Insulin Lispro Protam & Lispro

Pronounced

"IN-sue-lin LISS-pro PRO-tah-meen"NPL"/IN-sue-lin LISS-pro"

Common brand names:

Humalog Mix

Uses

Insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro is used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. This product is a combination of two man-made insulins: intermediate-acting insulin lispro protamine and rapid-acting insulin lispro. This combination starts working faster and lasts for a longer time than regular insulin.

Insulin is a natural substance that allows the body to properly use sugar from the diet. It replaces the insulin that your body no longer produces, thereby lowering your blood sugar. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (15 minutes or less before the morning and evening meal). Because this product contains a short-acting insulin, not eating right after a dose of this insulin may lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The injection is given in the stomach area, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar may occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar.

Before using, gently roll and turn the product between your palms at least 10 times. Then, turn it upside down and right side up 10 times to mix the medication. Do not shake the container. Check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. This product should look evenly cloudy/milky after mixing. Do not use if you see clumps of white material, a "frosty" appearance, or particles stuck to the sides of the product.

Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin (for example, pits/lumps or thickened skin). Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Do not mix this product with other insulins or use it in an insulin pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.