Humalog Mix50 Kwikpen

Humalog Mix50 Kwikpen

Each Humalog® Mix50™ KwikPen delivers 1-60 units in increments of 1 unit.

Humalog Mix50 KwikPen is a disposable pre-filled pen that contains insulin lispro. It’s formulation is slightly modified by one molecule. Humalog Mix50 contains 50% insulin lispro and is dissolved in water, available in a premixed suspension with protamine suphate to prolong the effects. It works faster than insulin produced by the body due to its formulation.

Diabetes is caused from the lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is needed in the body to manage blood sugar levels. Humalog Mix50 is an effective substitute for your bodies insulin. It works longer and quicker than soluble insulin.

Humalog Mix50 pre-filled pens contain 3 ml (300 units, 100 units/ml) of insulin lispro. A single KwikPen contains multiple doses which can be adjusted by using the dial. The number units are displayed in a dose window and administer 1 unit at a time. Patients can administer 1-60 units in a single injection. If more than 60 units are required you will need to give yourself more than one injection.

Usage

Your health care provider may recommend Humalog Mix50 KwikPen in combination with a longer-acting insulin. Before using insulin, you should review the leaflet that is included with the medication and/or follow your pharmacists or doctors directions which may be individualized for your specific needs.

Monitor your blood sugar levels often by using a glucose testing kit.

You should normally use Humalog Mix50 within 15 minutes of a meal.

Even though your blood sugar levels are well managed by your insulin therapy, you may not detect warning sings if blood sugar levels drop too low.

Carefully schedule your meals, how often you workout and how hard you workout.

Do not share pens as it can lead to the transmission of disease, each pen should be used by only you.

Humalog Mix50 should be taken 15 minutes before every meal or within 15 minutes of starting your meal however your doctor may have other directions to follow.

Humalog Mix50 KwikPens should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse should demonstrate how to inject.

Inspect pen pen before use. It should not be used if it appears to have particles or clumps of material floating around.

You may need to modify your insulin dosage if you are taking any of the following medications:

• contraceptives
• steroids
• thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• oral hypoglycemics
• acetyl salicylic acid
• octreotide
• sulpha antibiotics
• beta2 stimulants or beta-blockers
• some antidepressants
• some angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers
• danazol

Please tell your doctor, if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription (see section “Warnings and precautions”).

Before use:

• Wash your hands.
• Read instructions that come prepackaged with Humalog Mix50 KwikPen.
• Use a clean needle (needles not included).
• Prime your Humalog Mix50 KwikPen. The clear any air bubbles and checks insulin comes out.
• Clean the area where you will be injecting the pen.
• Do not inject into a muscle or vein.
• Inject under the skin as instructed at least half an inch (1cm) from the last place injected.
• Leave pen inside skin for 5 seconds after injection to ensure that you have received the entire dose. Do not rub the area you have just injected.

After injection, unscrew the needle from the Humalog Mix50 KwikPen using the outer needle cap to keep the insulin sterile and stop leaking. This keeps air from entering the pen and the needle from clogging. Replace the cap on your pen.

Whenever you use the Humalog Mix50 KwikPen you must use a new needle. You can see how much insulin you have left by holding the pen pointed straight up. The scale on the cartridge displays how many units are left. Do not reuse KwikPen again once it is empty. Dispose of pen as per your pharmacists instructions.

To get over a mild insulin overdose, eat glucose tablets, candy or a sugary drink if your blood sugar levels drop too low. Follow this by eating a meal, getting some rest or as directed by your doctor. A glucagon injection can be used to treat severe hypoglycemia however you should still consume glucose or sugar after injection. If your body does not respond then seek medical attention immediately.

If you forget to take your insulin or less than you require, a high blood sugar spike may occur. Be sure to check your blood sugar. If not treated, hypoglycemia can lead to side effects that can even be fatal.

To avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia follow these 3 steps:

1. Always keep a spare pen and cartridge available in case your KwikPen is unusable or damaged
2. Always carry proof that you are diabetic
3. Always carry glucose tablets or sugar with you

If you stop using Humalog Mix50 you may experience high blood sugar levels. Do not change your insulin unless instructed by your doctor.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side effects are unwanted responses. Like any medication, there may be side effects however others may experience them differently or not at all. The following side effects associated with the Humalog Mix50 KwikPen have been experienced by 1% of patients taking this medication. Although these side effects may be rare, they can lead to more serious problems if they are not managed properly.

System allergies are rare but can occur. Symptoms may include:

• rash all over the body
• difficulty breathing / wheezing
• sudden drop in blood pressure
• increased heart beat
• sweating
• confusion
• anxiety
• dizziness
• slurred speech/difficulty speaking
• drowsiness
• difficulty concentrating
• nausea
• headache
• hunger
• nervousness
• trembling
• numbness in fingers, tongue or lips

If you experience serious allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing/wheezing, severe skin rashes or unconsciousness, seek medical attention.

Many of the side effects can be managed and go away with time.

If you are concerned about any of the listed side effects or if you experience any of them, speak with your doctor. Your pharmacist may provide additional instructions to better manage side effects.

If you experience any of the side effects including ones not listed you should check with your doctor.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not share this medication with others, even if they have the same condition as it can lead to spreading blood pathogens and infections.

Do not use Humalog Mix50 if you have an allergy to insulin lispro or any of its ingredients.

Before use, review the label on your medication to ensure it is the correct name and type that is acquired from your pharmacy. Ensure that it is the correct Humalog Mix50 KwikPen that has been prescribed by your doctor.

You may require more insulin after alcohol consumption.

Some have experienced hypoglycemia after switching from animal insulin to human insulin. Consult your doctor if you difficulty recognizing symptoms of hypoglycemia as some may be harder to detect than others.

Speak with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are planning on travelling abroad. The time difference may change meal times and therefore require you to change your insulin schedule.

Heart failure may be experienced for patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes, have had heart disease or a previous stroke and treated with pioglitazone and insulin. Consult a doctor if you experience any signs of heart failure such as rapid weight loss, localized swelling (oedema) or shortness of breath.

This insulin pen is not recommended for those who are visually impaired or blind unless properly trained.

Skin changes may occur at the injection site. To prevent skin changes or lumps under the skin, it’s recommended to rotate injection sites. Insulin may not work well if injected into a lumpy area. Contact your doctor if you are currently injecting into a lumpy area before you start injecting into a different area. Your physician may recommend adjusting your insulin dosage and other antidiabetic medications; and monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

If you have any additional questions you should speak with your pharmacist or consult with your doctor.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to modify insulin dosage especially during the first 3 months and then increase for the remaining 6 months. If you are breastfeeding you may need to modify your insulin intake and diet. Consult with your doctor for a modified treatment plan.

Since your concentration can be affected by hypoglycemia, it is advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive vehicles unless instructed differently from your doctor. You should speak to your doctor if you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia or reduced/absent warning signs of hypoglycemia.

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.