This article describes Humalog’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Humalog. If you want to know more about Humalog, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Humalog is a brand-name medication that comes as a solution that you inject or infuse under your skin. A healthcare professional can administer Humalog as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time). Humalog is a biologic medication (medication sourced from living organisms). It’s available as a biosimilar (generic version of a biologic medication) called insulin lispro. This article describes dosages of Humalog.
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Form and strengths of Humalog
Humalog comes as follows:
- Form: solution that you inject or infuse under your skin or infuse in your vein
- Strengths:
- 100 units per milliliter (mL), also known as U-100
- 200 units per mL, also known as U-200
Humalog 100 units/mL comes in different sizes and forms, which are as follows:
- multiple-dose vial (3 mL or 10 mL) used with syringes for injection or insulin pump
- 3 mL single-patient-use prefilled pen (KwikPen, Tempo Pen, Junior KwikPen)
- 3 mL single-patient-use cartridges
Humalog 200 units/mL comes as a 3 mL single-patient-use KwikPen prefilled pen.
A healthcare professional can prepare the content of Humalog vials and give it as an IV infusion (an injection into your vein given over time).
Dosage of Humalog
Humalog is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in children ages 3 years and older and adults with diabetes.
This article describes the recommended dosages for Humalog. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Humalog without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Humalog in adults
Dosages for Humalog are highly individualized. Your dosage will depend on the route of administration, how well you respond to Humalog, and your blood sugar goal.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Humalog. Then, they adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Humalog that gives the desired outcome.
For injection under the skin, the usual dosage of Humalog is as follows:
- Dose: an individualized number of units
- Frequency: within 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal (usually three to four times per day)
You inject Humalog into your abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks. The injection site should be rotated within the same region from one dose to the next.
For continuous infusion under your skin (insulin pump), your doctor will review your Humalog dosage and insulin pump setup with you. Different insulin pumps have different instructions for use. Follow the manufacturer’s user manual. If you have any questions about your Humalog dosage or how to use your insulin pump, speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional.
Keep in mind that there is no maximum dosage of Humalog. Some people require high doses to best manage their diabetes, while others require much smaller doses.
Dosages of Humalog in children
Studies show that Humalog is safe and effective in children ages 3 years and older. For dosage in children, please refer to ”Usual recommended dosages of Humalog in adults“.
Dosage adjustments for Humalog
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Humalog based on several factors. These include:
- how well your diabetes is being managed
- your age
- other medications you’re taking
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Humalog
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Humalog. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Humalog and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Humalog and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Humalog compare with the dosage of NovoLog?
Humalog and NovoLog are both rapid-acting insulins that doctors prescribe to manage diabetes. They work similarly and have similar dosages, frequencies, and side effects. You can take either one just before a meal. You take Humalog within 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after. You can take NovoLog within 5 to 10 minutes before a meal.
If your doctor switches from Humalog to NovoLog (or vice versa), your dosage may not be the same. Talk with your doctor about how to safely switch from one insulin medication to another. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about the dosage of Humalog or Novolog.
What is the dosage for a Humalog sliding scale?
Some people may have used a sliding scale for insulin dosing. With sliding scale dosing, the dose of insulin changes in response to your blood sugar readings. This means your dose of Humalog changes depending on the foods you eat, your physical activity, and other factors.
However, doctors no longer recommend sliding scale dosing. This is because other insulin regimens are generally more effective for managing diabetes. In some cases, healthcare professionals may still use a sliding scale to administer Humalog in hospitals.
Is Humalog used long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Humalog as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Humalog, talk with your doctor.
How Humalog is used
You’ll inject Humalog under your skin within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. You may also use an insulin pump for a continuous infusion under your skin. Before each dose, make sure your Humalog medication appears clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or colored.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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