Consumer medicine information

Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 Cartridges

Insulin lispro; Insulin lispro protamine

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Humalog, Humalog Mix25, Humalog Mix50

Active ingredient

Insulin lispro; Insulin lispro protamine

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 Cartridges.

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet is designed to provide you with answers to some common questions about these medicines. It does not contain all the available information and does not take the place of talking with your doctor.

The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date shown on the final page. More recent information on this medicine may be available. Make sure you speak to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to obtain the most up to date information on this medicine. You can also download the most up to date leaflet from www.lilly.com.au. The updated leaflet may contain important information about HUMALOG and its use that you should be aware of.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has more information about these medicines than is contained in this leaflet. Also, your doctor has had the benefit of taking a full and detailed history from you and is in the best position to make an expert judgement to meet your individual needs.

If you have any concerns about using these medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

What the HUMALOG insulins are used for

HUMALOG insulins are used to reduce high blood sugar (glucose) levels in insulin dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes is a condition in which your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar level. Extra insulin is therefore needed.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus:

Type 1 diabetes - also called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). Patients with type 1 diabetes always need insulin to control their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes - also called Non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Some patients with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin after initial treatment with diet, exercise and tablets.

HUMALOG insulins are insulin lispro, which works more quickly than soluble human insulin because the insulin molecule has been changed slightly.

HUMALOG MIX25 is 25% insulin lispro and 75% insulin lispro protamine sulfate suspension. This means that the action of HUMALOG MIX25 is prolonged.

HUMALOG MIX50 is 50% insulin lispro and 50% insulin lispro protamine suspension. This means that the action of HUMALOG MIX50 is prolonged.

The duration of effect of HUMALOG insulins varies in each individual and also depends on dose, site of injection, blood supply, body temperature and physical activity.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before using HUMALOG insulins

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or if you have ever experienced any of these conditions.

When you must not use the HUMALOG insulins

Do not use/inject HUMALOG insulins:

  • if you have had an allergic reaction to HUMALOG, HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50, or to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet (see 'Product Description').
    Signs of an allergic reaction include redness, swelling and itching at the injection site, rash, shortness of breath, fast pulse or sweating.
  • if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
  • if you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
  • if HUMALOG solution is cloudy, thickened, coloured or has solid pieces in it.
  • if HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 suspension is no longer cloudy white after gentle shaking or if it has solid pieces in it.
  • if the cartridge appears frosted.
    This can occur when solid white particles stick to the bottom and walls.
  • if the expiry date (EXP) on the pack has passed.

HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 should not be given intravenously.

The use of HUMALOG MIX25 and HUMALOG MIX50 has not been studied in children under the age of 18.

HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 should not be used in an insulin infusion pump.

If you are not sure whether you should start using HUMALOG insulins, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you start using HUMALOG insulins

You must tell your doctor:

  • if you have had an allergic reaction to any medicine which you have used previously to treat your current condition.
  • if you have or have had any medical conditions, especially kidney, liver or heart disease.
  • if you experience fluid retention especially in the hands, ankles or feet.
  • if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
    Pregnancy may make managing your diabetes more difficult. Insulin needs usually decrease during the first three months of pregnancy and increase during the last six months.
  • if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
    It is not known if HUMALOG is excreted in significant amounts in breast milk.
  • if you often have hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or if you have trouble recognising the symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
    Under certain conditions the early warning signs of hypoglycaemia can be different or less pronounced.
  • if you drink alcohol.
  • if you are ill.
    Illness, especially with nausea and vomiting, may cause your insulin needs to change. Even if you are not eating, you still require insulin. You and your doctor should design an insulin plan for those times when you are sick.
  • if you are exercising more than usual.
    Exercise may lower your need for insulin. Exercise may also speed up the effect of an insulin dose, especially if the exercise involves the area of injection site (e.g. the leg should not be used for injection just prior to running). Discuss with your doctor how much insulin you should use if you are exercising.
  • if your diet changes.
    Changes in diet may cause your insulin needs to change.

Tell your doctor about these things before you use HUMALOG insulins.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way your HUMALOG insulin works. These include:

  • oral antidiabetic medicines
  • medicines that affect your metabolism (corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone)
  • medicines used for oral contraception
  • medicines used in thyroid replacement therapy
  • certain antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis, such as isoniazid
  • medicines such as aspirin or other salicylates
  • certain medicines used to treat depression
  • certain medicines used to treat asthma, such as salbutamol or terbutaline
  • medicines used to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions
  • certain medicines used to treat people with growth disorders and tumours, such as octreotide
  • medicines used to treat hormone-related disorders, such as danazol
  • thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also used to treat type 2 diabetes; when used with insulin there may be an increased risk of fluid retention and heart disease.

Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while using HUMALOG insulins.

Tell your doctor about these medicines before you use HUMALOG insulins.

How to use HUMALOG insulins

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. These may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Your doctor may tell you to use HUMALOG with a longer acting human insulin such as HUMULIN NPH. A Consumer Medicine Information leaflet is also available for this product, ask your pharmacist.

More frequent monitoring of your blood sugar level is recommended when changing insulin dose or type.

There may be a delay in the effect of HUMALOG when it is mixed with HUMULIN NPH, compared to HUMALOG and HUMULIN NPH being injected separately.

HUMALOG should not be mixed with any other animal or human insulin preparations.

How much to use

Your doctor will tell you how much insulin you need to use each day.

Your doctor will tell you the type of HUMALOG that is best suited to you.

Do not change your insulin unless your doctor tells you to. Be very careful if you do change insulin. If you change the type of insulin that you use (for example from human insulin to HUMALOG), you may have to take more or less than before. This may happen with the first injection or it may be a gradual change over several weeks or months.

How to use HUMALOG in a re-usable pen

Inject HUMALOG, HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 under the skin. Under no circumstances should HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 be given intravenously.

Follow the steps below.

Preparing a dose

  1. Check your cartridge. The solution of HUMALOG should be clear and colourless. The suspension in HUMALOG MIX25, HUMALOG MIX50 cartridges should be white and cloudy or milky.
  2. HUMALOG MIX25 and HUMALOG MIX50 cartridges must be rolled between the palms ten times and inverted ten times until the contents are uniformly mixed. Do not shake vigorously as this may cause frothing which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose.
  3. Inspect the cartridge for uniform mixing and repeat the above steps if necessary.
If HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 cartridges appear "frosted", please return to the place of purchase for exchange. This can occur when solid white particles stick to the bottom and walls.
Check your cartridge before each injection.
The manufacturer's instructions for the HumaPen delivery systems should be followed for loading the cartridge, attaching the needle and administering the insulin injection.
  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Put the cartridge into the pen.
HUMALOG, HUMALOG MIX25 and HUMALOG MIX50 3 mL cartridges are only for use with the HumaPen

Check for insulin flow (Priming)

  1. Set the dose to 1 or 2 units.
  2. Hold the pen with the needle pointing up and tap the side of the pen so that any bubbles float to the top.
  3. With the pen still pointing up, press the injection button. Do this until a stream of insulin comes out of the needle. This is very important to ensure the correct dose is injected.
  4. Only after seeing a stream of insulin at the needle tip can you proceed to dial up your required dose. There may still be some small air bubbles left in the cartridge. These are harmless, but if the air bubble is too big, it may make the dose of your injection less accurate.

Injecting a dose

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Choose a site for injection. Use of injection sites should be rotated so that the same site is not used more than approximately once a month
  3. Remove outer needle cap.
  4. Stabilise the skin by spreading it or pinching up a large area. Insert the needle as instructed by your doctor.
  5. Press the knob. Count to 5 slowly before pulling the needle out.
  6. Pull the needle out and apply gentle pressure over the injection site for several seconds. Do not rub the area.
  7. Using the outer needle cap, unscrew the needle and dispose of it safely. Do not reuse the needle. NEEDLES, CARTRIDGES or PENS MUST NOT BE SHARED.
  8. Leave the cartridge in the pen.

Further injections

  1. Check your cartridge before each injection. Ensure HUMALOG MIX25 contents are uniformly mixed, as described in 'Preparing a Dose'.
  2. Before every injection, check for insulin flow. Do this by dialling 1 or 2 units and pressing the injection button with the pen pointing up. Do this until a stream of insulin comes out of the needle.
  3. Stop using the cartridge if the leading edge of the plunger has gone to, or beyond, the left side of the gauge on the side of the cartridge.
  4. You can see how much insulin is left by looking at the gauge on the side of the cartridge. The scale on the cartridge shows how many units you have left. If there is not enough for your dose, change the cartridge.

Do not mix any other insulin in your cartridge. Once the cartridge is empty, do not use it again.

When to use it

Your doctor will tell you when to use your HUMALOG insulin.

You should normally use HUMALOG, HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX50 immediately (or up to 15 minutes) before a meal. When necessary, HUMALOG can be used soon after a meal. When HUMALOG is given after a meal, it must be within 20 minutes of the start of the meal.

How to use HUMALOG in a subcutaneous infusion pump

  1. HUMALOG may be given under the skin by means of an insulin infusion pump. Use the type of pump system recommended by your doctor, read and follow the instructions that accompany your pump.
  2. HUMALOG should never be mixed with any other insulin when used in a pump.
  3. HUMALOG MIX25 and HUMALOG MIX50 should never be used in a pump.
  4. Before inserting the needle, wash your hands and the skin where the needle is to be inserted so as to prevent infection at the infusion site.
  5. When you are filling a new syringe, be certain not to leave large air bubbles in either the syringe or the catheter.
  6. Change the syringe and catheter after a maximum of 2 days' usage.
  7. Follow your doctor, nurse or pharmacists advice about the basal infusion rate and the mealtime insulin boluses to be taken.
  8. To get the benefit of insulin infusion, and to detect possible malfunction of the insulin pump, you should measure your blood sugar levels regularly.

What to do in case of infusion pump system failure

In case of infusion pump system failure, you should always carry a spare cartridge of HUMALOG and a pen, or an alternative insulin delivery system, for injection under the skin.

How long do I use it

Do not stop using your HUMALOG insulin just because you feel better. It is important that you do not stop using your HUMALOG insulin unless your doctor tells you.

If you inject too much

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is the most likely reaction if you have injected more insulin than you need. Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycaemia can include:

  • sweating
  • hunger, headache
  • tremor, unsteady movement
  • lightheadedness
  • drowsiness, dizziness
  • depressive mood, anxiety
  • irritability, personality change
  • abnormal behaviour
  • inability to concentrate
  • sleep disturbance
  • blurred vision
  • increased heart rate or irregular heart beat
  • tingling in the hands/feet/lips or tongue
  • slurred speech.

Recognising these mild to moderate hypoglycaemic symptoms early may allow you to take the necessary steps to avoid more serious hypoglycaemia. Symptoms of severe hypoglycaemia can include:

  • disorientation
  • seizures
  • unconsciousness.

If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, eat some sugary food or drink, such as jelly beans, orange juice or glucose tablets.

If you do not feel better after eating/drinking some sugary food or drink, contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

While you are using HUMALOG insulins

Things you must do

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using HUMALOG or HUMALOG MIX25, HUMALOG MIX50.

While you are using HUMALOG insulins, tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start any new medicine.

If you become pregnant while using HUMALOG insulins tell your doctor.

Always carry a supply of your HUMALOG insulin cartridges and your pen with you.

Always carry something to show you have diabetes.

Always carry glucose or sugary foods with you.

Always check for insulin flow before injecting a dose.

Immediately after an injection, remove the needle from the pen. This will ensure sterility and prevent leakage, re-entry of air and potential needle clogs.

Things you must not do

Do not stop using your HUMALOG insulin without first checking with your doctor.

Do not give your HUMALOG insulin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Your doctor has prescribed your HUMALOG insulin specifically for you.

Do not share needles, cartridges or pens.

Do not reuse needles.

Do not inject HUMALOG MIX25 or HUMALOG MIX 50 directly into a vein (intravenously).

Things to be careful of

  • if you become ill
  • if you are exercising more than usual
  • if your diet changes.

You should learn to recognise your own symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). You can then take the appropriate action, when necessary. If you are having problems recognising these symptoms, frequent monitoring of your blood sugar level is recommended.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using any of the HUMALOG insulins. Like other medicines, HUMALOG insulins may cause some unwanted side effects. These are likely to vary from patient to patient. Some side effects may be related to the dose of your insulin so it is important that you never exceed the stated dose.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible about any unwanted effects. Your doctor may then decide to adjust the dose of insulin you are using.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

  1. Hypoglycaemia - The most common unwanted effect when using insulin, including HUMALOG insulins, is low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
If untreated, severe hypoglycaemia may lead to unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, death.
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), eat some sugary food or drink, such as jelly beans, orange juice or glucose tablets.
If you do not feel better after eating/drinking some sugary food or drink, contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
  1. Local Allergy - Some patients occasionally experience redness, swelling and itching at the injection site. Sometimes this local allergy may be due to factors other than your insulin, such as irritants in the skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique.
If you have local allergic reactions while using HUMALOG insulins contact your doctor.
  1. Generalised Allergy - Generalised allergy is less common, but can be more serious than local allergies. Symptoms of generalised allergy include: rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure, fast pulse or sweating. Severe cases of generalised allergy may be life threatening.
If you think you are having a generalised allergic reaction to any HUMALOG insulin, tell a doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
  1. Lipodystrophy - A depression in the skin or an enlargement or thickening of the tissue can develop at the injection site.
Tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
A change in the way you inject and rotating the injection site may help relieve these symptoms.
  1. Oedema - Fluid retention, particularly in the ankles, feet and hands.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual or if you are concerned about any aspect of your health, even if you think the problems are not connected with this medicine and are not referred to in this leaflet.

After using HUMALOG insulins

Storage

Keep your cartridges in a fridge between 2°C - 8°C. Do not freeze any of these HUMALOG insulins.

You may keep the cartridges below 30°C for up to 28 days while you are using them. Do not put your cartridges near heat or in the sun. When the cartridge has been inserted into the pen, the cartridge pen combination should not be put in the fridge.

Do not use a cartridge after the expiry date (month, year) stamped on the label.

All medicines should be kept where young children cannot reach them.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop using HUMALOG insulins or you find your cartridges have passed their expiry date, please return any leftover cartridges to your pharmacist.

Empty cartridges and needles should be disposed of in a sharps container or similar puncture proof container composed of hard plastic or glass.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist where you can dispose of the container once it is full.

Product Description

What it looks like

HUMALOG is available in 3 mL cartridges, in a maroon carton.

HUMALOG is a clear colourless solution.

HUMALOG MIX25 is available in 3 mL cartridges, in a yellow carton.

The suspension in HUMALOG MIX25 cartridges is white and cloudy or milky.

HUMALOG MIX50 is available in 3 mL cartridges, in a red carton.

The suspension in HUMALOG MIX50 cartridges is white and cloudy or milky.

Ingredients

All cartridges in the HUMALOG range contain 100 units of insulin lispro per mL.

HUMALOG also contains metacresol, glycerol, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, zinc oxide and water for injection.

HUMALOG MIX25 and HUMALOG MIX50 also contain metacresol, phenol, glycerol, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, protamine sulfate, zinc oxide and water for injection.

Supplier

Supplied in Australia by:

Eli Lilly Australia Pty. Ltd
Level 9, 60 Margaret Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Supplied in New Zealand by:

Eli Lilly and Company (NZ) Limited
PO Box 109 197
Newmarket
Auckland 1149

Australian Registration Numbers:

HUMALOG Cartridges -AUST R 53466

HUMALOG MIX25 Cartridges - AUST R 69163

HUMALOG MIX50 Cartridges - AUST R 69166

Further Information

You can get more information about diabetes and insulin from:

Diabetes Australia

  • freecall helpline 1300 136 588
  • www.diabetesaustralia.com.au.

Diabetes New Zealand

  • tollfree helpline 0800 DIABETES (0800 342 238)
  • www.diabetes.org.nz.

This leaflet was revised in September 2023.

vA11.0

Published by MIMS November 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Humalog, Humalog Mix25, Humalog Mix50

Active ingredient

Insulin lispro; Insulin lispro protamine

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Insulin lispro (rbe).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

The Humalog range consists of three presentations:

Humalog.

Insulin lispro solution [recombinant DNA origin] is an aqueous solution of insulin lispro ([Lys (B28), Pro (B29)] human insulin analogue, adjusted to pH 7.0 to 7.8. It also contains metacresol, glycerol, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, zinc oxide and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH.
Humalog is available as a clear, colourless solution for parenteral administration in a concentration of 100 units/mL in 10 mL vials, 3 mL cartridges and 3 mL prefilled insulin delivery devices (Humalog KwikPen).

Humalog Mix25.

25% insulin lispro and 75% insulin lispro protamine suspension (NPL) [recombinant DNA origin] is a mixture of insulin lispro, a rapid-acting blood glucose lowering agent and insulin lispro protamine suspension, an intermediate-acting blood glucose lowering agent, adjusted to pH 7.0 to 7.8.
Humalog Mix25 is available as a white suspension for parenteral administration in a concentration of 100 units/mL in 3 mL cartridges and 3 mL prefilled insulin delivery devices (Humalog Mix25 KwikPen).

Humalog Mix50.

50% insulin lispro and 50% insulin lispro protamine suspension (NPL) [recombinant DNA origin] is a mixture of insulin lispro, a rapid-acting blood glucose lowering agent and insulin lispro protamine suspension, an intermediate-acting blood glucose lowering agent, adjusted to pH 7.0 to 7.8.
Humalog Mix50 is available as a white suspension for parenteral administration in a concentration of 100 units/mL in 3 mL cartridges and 3 mL prefilled insulin delivery devices (Humalog Mix50 KwikPen).
Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 also contain metacresol, phenol, glycerol, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, protamine sulfate, zinc oxide and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may be used to adjust pH.
Humalog is a Lilly human insulin analogue. It differs from other insulins because it has a unique structure, a very quick onset of action and a shorter duration of activity. Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 combine the quick onset of action of Humalog with an extended duration of activity attributable to the intermediate acting component of the mixture. Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 should be given immediately (up to 15 minutes) before a meal. When necessary, Humalog can be given soon after meals (within 20 minutes of the start of a meal). The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 given after a meal has not been established.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For the treatment of patients with type 1 (IDDM) and type 2 (NIDDM) diabetes mellitus who require insulin for the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Compared to regular insulin, Humalog takes effect more rapidly and has a shorter duration of activity (2 to 5 hours).

Adults.

In adults, Humalog, Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 can be given immediately (up to 15 minutes before a meal). When necessary, Humalog can be given soon after meals (within 20 minutes of the start of the meal). The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 given after a meal has not been established.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, Humalog may be administered in combination therapy with oral sulfonylurea agents.

Children.

In clinical studies involving children and adolescents (ages 3 to 19 years), Humalog has been shown to be safe, effective and well tolerated.
Humalog can be given immediately (up to 15 minutes before a meal). When necessary, Humalog can be given soon after meals (within 20 minutes of the start of the meal). The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 in children has not been established.

General.

During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of glucose monitoring.
Humalog should be given by subcutaneous injection. It may also be administered intravenously.
Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 should only be given by subcutaneous injection. It should not be administered intravenously. The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 given after a meal has not been established. The rapid onset and early peak activity of Humalog is observed following the subcutaneous administration of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50. The duration of action of the insulin lispro protamine suspension (NPL) component of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 is similar to that of basal insulin NPH.
Subcutaneous administration should be in the abdomen or thighs. The injection sites should be rotated so that the same site is not used more than approximately once a month in order to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localised cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localised cutaneous amyloidosis.
Care should be taken when injecting Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 to ensure that a blood vessel has not been entered. After injection, the site of injection should not be massaged.
The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals or at different times in the same individual. As with all insulin preparations, the duration of action of Humalog is dependent on dose, site of injection, blood supply, temperature and physical activity.
Humalog should not be considered as clinically equivalent to human insulin as the time to onset and time course of action are different compared with regular human insulin (see Section 5 Pharmacological Properties).
As Humalog has a time activity profile that is different from other insulins, patients previously stabilised on other insulin products should be titrated cautiously with Humalog, under medical supervision (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Humalog may be administered in combination regimens with Humulin NPH.
Humalog has been mixed with Humulin NPH. In normal volunteers, mixing Humalog with Humulin NPH immediately prior to subcutaneous injection does not affect the rapid absorption of Humalog, compared to administration of the two insulins as separate injections. There is a lack of systematic experience, in diabetic patients, concerning the mixing of Humalog with other insulins. Humalog should not be mixed with any other animal or human insulin preparations. Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should not be mixed with other insulins.

Instructions for use/ handling.

To prevent the possible transmission of disease, each Humalog KwikPen or cartridge must be used by one patient only, even if the needle is changed.
Humalog should be used as a multiuse vial in individual patients only.

Humalog - use in continuous subcutaneous infusion pumps.

The compatibility of Humalog has been studied in MiniMed and Accu-check (formerly Disetronic) insulin infusion pump systems (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials). Humalog should be used in pumps according to the manufacturer's directions. The correct reservoir and catheter for the pump should be used and the entire infusion set (including the syringe and its contents) should be changed every 48 hours. When used with an insulin infusion pump, Humalog should not be mixed with any other insulin.
Patients should ensure they have access to an alternative device at all times in case of pump failure (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 should not be used in pumps.

Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 cartridges.

Cartridges should be rolled between the palms 10 times. Holding the cartridge by one end, invert it 180° slowly 10 times to allow the glass bead to travel the full length of the cartridge with each inversion. Cartridges should not be shaken vigorously as this may cause frothing which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose. The insulin should look uniformly cloudy after mixing. If it does not, the above steps should be repeated until the contents are mixed. Cartridges of insulin should be examined frequently and should not be used if the insulin substance (the white material) remains visibly separated from the liquid after mixing. Cartridges of insulin should not be used if there are clumps in the insulin after mixing or if solid white particles stick to the bottom or wall of the cartridge, giving a frosted appearance.

Humalog Mix25 and Mix50 KwikPens.

KwikPen prefilled insulin pen delivery devices should be rolled between the palms 10 times. Holding the device by one end, invert it 180° slowly 10 times to allow the glass bead to travel the full length of the cartridge with each inversion. The devices should not be shaken vigorously as this may cause frothing which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose. The insulin should look uniformly cloudy after mixing. If it does not, the above steps should be repeated until the contents are mixed. KwikPen prefilled insulin pen delivery devices should be examined frequently and should not be used if the insulin substance (the white material) remains visibly separated from the liquid after mixing. KwikPen prefilled insulin pen delivery devices should not be used if there are clumps in the insulin after mixing or if solid white particles stick to the bottom or wall of the cartridge, giving a frosted appearance. For instructions on how to administer the insulin, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the insulin pen delivery device.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypoglycaemia.
Hypersensitivity to insulin lispro or one of its excipients.
Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 should not be given intravenously.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

General.

Any change in an insulin or human insulin analogue regimen should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision with increased frequency of glucose monitoring. Changes in strength, brand (manufacturer), type (regular, NPH, lente, etc.), species (animal, human, human insulin analogue) and/or method of manufacture (recombinant DNA versus animal source insulin) may result in the need for a change in dosage.
The shorter acting Humalog should be drawn into the syringe first, to prevent contamination of the vial by the longer acting insulin. Mixing of the insulins ahead of time or just before the injection should be on advice of the doctor. However, a consistent routine must be followed.
Patients using any of the Humalog range of insulins may require a change in dosage from that used with their usual insulins. If dosage adjustment is needed, it may occur with the first dose or during the first several weeks or months.
Patients whose glycaemic control is greatly improved, e.g. by flexible insulin therapy, may lose some or all of the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia and should be advised accordingly.
A few patients who have experienced hypoglycaemic reactions after transfer from animal source insulin to human insulin have reported that the early warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia were less pronounced or different from those experienced with their previous insulin.
Some studies with human insulin have shown increased levels of circulating insulin in patients with renal and/or hepatic dysfunction. Careful glucose monitoring and dose adjustments of insulins, including Humalog, may be necessary.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in combination with insulin are associated with an increased risk of oedema and heart failure; especially in patients with underlying cardiac disease.
Insulin requirements may be increased during illness or emotional disturbances.
Adjustment of dosage may also be necessary if patients undertake increased physical activity or change their usual diet.
Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should under no circumstances be administered intravenously. Mixing of Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 with other insulins has not been studied. Therefore, Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should not be mixed with other insulins.

Injection technique.

Patients must be instructed to perform continuous rotation of the injection site to reduce the risk of developing lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis. There is a potential risk of delayed insulin absorption and worsened glycaemic control following insulin injections at sites with these reactions. A sudden change in the injection site to an unaffected area has been reported to result in hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose monitoring is recommended after the change in the injection site, and dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications may be considered.

Subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps.

Malfunction of the insulin pump or infusion set (including pump malfunction, infusion set occlusion, leakage, disconnection or kinking) or insulin degradation can rapidly lead to hyperglycaemia and ketosis. Prompt identification and correction of the cause of hyperglycaemia or ketosis is necessary and interim subcutaneous injections with Humalog may be required. Patients using continuous subcutaneous infusion pump therapy must be trained to administer insulin by injection and have alternate insulin therapy and device available in case of pump failure (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Use in hepatic impairment.

Insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of hepatic impairment.

Use in renal impairment.

Insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of renal impairment.

Use in the elderly.

No data available.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 in patients less than 18 years of age has not been established.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The physician should be consulted when using other medication in addition to insulin lispro (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Insulin requirements may be increased by drugs with hyperglycaemic activity, such as oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, thyroid replacement therapy, isoniazid, phenothiazines, danazol or beta-2 stimulants (such as salbutamol, terbutaline).
Insulin requirements may be reduced in the presence of drugs with hypoglycaemic activity, such as oral hypoglycaemics, salicylates (for example, aspirin), sulphonamides, certain antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), certain angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril and enalapril), angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, octreotide and alcohol.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

No effects on male or female fertility have been observed in rats dosed subcutaneously with insulin lispro at dose levels up to 20 U/kg/day.
(Category A)
Humalog can be used during pregnancy. There is a large body of data which suggests that the use of Humalog during pregnancy is beneficial, and as safe as other forms of insulin therapy.
In a retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 496 women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes treated with Humalog for at least 1 month before conception and during at least the first trimester of pregnancy were reviewed to determine the rate of major congenital anomalies in their offspring. Outcomes of 533 pregnancies (542 offspring) showed the incidence of major congenital anomalies in the offspring was 5.4% (95% CI: 3.45%, 7.44%), consistent with previously published results for the offspring of women with type 1 and type 2 pregestational diabetes.
The safety and efficacy of Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 has not been established during pregnancy.
It is essential to maintain good control of the insulin treated patient (insulin dependent or gestational diabetes) throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements usually fall during the first trimester and increase during the second and third trimesters. Patients with diabetes should be advised to inform their doctor if they are pregnant or are contemplating pregnancy. Careful monitoring of the patient is required throughout pregnancy. During the perinatal period, careful monitoring of infants born to mothers with diabetes is warranted.
A reproductive study in rats showed no adverse effects on pregnancy or foetal development when insulin lispro was injected subcutaneously once daily at doses up to 20 U/kg. Teratogenic potential has not been adequately assessed in rabbits, although one study showed no embryotoxic or teratogenic activity at subcutaneous doses up to 0.75 U/kg/day. There are, however, no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Patients with diabetes who are lactating may require adjustments in insulin dose, diet or both. It is not known if insulin lispro is excreted in significant amounts in human milk. Many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human breast milk.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

The patient's ability to concentrate and to react may be impaired as a result of hypoglycaemia. This may constitute a risk in situations where these abilities are of special importance (e.g. driving a car or operating machinery). Patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia while driving, this is particularly important in those who have reduced or absent awareness of the warning signs of hypoglycaemia or have frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. The advisability of driving should be considered in these circumstances.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The preclinical safety profile indicates that Humalog is safe in the chronic treatment of diabetes in humans. The safety profile of Humalog has been assessed in a series of preclinical studies. In in vitro tests, including binding to insulin receptor sites and effects on growing cells, Humalog behaved in a manner that closely resembled human insulin. Toxicology studies produced no significant toxicity findings. Most importantly, and like human insulin, Humalog did not produce proliferative effects or tumours in organs and tissues when given at very high subcutaneous doses in chronic toxicity tests.

Hypoglycaemia.

Hypoglycaemia is the most frequent undesirable effect of insulin therapy. Severe hypoglycaemia may lead to loss of consciousness and, in extreme cases, death. The clinical studies on Humalog showed no difference between the frequency of symptomatic hypoglycaemia or the frequency of hypoglycaemic coma when compared to Humulin R; however, the studies did show a consistent, but not always significant, reduction of postprandial glycaemic excursion in patients using Humalog.

Allergic reactions.

Local allergy in patients occasionally occurs as redness, swelling and itching at the site of insulin injection. This condition usually resolves in a few days to a few weeks. In some instances, this condition may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants in the skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique. Systemic allergy, less common but potentially more serious, is a generalised allergy to insulin. It may cause rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure, fast pulse or sweating. Severe cases of generalised allergy may be life threatening.

Lipodystrophy.

Rarely, administration of insulin subcutaneously can result in lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy. A change in injection technique may help alleviate the problem.

Spontaneous data.

Cases of oedema have been reported with insulin therapy, particularly if previous poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Lipodystrophy and localised cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection site have occurred. Hyperglycaemia has been reported with repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localised cutaneous amyloidosis; hypoglycaemia has been reported with a sudden change to an unaffected injection site (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Insulins have no specific overdose definitions because serum glucose concentrations are a result of complex interactions between insulin levels, glucose availability and other metabolic processes. Hypoglycaemia may occur as a result of an excess of insulin or insulin analogue relative to food intake and energy expenditure.
Hypoglycaemia may be associated with listlessness, confusion, palpitations, headache, sweating and vomiting.
Mild hypoglycaemic episodes will respond to oral administration of glucose or other sugar or saccharated products.
Correction of moderately severe hypoglycaemia can be accomplished by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of glucagon, followed by oral carbohydrate when the patient recovers sufficiently. Patients who fail to respond to glucagon must be given glucose solution intravenously.
If the patient is comatose, glucagon should be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. However, glucose solution must be given intravenously if glucagon is not available or if the patient fails to respond to glucagon. The patient should be given a meal as soon as consciousness is recovered.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

The unique structure of Humalog, compared to regular human insulin, results in a faster rate of absorption from subcutaneous sites of injection, a more rapid effect and a shorter duration of action, more closely mimicking the normal physiological response.
Humalog has a very rapid onset of action, allowing it to be given immediately before a meal, compared to regular insulin, which should be given 30 minutes before a meal. In initial clinical pharmacology studies, the onset of action of Humalog was seen within 15 minutes of administration, while onset of action for regular insulin was 30 to 45 minutes following administration. Serum insulin levels peaked earlier with Humalog, corresponding to an earlier peak action of Humalog (approximately 1 hour) as compared to regular insulin (2 to 3 hours). The pharmacokinetics of Humalog translated into a shorter duration of activity when compared to regular insulin, approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours for Humalog as compared with 5.5 to 7.5 hours for regular insulin.
Results of a glucose clamp study in healthy volunteers showed that the absorption and activity profiles of insulin lispro protamine suspension (NPL) are similar to those of human insulin isophane suspension (NPH). The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of insulin lispro/ insulin lispro protamine suspension (NPL) mixtures were investigated in a separate glucose clamp study. The rapid activity of insulin lispro was maintained within each mixture. In addition, each mixture demonstrated a distinct pharmacokinetic and glucodynamic profile.
As with all insulin preparations, the time course of Humalog action may vary in different individuals, or at different times in the same individual, and is dependent on site of injection, blood supply, body temperature and physical activity. The primary activity of Humalog is the regulation of glucose metabolism.
In addition, insulins have several anabolic and anticatabolic actions on a variety of different tissues. In muscle and other tissues (except the brain), insulin causes rapid transport of glucose and amino acids intracellularly, promotes anabolism, and inhibits protein catabolism. In the liver, insulin promotes the uptake and storage of glucose in the form of glycogen, inhibits gluconeogenesis, and promotes the conversion of excess glucose into fat.

Clinical trials.

Eight pivotal studies were designed to evaluate the use of Humalog as a mealtime insulin using postprandial glucose control as the primary efficacy objective. These studies were designed to incorporate men and women of many racial/ ethnic heritages and cultural dietary patterns, aged 12 to 85 with new or previously treated type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. In these trials, 2,247 patients received Humalog.
Four global, multicentre, clinical studies of Humalog (studies IOAA-IOAD) were designed to incorporate type 1 and type 2 patients who were already receiving insulin therapy and who had been treated with human insulin for at least 2 months prior to study entry. All four were 1 year, open label, randomised, parallel studies using Humulin R in a multiple daily injection, basal bolus therapeutic regimen as the active comparator (see Table 1).
Four global, multicentre, clinical studies of Humalog (studies IOAE-IOAH) were conducted to incorporate type 1 and type 2 patients who had never received insulin, to evaluate antibody formation in patients not previously treated with insulin, and to have larger studies of both type 1 and 2 patients previously treated with insulin (see Table 1).
The studies in new type 1 and type 2 patients, IOAE and IOAF, were 1 year, open label, randomised, parallel, studies using Humulin R as the active comparator. The choice of basal insulin was at the discretion of the investigator, either Humulin NPH or Humulin UL, and once chosen was the basal insulin for the entire study. The study design was identical to the earlier studies, IOAA-IOAD.
Studies IOAG and IOAH were 6 month, open label, randomised, crossover studies in type 1 and type 2 patients who were currently being treated with insulin and had been using human insulin for at least the previous 2 months. Humulin R was the active comparator. The choice of basal insulin was at the discretion of the investigator, either Humulin NPH or Humulin UL, and once chosen was the basal insulin for the entire study. The power of the crossover design, with each patient serving as his or her own control, and the large patient numbers allowed these two studies to provide the major conclusions (consistent with the conclusions of the first six studies) regarding the efficacy of Humalog on reduction of the postprandial glucose excursion in patients with diabetes. In addition, study IOAG demonstrated a significant reduction in the rate of hypoglycaemia, overall, as well as demonstrating significant reduction in nocturnal hypoglycaemia in patients receiving Humalog.
In all of the studies there were no clinically significant safety issues with Humalog. There was no evidence of increased immunogenicity of Humalog compared to Humulin R. Further studies are continuing on the immunogenicity of Humalog.
In the clinical trials of Humalog, approximately one-half to two-thirds of type 1 patients and approximately one-third of type 2 patients had their basal insulin in the morning. More than 90% of the patients having a morning dose of basal insulin had it mixed with their breakfast dose of Humalog.
Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvement in postprandial glucose excursions without producing delayed postprandial hyperglycaemia and without an adverse effect on overall control as measured by haemoglobin A1c. Therapy with Humalog was also associated with no adverse impact on hypoglycaemia and, in fact, in the large studies with type 1 patients (those most at risk of hypoglycaemia) there was a reduction in the rate of hypoglycaemia overall and a reduction in nocturnal hypoglycaemia. Across all of the studies there were no significant safety issues.
Humalog is superior to regular human insulin in those measures that reflect rapid onset and shorter duration of action. Early studies showed no significant difference in overall glycaemic control, as measured by haemoglobin A1c, between Humalog and regular human insulin, either in patients established on insulin or in newly diagnosed patients. Haemoglobin A1c is improved with Humalog by varying the basal regimen, to compensate for preprandial hyperglycaemia and to make use of the reduced postprandial blood glucose levels provided by Humalog.
When used in MiniMed 507 or 507c subcutaneous infusion pumps, treatment with Humalog has been shown to result in statistically significant lower haemoglobin A1c levels compared to soluble insulin. It is not known if this is a clinically significant difference. Study IOEB was a 6 month, open label, crossover study of type 1 patients who were randomised to receive Humalog or regular human insulin for 12 weeks using the MiniMed 506 insulin infusion pump. After 12 weeks the patients were crossed over to the alternative treatment. All patients had used insulin infusion devices for at least 12 months prior to randomisation. Bolus doses of regular human insulin were given 15 to 30 minutes before meals and Humalog was given 0 to 5 minutes before meals. The primary efficacy variable for this study was the standard deviation in blood glucose values, which was shown to be smaller on Humalog. Haemoglobin A1c levels were determined at the end of the run-in phase, at 12 weeks and at the end of the study.
Study IOCR had a similar study design as study IOEB, except it was an 8 month study. The primary efficacy variable for this study was postprandial blood glucose values. Haemoglobin A1c levels were determined at baseline, at 16 weeks and at the end of the study.
Study IOEQ had a similar study design as study IOEB, however bolus doses of regular human insulin or Humalog were given immediately before meal onset. The primary efficacy variable for this study was postprandial blood glucose values. Haemoglobin A1c levels were determined at baseline, at 12 weeks and at the end of the study.
Studies IOEB and IOCR used pumps that were not registered in Australia. Study IOEQ used various pump models. Of these, the MiniMed 507 pump is registered in Australia. See Table 2.
In patients with type 2 diabetes on maximum doses of sulfonylurea agents, the addition of Humalog resulted in an improvement in haemoglobin A1c compared to patients continuing on sulfonylurea therapy alone. Study IOCE was a 2 month randomised, open label comparative study of Humalog, sulfonylurea and insulin NPH combinations. In this study, haemoglobin A1c levels were reduced by 1.6% with the combination of Humalog and sulfonylurea, when compared to baseline, in patients with fasting hyperglycaemia despite maximal doses of sulfonylurea.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

See Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

There was no evidence of any genotoxic activity in a range of assays for gene mutations, chromosomal effects and DNA damage.

Carcinogenicity.

Carcinogenicity studies of insulin lispro have not been conducted.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition; Section 3 Pharmaceutical Form.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Humalog should not be mixed with any other animal or human insulin preparations. Humalog Mix25 or Humalog Mix50 should not be mixed with other insulins. See Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Humalog preparations should be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. They should not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat or sunlight.
Humalog vials, cartridges and KwikPen prefilled pen delivery devices can be kept at ambient temperature below 30°C and away from direct heat and light for 28 days while in use. Humalog Mix25 and Humalog Mix50 cartridges can be kept at ambient temperature below 30°C and away from direct heat and light for 28 days while in use. The reusable cartridge pen combination should not be refrigerated.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Humalog.

[100 U/mL of insulin lispro (rbe)] is supplied in:
10 mL rubber-stoppered vials.
3 mL cartridges for use in the HumaPen (5 cartridges per pack).
KwikPen prefilled insulin delivery device containing a 3 mL cartridge (5 per pack).

Humalog Mix25.

(100 U/mL of 25% insulin lispro (rbe) and 75% insulin lispro (rbe) protamine suspension) is supplied in:
3 mL cartridges for use in the HumaPen (5 cartridges per pack).
KwikPen prefilled insulin delivery device containing a 3 mL cartridge (5 per pack).

Humalog Mix50.

(100 U/mL of 50% insulin lispro (rbe) and 50% insulin lispro (rbe) protamine suspension) is supplied in:
3 mL cartridges for use in the HumaPen (5 cartridges per pack).
KwikPen prefilled insulin delivery device containing a 3 mL cartridge (5 per pack).

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical structure.


CAS number.

133107-64-9.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4 - Prescription only medicine.

Summary Table of Changes