Insulin lispro is a fast-acting form of insulin used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It is also used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Insulin lispro starts working faster than other forms of insulin injections but does not last as long. Because of this, it is regularly prescribed with a form of longer-acting insulin.

Insulin lispro is administered as a subcutaneous injection (a shot given just below the skin) to lower blood sugar levels. In addition to being available in its generic form, insulin lispro is available under the brand names Humalog, Admelog, and Lyumjev.

Insulin lispro is prescribed as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not properly process food into energy. When we eat food (particularly carbs) the body turns it into glucose (sugar), the substance our body uses as energy. Central to this process is insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or uses it inefficiently. This causes the blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, to either get too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by obesity, lack of exercise, and other risk factors, type 1 diabetes has no common cause. It commonly appears during childhood and has no cure – although genetics and environment are thought to play a role in its development. If left untreated and unmanaged, diabetes can cause serious – potentially life-threatening – complications.

Possible complications caused by diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Eye damage
  
• Nerve damage
  
• Foot problems
  
• Skin conditions
  
  

It’s important to note that type 1 diabetes cannot be cured. Insulin lispro is prescribed to individuals diagnosed with diabetes to help them manage the disease.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects. About 90% of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may begin during childhood, type 2 diabetes is more common among adults, especially in obese individuals.

Insulin lispro has been shown to cause adverse side effects in some patients. If these reactions become severe or do not go away after a day or two, seek medical attention right away.

Mild side effects reported from insulin lispro use include:

• Irritation or redness at the injection site
  
• Skin thickening
  
• Congestion
  
• Runny nose
  
• Sore throat
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weight changes
  
• Constipation
  
  

More serious side effects include:

• Rash and itching
  
• Hives
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Changes in heartbeat
  
• Muscle cramps
  
• Dramatic weight gain
  
• Swelling
  
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a possibly serious adverse reaction to this medication and require treatment right away.

As with all medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with insulin lispro. Insulin lispro can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Specifically, you should inform your health care provider of any angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), beta-blockers, cholesterol-lowering medication, HIV medication, diuretics, or replacement hormones you have been taking, as well as if you have recently been taking cyclosporine before you start taking insulin lispro. Be sure to mention any herbal products you are using.

Tell your doctor if you have had heart failure or low levels of potassium in the blood. You should also tell them if you have had heart, liver or kidney disease.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication. Call your provider if you become pregnant while you are taking insulin lispro.

Insulin lispro is commonly supplied as a subcutaneous injection to be administered just under the skin. You will be taught how to use the medicine at home by your health care provider. The specific dosage of insulin medication prescribed depends on the patient’s blood sugar levels, age and body weight. Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and in the fridge.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

Insulin lispro is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not insulin lispro is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for insulin lispro to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.