Humalog Kwikpen 100u/ml, 3 ml Pre-filled pens

Humalog KwikPen – Insulin Lispro 100 IU/ml by Eli Lilly

What is Humalog KwikPen?

Humalog KwikPen is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin analogue by Eli Lilly containing insulin lispro 100 IU/ml — one of the world's most prescribed rapid-acting insulins since 1996. The pre-filled KwikPen delivers doses in 1-unit steps up to 60 IU per injection. Humalog acts within 15 minutes, peaks at 30–90 minutes, and lasts 2–5 hours — the fastest and shortest-acting insulin in Lilly's portfolio. Used as the bolus (mealtime) component of basal-bolus regimens in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, paired with a long-acting basal insulin.

Generic Name & Composition

Each ml contains 100 IU of insulin lispro (rDNA origin, E. coli). Insulin lispro differs from human insulin by B28-B29 amino acid inversion (lysine-proline swapped), preventing hexamer self-association and allowing rapid monomeric absorption. Result: onset 15 minutes, peak 30–90 minutes — faster than insulin aspart and significantly faster than regular human insulin.

Indications

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus — bolus (mealtime) component in basal-bolus regimen
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus — mealtime insulin when oral therapy is insufficient
• Insulin pump (CSII) therapy — lispro is approved for pump use
• Correction dosing for elevated blood glucose
• In-hospital glycaemic management

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

The B28-B29 inversion prevents hexamer formation, enabling rapid absorption as monomers after subcutaneous injection. Peak plasma levels within 30–90 minutes — approximately twice as fast as regular insulin. Activates insulin receptors: GLUT-4 glucose uptake in muscle and adipose, hepatic glucose suppression, glycogen and lipid synthesis. Duration of 2–5 hours matches post-meal blood glucose elevation.

Dosage & Administration

Timing: 0–15 minutes before meals (or immediately after). Dose: Individualised — 4–15 IU per meal based on carbohydrate content and correction factor. KwikPen: Remove cap, attach needle, prime 2 IU, dial dose, inject subcutaneously, hold 5 seconds. Sites: Abdomen (fastest), thigh, upper arm, buttocks. Rotate systematically.

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — fastest-acting profile means hypoglycaemia onset is also faster if meal is missed.

Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy.

Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, peripheral oedema, visual refraction changes at therapy start.

Rare: Anaphylaxis, severe allergic reactions.

Drug Interactions

Increase hypoglycaemia: Oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, alcohol.

Reduce effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, thiazides, sympathomimetics, atypical antipsychotics.

Caution: Beta-blockers mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or any excipient
• Active hypoglycaemia

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Insulin lispro can be used in pregnancy under specialist oversight; dose requirements change during gestation. Lactation: Not expected at significant concentrations in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

• Eat within 15 minutes of injection — fastest-acting bolus insulin. Never inject if meal is uncertain.
• Shorter duration (2–5 hrs): Less late hypoglycaemia risk vs regular insulin, but less coverage for larger meals.
• Clear solution: Should be clear and colourless. Do not use if cloudy.
• In-use pen: Store at room temperature, not refrigerated.

Overdose

Hypoglycaemia lasting 2–5 hours. Mild: oral glucose. Severe: IV dextrose or IM glucagon. Monitor until stable.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened: 2–8°C. Do not freeze.
• In-use KwikPen: Below 30°C. Do not refrigerate.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does Humalog compare to NovoRapid (insulin aspart)?
Both are rapid-acting mealtime analogues. Humalog (lispro): onset ~15 min, duration ~2–5 hrs. NovoRapid (aspart): onset 10–20 min, duration 3–5 hrs. Comparable efficacy; choice depends on prescriber preference.

Q2: What is the KwikPen dose range?
1 to 60 IU per injection in 1-unit increments. Two injections required if more than 60 IU needed.

Q3: Do I need a separate basal insulin with Humalog?
Yes for most patients. Humalog covers only 2–5 hours and is a bolus insulin. A basal insulin (Lantus, Levemir, or Tresiba) is required for 24-hour glucose control.

Q4: Who manufactures Humalog?
Eli Lilly and Company (USA). First rapid-acting insulin analogue, launched in 1996.

⚕ Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Humalog is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy.