrophy) or shrink (lipoatrophy). Lumps under the skin may develop due to a protein called amyloid or cutaneous amyloidosis. Injecting into a lumpy area may prevent the insulin from working well. It is recommended to alternate injection sites to avoid any skin changes.
Edema (swelling of the arms, ankles, fluid retention) may be experienced when starting insulin treatment or modifying therapy.
Consult your physician if you experience any of the side effects listed above or those not listed with the Humalog KwikPen.
Common Problems With diabetes
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is commonly experienced by people with diabetes when there isn’t enough sugar in the blood and be caused if:
– You miss or delay your meals
– You apply too much insulin
– You exercise too vigorously before or after a meal
– You have an illness or infection
– You require a change in dosage amount
– You have issues with your liver or kidneys
– You have consumed a lot of alcohol
Signs of low blood sugar include lethargy, shakiness or nervousness, feeling sick, cold sweats, increased heartbeat, and headaches.
Hyperglycemia & Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemia & Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemia is experienced with too much sugar in the blood, and your body is low on insulin. This can be caused by several factors, including not taking enough insulin, taking less than the recommended dosage, eating more than your diet suggests, and are experiencing fever, infection, or stress.
Hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition that can come on slowly over days. Symptoms may include: flushed face, decreased appetite, feeling sick, the fruity smell on the breath, feeling tired, increased thirst, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath.
If you are feeling ill, you may need to modify your insulin dosage. Even if you are eating less, you still need to take your insulin medication. Speak to your doctor and test your urine and blood for any symptoms as advised by your doctor.
If you feel you are experiencing severe symptoms, get medical attention immediately.
Contents
Contents
The active ingredient in Humalog KwikPens is a substance called insulin lispro, which is made in a laboratory using a recombinant DNA technology process. Insulin lispro is closely related to human insulin that is secreted by the pancreas.
Other ingredients are m-cresol, zinc oxide, dibasic sodium phosphate 7 H2O, glycerol, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may have been used to adjust the acidity.
Contents of your Humalog KwikPen pack
Humalog 100 units/ml KwikPen solution for injection is a sterile, clear, colorless, aqueous solution and contains 100 units of insulin lispro in each milliliter (100 units/ml) solution for injection. Each Humalog KwikPen includes 300 units (3 milliliters).
The Humalog KwikPen comes in a pack of 5 pre-filled pens or a multi-pack of 2 x 5 pre-filled pens. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. The Humalog 100 units/ml in your pre-filled pen is the same as the Humalog 100 units/ml, which comes in separate Humalog 100 units/ml cartridges. The KwikPen has a built-in cartridge. When the pre-filled pen is empty, you cannot use it again.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Your insulin may need to be adjusted if you are taking any of the following medications along with Humalog KwikPens:
– Steroids
– Contraceptives
– Oral hypoglycemic
– Acetyl salicylic acid
– Sulpha antibiotics
– Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
– Octreotide
– Beta-blockers or stimulants (such as salbutamol, terbutaline, ritodrine etc)
– Antidepressants
– Some angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, and angiotensin II receptor blockers
Notify your doctor of any other medication, vitamins & supplements, including over-the-counter medicines.
Storage
Storage
Before use, you should store Humalog KwikPen in a refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C)
Keep Humalog KwikPen at room temperature (below 30°C) and discard after 28 days or use after the expiry date that should be available on the label and carton.
Do not freeze insulin or store near heat as this can degrade medication.
Keep away from children and do not store with a needle attached.
Do not use this medication if it isn’t clear, colorless, and contains any floating particles. Inspect each time before application.
Disposing
Disposing
Do not dispose of medication via household waste or wastewater. Speak to your pharmacist about how to properly dispose of Humalog KwikPen. These measures are in place to protect the environment.
