If you have diabetes, your doctor might suggest Humalog or Humalog Mix as a treatment option for you.

Humalog (insulin lispro) and Humalog Mix (insulin lispro and insulin lispro protamine) are prescription medications used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

This article describes the dosages of Humalog and Humalog Mix, including forms, strengths, and how to use these drugs. To learn more about Humalog as well as Humalog Mix, see this in-depth article.

Note: When using Humalog or Humalog Mix, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Humalog prescription medications are used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. These drugs come in two types: Humalog and Humalog Mix.

The main ingredient in Humalog is insulin lispro, which is a rapid-acting insulin analog. (An analog is a synthetic version of the insulin found naturally in your body.)

Humalog mix contains a drug. It also contains a longer-acting form of the diabetes drug lispro protamine. There are two different forms of Humalog.

  • Humalog mix 50
  • Humalog mix75

Both Humalog and Humalog Mix come as a liquid solution that you receive as a subcutaneous injection (which is an injection under your skin). A healthcare professional can also give you Humalog as an intravenous (IV) infusion (which is an injection into a vein that’s given over time). Humalog Mix can’t be given as an IV infusion.

What are the forms of Humalog?

Humalog comes in many forms.

Humalog form Form description Form size(s) Units of insulin per milliliter (mL)
Humalog multidose vial Vial containing several doses of insulin that can be used for injections, infusions, and insulin pump refills • 3 mL
• 10 mL		 • U-100 (100 units of insulin per mL)
Humalog KwikPen Disposable, prefilled injection pen • 3 mL • U-100
• U-200
Humalog Tempo Pen Disposable, prefilled injection pen • 3 mL • U-100
Humalog Junior KwikPen Disposable, prefilled injection pen • 3 mL • U-100
Humalog cartridges Disposable, prefilled cartridge • 3 mL • U-100

Humalog mix 50 and Mix75/25 are available in two forms:

Humalog form Form description Form size Units of insulin per milliliter (mL)
Humalog Mix multidose vial Vials containing several dosages of insulin that can be used for injections 10 mL U-100 (100 units of insulin per mL)
Humalog Mix KwikPen Disposable, prefilled injection pens 3 mL U-100

If you have questions about Humalog, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What strengths does Humalog come in?

U-100 contains 100 units ofinsulin per mL, and U-200 contains 200 units ofinsulin per mL. The U-200 strength is used for injections.

Humalog mix 50 and Humalog mix75 come in only the U-100 strength. Humalog mix 50 contains 50% insulin lispro and 50% insulin lispro protamine. Humalog mix75 contains 75% insulin lispro protamine and 25% insulin lispro.

What are the typical dosages of Humalog?

Your doctor will probably start you with a low dose. They will adjust your dose over time to reach the right amount. The doctor will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect. There is no maximum dose for Humalog.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for type 1 diabetes

“Humalog doesn’t have any recommendations for how much to put in the medication. The dose your doctor prescribes can be affected by a number of factors, such as Your weight., how well your diabetes is managed, and other conditions.”

With type 1 diabetes, you’ll typically calculate a total insulin dose for each day. Then you’ll take half of your insulin as long-acting insulin and the other half as rapid-acting insulin.

Your doctor will teach you how to calculate a daily total daily dose of Humalog or Humalog Mix.

Based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, the dose for type 1 diabetes is about 0.4 to 1.0 units of insulin per kilogram (kg) of body weight. (One kg is roughly equal to 2.2 pounds.)

The type of medication you are prescribed will affect how you use it.

  • Humalog: If you’re prescribed Humalog, you’ll typically use the medication 15 minutes before or after a meal. Your dose and dosing schedule will depend on what your doctor determines is right for you.
  • Humalog Mix: If you’re prescribed either Humalog mix 50 or Mix75/25, you’ll typically use the medication 15 minutes before meals. You’ll do this twice daily to cover two meals. The dose you’ll take depends on your doctor’s recommendations.

If your doctor prescribes Humalog for use with an insulin pump, they’ll show you how to set your insulin dosage.

If you have questions about Humalog, talk to your doctor.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

“Humalog doesn’t have any recommendations for how much to put in the medication. The doctor may prescribe a different dose of a medication than you are used to.”

With type 2 diabetes, you’ll typically receive a scheduled dose of a long-acting insulin. You can add rapid or short-acting insulin at mealtimes to help manage your blood sugar.

Based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, the starting dose for rapid-acting insulins such as Humalog is about 4 units, or about 10% of your long-acting insulin dose. You should take your dose of rapid-acting insulin at your largest meal of the day.

The type of medication you are prescribed will affect how you use it.

  • Humalog: If you’re prescribed Humalog, you’ll typically use the medication 15 minutes before or after a meal. Your dose and dosing schedule will depend on what your doctor determines is right for you.
  • Humalog Mix: If you’re prescribed either Humalog mix 50 or Mix75/25, you’ll typically use the medication 15 minutes before meals. You’ll do this twice daily to cover two meals.

If you have questions about Humalog, talk to your doctor.

Is Humalog used long term?

Humalog and Humalog Mix are used for long-term treatment. It is likely that you will use it for a long time if you and your doctor determine that either is safe and effective for you.

What’s the dosage of Humalog for children?

Humalog is approved for use in children. Humalog Mix is not approved for this use.

“Humalog has not been studied in children under the age of 3 years. It hasn’t been studied in children with diabetes.”

“Humalog doesn’t have any recommendations for how much the medication should be used for. Each person’s Humalog dosage will be different. The doctor will help determine the right dose of Humalog for your child if they recommend it.”

If you have questions about Humalog, you should talk to your doctor.

The amount of Humalog or Humalog Mix you are prescribed may be affected by a number of factors. These include:

  • The type of diabetes you have.
  • Which form of medication you use?
  • Your weight.
  • You have goals for your blood sugar levels.
  • How often do you exercise?
  • You have other medical conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

An insulin sliding scale is a dosage chart that helps people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes figure out their insulin dosing. Based on your blood sugar levels, the chart should tell you how much insulin to take at mealtimes or before bed.

If your doctor recommends it, they will help you make a scale that fits your needs.

The scale may depend on other factors such as diet and exercise. If certain factors change, your insulin needs may change as well. Not considering those changes may put you at risk for both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Humalog or Humalog Mix can be used to make a sliding scale. A sliding scale may not be the right option for you. Discuss with your doctor the best way to calculate your needs.

There are answers to some questions.

How do I know how much Humalog or Humalog Mix I should use?

Humalog medications can vary in dosage. It is based on many factors, such as your diet and daily needs for blood sugar control. Your doctor will help you figure out a treatment plan for your diabetes.

The “What is Humalog\’s dosage?” section gives more information about the drug.

What’s the dosage if I’m using a KwikPen?

The amount of your KwikPen will be dependent on a number of factors, including your current blood sugar levels and diet. You will probably have to calculate a dose for each injection. When you were prescribed your medication, you should follow the instructions that your doctor gave you.

The “What is Humalog\’s dosage?” section is where you can find more information about Humalog and Humalog Mix.

Can I use Humalog at bedtime?

It is unlikely that you will use Humalog at night. If you are having a meal before bed, you may need to use it. This depends on what your doctor told you.

Typically, people with type 2 diabetes use a long-acting insulin at night to treat their condition. This form of insulin helps manage blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after you inject it. An example of long-acting insulin is Levemir (insulin detemir).

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about Humalog.

Humalog and Humalog Mix come as a liquid solution that you receive as a subcutaneous injection (which is an injection under your skin). A healthcare professional can also give you Humalog as an intravenous (IV) infusion (which is an injection into a vein that’s given over time). Humalog Mix can’t be given as an IV infusion.

Humalog can also be used with an insulin pump. This device can be worn on your body and delivers a set dose of insulin throughout the day. Insulin pumps can also give extra doses of insulin at mealtimes.

Humalog and Humalog Mix have different strengths and forms. The “What is Humalog\’s dosage?” section is where you can find more information.

If you’re receiving Humalog or Humalog Mix for the first time, your doctor will show you or your caregiver how to inject it. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You can also refer to step-by-step guides in the prescribing information for Humalog, Humalog mix 50, or Humalog mix75.

You will probably keep Humalog in your refrigerator. If you are using a new pen or multidose vial, you should take it out of your refrigerator. It should get to a room temperature of 86F (30C).

“Before the injection, make sure the medication is in working order. Humalog should be clear. Humalog mix should be cloudy. If the medication doesn’t look right, use a new one.”

Multiple times you can use the multidose vials and prefilled syringes. When giving yourself an injection, never reuse a single-use syringe.

Humalog or Humalog Mix will be used around meal times. Immediately after you finish your meal, give yourself a dose if you forget to do so. If you missed your dose a few hours after your meal, give yourself a dose at your regular time.

If you take Humalog late, theinsulin will start working later than if you take it when you normally would. You should be on the lookout for any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. You should monitor your blood sugar level more often.

If you receive Humalog, you should schedule your missed appointments as soon as possible.

If you have questions about missed dose, contact your doctor.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Humalog or Humalog Mix on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Don’t use more of your Humalog medication than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You should monitor your blood sugar levels closely and make sure you know how much insulin you should be taking.

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

What to do in case you use too much Humalog

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Humalog or Humalog Mix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If your doctor recommends Humalog or Humalog Mix, they will prescribe the correct amount for you. You may have questions about your dose.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Humalog or Humalog Mix without your doctor’s approval. Only use the medication exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • What should I do if I forget to take my Humalog medication?
  • How do my activities affect my Humalog dose?
  • Does the Humalog medication need to be changed if I take other drugs with it?

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Q:

Humalog U-100 and Humalog U-200 are different.

Anonymous

A:

Humalog U-100 has 100 units ofinsulin per liter and Humalog U-200 has 200 units/ liter. The active ingredient in both strengths isinsulin lispro.

Humalog U-100 has less units of lispro per mL ofinsulin, but Humalog U-200 has more units. If you are prescribed Humalog U-200, you will likely use a smaller volume ofinsulin.

It is important to talk to your doctor before changing from Humalog U-100 to Humalog U-200.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.