Description
Description
Humalog U-200 KwikPens is modern, fast-acting insulin taken by individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is used to control blood sugar spikes and avoid diabetes complications, which may include: kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs. Humalog also provides KwikPens in Mix 25 and Mix 50.
Similar to the insulin produced naturally in the body, it facilitates the reuptake of glucose in the fat cells and muscle and blocks the release of glucose from the liver. After 10-20 minutes after injection, it starts to take effect, lasting between 3-5 hours.
This medication is usually prescribed by doctors and long-acting insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels throughout the day. It is also available through vials, where the patient would inject themselves with syringes. It is easy to mistaken Humulin and Humalog with one another. Please read your prescription carefully before ordering.
Humalog insulin is made available through the Humalog-U200 KwikPen, which is portable, discreet, and lightweight, making it perfect for on the go. It can be taken with you anywhere to help you inject your mealtime insulin. Ensure you are loading the correct cartridge in your KwikPen as Humalog provides cartridges in many different formulas.
Humalog KwikPens are also available in 100 units.
Warnings and Precautions
Warnings and Precautions
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is the most common adverse effect experienced by insulin users. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes. Uncorrected hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic reactions can cause loss of consciousness, coma or even death. Information on how to recognize these symptoms is provided below.
Humalog should be given within 15 minutes before a meal or when necessary shortly after a meal instead (within 20 minutes of the start of the meal). The short duration of action of Humalog means that if you have Type 1 diabetes you also need to use a longer-acting insulin (such as Lantus) to give the best glucose control.
Humalog should not be used if it is not water-clear and colourless or if it has formed a deposit of solid particles on the wall of the cartridge.
Any change of insulin regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in purity, strength, brand (manufacturer), type (regular, NPH, etc), species (beef, pork, beef-pork, human), and/or method of manufacture (recombinant DNA versus animal-source insulin) may result in the need for a change in dosage.
Patients taking Humalog may require a change in dosage from that used with other insulins. If an adjustment is needed, it may occur with the first dose or over a period of several weeks.
Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen is reserved for the treatment of patients with diabetes requiring daily doses of > 20 units of fast-acting insulin.
Humalog 200 units/mL cannot be transferred from the Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen to a syringe or insulin pump. An insulin syringe or pump will not measure the dose correctly. Overdose can result causing low blood sugar which may put your life in danger.
Humalog 200 units/mL should not be mixed with any other insulin.
The Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen is designed to allow you to give more doses than other pens you may have used in the past. Dial your usual dose as instructed by your healthcare professional.
Usage
Usage
Even after the Humalog U-200 pen has been used, it doesn’t require to be refrigerated. Place it into your pocket or purse until you need it again. It’s always advised to have a spare pen available at all times.
If you are unsure how to use the Humalog U-200 KwikPen, your doctor or nurse should show you the correct way to inject insulin under the skin.
The Humalog 200IU/ml KwikPen should be taken 15 minutes before starting your meal or within 20 minutes of creating your meal. This diabetes medication should only be part of your diabetes treatment in addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss as advised by your doctor.
Your doctor should instruct you on how, when, and where to take this medication, impacting its effectiveness.
Do not stop taking your insulin medication unless under the direction of your doctor.
Monitor your blood sugar levels frequently, regularly and keep track of results. Share results with your doctor so they can adjust your insulin dosage based on your individual needs.
Side Effects
Side Effects
Most side effects disappear over time as your body adjusts and do not require any medical attention. If issues persist or you are concerned, then speak with a medical expert.
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) may result when taking insulin. This can lead to severe complications, including seizures or death.
Allergic skin reactions may occur at the injection site, which may include hard lumps, itching, redness, rash, and swelling.
Some have reported weight gain while taking this medication.
Common symptoms experienced with low blood sugar may include light-headedness or dizziness, confusion, headache, sweating, slurred speech, shakiness, blurred vision, anxiety, increased heartbeat, irritability, hunger, and mood changes.
Suppose you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, weakness, cool pale skin, and cold sweats. In that case, this can promptly be treated by consuming sugar such as glucose tablets, candy, or a sugary drink to get blood sugar levels into a safe range again.
Rotate injection sites regularly to prevent hard lumps from developing at injection sites. For faster absorption, it is recommended to inject below the skin of the abdomen.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions
Insulin requirements may increase if you take other drugs with hyperglycemic activity, such as oral contraceptives (for example, birth control pills, injections, and patches), corticosteroids, or thyroid replacement therapy. Insulin requirements may be decreased in the presence of agents such as oral antidiabetic agents, salicylates (aspirin), sulfa antibiotics, certain antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), beta-blockers, alcohol, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Always discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. The use of thiazolidinediones (such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone), alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents (including insulin), has been associated with heart failure and swelling of the lower extremities. Please get in touch with your physician immediately if you develop symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise intolerance, or swelling of the lower extremities while you are on these agents.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Humalog U-200 KwikPen contains 200 units/mL of Human Insulin Analogue.
The non-medical ingredients contain glycerol, tromethamine, m-cresol, zinc oxide, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust pH.
Overdose
Overdose
Hypoglycemia (too little glucose in the blood) is one of the most frequent adverse events experienced by insulin users. It can be brought about by the following list:
1. Missing or delaying meals
2. Taking too much insulin
3. Exercising or working more than usual
4. An infection or illness (especially with diarrhea or vomiting)
5. A change in the body’s need for insulin
6. Diseases of the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid gland, or progression of kidney or liver disease
7. Interactions with other drugs that lower blood glucose, such as oral hypoglycemics, salicylates, sulfa antibiotics, and certain antidepressants
8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages
Storage
Storage
Before first use, Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen prefilled pens should be stored in a refrigerator between 2° and 8°C. Do not freeze. Do not expose to excessive heat or sunlight. The Humalog 200 units/mL KwikPen you are currently using should not be refrigerated but should be kept as cool as possible (below 30°C) and away from direct heat and light. Do not use Humalog if it has been frozen. Prefilled pens in use or not refrigerated should be discarded after 28 days, even if they still contain Humalog.
Do not use the Humalog KwikPen after the expiration date is stamped on the label.
Disposing
Disposing
Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant container or as directed by your healthcare professional. Dispose of used pens as instructed by your healthcare professional and without the needle attached.
