HUMALOG MIX-25 KWIKPEN

Description

HUMALOG MIX-25 KWIKPEN is a pre-filled pen containing a biphasic insulin suspension, meaning it’s a mixture of two types of insulin:

1. Insulin Lispro (25%): This is a rapid-acting insulin.
2. Insulin Lispro Protamine Suspension (75%): This is an intermediate-acting insulin.

This combination is designed to provide both rapid post-meal blood sugar control and sustained blood sugar lowering throughout the day. It’s available at a concentration of 100 International Units per milliliter (100 IU/ML).

What it’s used for:

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2): Humalog Mix-25 KwikPen is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s often used when a patient needs both rapid action for mealtime glucose and a longer-lasting effect for basal control, without the need for separate injections of rapid and intermediate insulin.

How it works:

• Dual Action: The insulin lispro component acts quickly to lower blood sugar after meals, while the insulin lispro protamine component provides a sustained effect to manage glucose levels between meals and overnight. This combination aims to mimic the body’s natural insulin release more closely.

Administration:

• KwikPen Device: It comes in a convenient, disposable pre-filled pen for easy self-injection.
• Subcutaneous Injection: It’s injected under the skin (subcutaneously) into areas like the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks.
• Timing: Humalog Mix-25 is typically injected within 15 minutes before a meal (usually before breakfast and the evening meal, or as directed by your doctor). The exact timing and dosage are individualized by your healthcare provider.
• Mixing Before Use: Because it’s a suspension, it needs to be gently rolled and inverted several times (e.g., 10 times each) before each injection to ensure the insulin is evenly mixed and appears uniformly cloudy/milky. Do not shake vigorously.
• Rotation of Injection Sites: Always rotate injection sites within the chosen area to prevent skin changes (lipodystrophy) and ensure consistent absorption.
• Do NOT Share: KwikPens are for single-patient use only. Never share pens, even if the needle is changed, due to the risk of infection.
• Do NOT Dilute or Mix with Other Insulins: Unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional, this formulation should not be diluted or mixed with other insulins. It’s not for intravenous administration or for use in insulin pumps.

Important Considerations and Side Effects:

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): This is the most common and serious side effect. Symptoms can include sweating, shakiness, confusion, headache, dizziness, hunger, and rapid heartbeat. It’s crucial to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and to always carry a source of fast-acting sugar (like glucose tablets or juice) to treat hypoglycemia immediately. The risk is higher if meals are delayed or missed after injection.
• Weight Gain: Some weight gain is a common side effect of insulin therapy.
• Injection Site Reactions: Redness, pain, swelling, itching, or lumps/pitting at the injection site can occur. Rotating sites helps minimize these.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but potentially severe allergic reactions can occur.
• Hypokalemia (Low Potassium): Insulin can cause potassium to shift into cells, potentially lowering blood potassium levels.
• Storage: Unopened pens should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Once opened, they can usually be stored at room temperature for a limited time (check the specific product leaflet, typically around 28 days). Do not freeze.
• Interaction with Alcohol: Alcohol can significantly affect blood sugar levels and should be consumed with caution or avoided as advised by your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Be aware that low or high blood sugar can impair your concentration and ability to react.