Humalog U200 (Insulin Lispro (Rbe))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Humalog U200 Used For?
Humalog U200 is a rapid-acting insulin medication designed to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
Primary Uses
Humalog U200 is used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with diabetes. It’s suitable for both Type 1 diabetes patients who always need insulin, and Type 2 diabetes patients who may need insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise, and tablets hasn’t been sufficient.
How It Works
Diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar level. Humalog U200 provides the extra insulin your body needs to properly manage glucose levels in your blood.
Good to know: Humalog U200 is a concentrated insulin (200 units per mL) that allows for smaller injection volumes while delivering the same insulin dose.
How to Take Humalog U200
Your doctor will determine the right dose of Humalog U200 for your individual needs and provide specific instructions on when and how to use it.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will tell you what dose of Humalog U200 you need each day. Normally, use Humalog U200 immediately (or up to 15 minutes) before a meal. When necessary, it can be used within 20 minutes after the start of a meal. Inject under the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach area or upper legs. Rotate injection sites so the same spot isn’t used more than once a month. Never inject directly into your veins.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. If you use less Humalog U200 than needed, high blood sugar may occur. Use it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Don’t use a double dose. If unsure, contact your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.
Important: Never transfer Humalog U200 solution from the KwikPen into a syringe or insulin pump – severe overdose can result.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Mild to moderate low blood sugar (weakness, trembling, sweating, light-headedness, lack of concentration, behavior changes, dizziness, tearfulness, irritability, numbness around lips/fingers, hunger)
- Local allergic reactions (redness, swelling, itching at injection site)
- Lipodystrophy (depression in skin or enlargement/thickening of tissue at injection site)
- Fluid retention (swelling in ankles, feet, hands)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe low blood sugar (disorientation, seizures, fits, convulsions, loss of consciousness)
- Severe allergic reactions (widespread rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure, swelling of face/lips/tongue, fast pulse, sweating)
- Severe high blood sugar leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (heavy breathing, fast pulse, nausea and vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, loss of consciousness)
Important Warnings
Before using Humalog U200, it’s crucial to understand who should avoid this medication and what conditions require special medical supervision.
Who Should Not Take Humalog U200
Do not use Humalog U200 if you’re allergic to insulin lispro or any ingredients in the medication, or when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous allergic reactions to diabetes medications, kidney or liver disease, heart disease (especially if taking thiazolidinediones like pioglitazone or rosiglitazone), or if you’re using other types or brands of insulin. These conditions may affect your prescribed dose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pregnancy can make diabetes management more difficult, with insulin needs usually decreasing in the first three months and increasing in the last six months. If breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor as it’s unknown if significant amounts pass into breast milk.
Children Under 18: The use of Humalog U200 has not been studied in children under 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can affect how Humalog U200 works, potentially requiring dose adjustments.
Dose Adjustments: Some medications may require you to use a lower dose of Humalog U200, while others may require a higher dose. Always inform your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
- Other diabetes medicines
- Aspirin or other salicylates
- Sulfonamide antibiotics
- Depression medications (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- Blood pressure medications (captopril, enalapril, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers)
- Growth disorder medications (octreotide)
- Oral contraceptives (‘the pill’)
- Corticosteroids (prednisone, cortisone)
- Thyroid replacement therapy
- Tuberculosis antibiotics (isoniazid)
- Asthma medications (salbutamol, terbutaline)
- Psychiatric medications (phenothiazines)
- Hormone disorder medications (danazol)
Alcohol & Driving
Both alcohol consumption and driving require special precautions when using Humalog U200 due to the risk of low blood sugar affecting your abilities.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, making it harder to recognize when your blood sugar drops dangerously low. Alcohol may also affect your prescribed dose of Humalog U200.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Humalog U200 affects you. Don’t drive if you feel your blood sugar level is low. Low blood sugar can impair your ability to concentrate or react properly while driving, creating dangerous situations.
Storage
Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C – 8°C. Don’t freeze. While using a pen, keep it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days, then dispose of it even if insulin remains. Don’t store pens in the bathroom, near sinks, heat, or in direct sunlight. Keep away from children. Don’t store with needles attached to prevent contamination and leakage.
Overdose Information
If you use too much Humalog U200, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. For mild symptoms, eat glucose tablets, sugar, or drink something sugary, then eat fruit, biscuits, or a sandwich. If symptoms worsen with shallow breathing and pale skin, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even without obvious symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Humalog U200 is a rapid-acting insulin that should be used immediately or up to 15 minutes before a meal. When necessary, it can be used within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Yes, Humalog U200 is designed to be taken with meals. You should normally use it immediately or up to 15 minutes before eating, or within 20 minutes after starting your meal if necessary.
Never stop using Humalog U200 without first checking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood sugar levels to become dangerously high, potentially leading to serious complications.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can mask the symptoms of low blood sugar and make it harder to recognize dangerous drops in blood sugar levels. It may also affect your prescribed dose.
Test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never use a double dose. If you’re unsure, contact your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.
Keep unused pens refrigerated between 2°C – 8°C. Don’t freeze them. Once you’re using a pen, keep it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days, then dispose of it even if insulin remains.
No, never transfer Humalog U200 solution from the KwikPen into a syringe or insulin infusion pump. This can result in severe overdose due to the concentrated nature of this insulin (200 units per mL).
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.