Insulin lispro

Prandial Insulin·Endocrinology - Insulins & Injectables

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Authority requiredPBSINSULINHumalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)Pre-filled pens or cartridge…+2

Max Dose

Titrated

Onset

15 mins

Timing

WITH MEALS

Hypoglycemia

HIGH RISK

Rapid Summary

Overview

Ultra-rapid-acting mealtime (prandial) insulin. Functionally identical in clinical use to Insulin Aspart (NovoRapid). Used to cover mealtime carbohydrate spikes or correct high sugars.

Maximum Dose

Titrated dynamically.

Clinical Focus

Must be injected within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Delaying food will cause a severe hypo.

Bottom Line

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin interchangeable with insulin aspart, but requires injection immediately before meals and carries significant hypoglycaemia risk.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)

Parenteral

Pre-filled pens or cartridges for SC injection (100 U/mL, 200 U/mL). Clear solution.

Prescribing & PBS

Authority Required (PBS).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Clinical Place

The 'Bolus' in the basal-bolus regimen. Highly interchangeable with Aspart based on hospital formulary.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Prandial Insulin — Ultra-rapid-acting mealtime (prandial) insulin.

Route / Formulation

Pre-filled pens or cartridges for SC injection (100 U/mL, 200 U/mL). Clear solution. (Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast))

Usual Dose & Max

SC Administer 0-15 mins before a meal. Dose varies by carb counting or fixed regimens. Titrated dynamically.

Key Indication Doses

Mealtime Coverage: SC Administer 0-15 mins before a meal. Dose varies by carb counting or fixed regimens. IV Infusion / DKA: IV Regular insulin is preferred, but rapid analogues can be used in emergencies.

Best Uses

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin interchangeable with insulin aspart, but requires injection immediately before meals and carries significant hypoglycaemia risk.

Avoid / Cautions

Active hypoglycemia. Pregnancy Category A.

Key Risks

Metabolic: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, hypokalemia. Dermatological: Lipohypertrophy.

Key Interactions

Beta-blockers (masks hypos), steroids (causes resistance).

Monitoring

Ensure the food is physically in front of the patient before administering. Pre-meal BSL check.

Clinical Pearl

Humalog comes in a highly concentrated 200 U/mL pen. The pen clicker automatically does the math (1 click = 1 unit). However, if a nurse draws liquid *out* of this pen with a standard 100 U/mL syringe, they will give the patient a double lethal dose. Never draw from a 200 U/mL pen.

Access

Authority requiredHumalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)

Brand: Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)
PBS status: Authority required

Insulin lispro

Prandial Insulin·Endocrinology - Insulins & Injectables

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Authority requiredPBSINSULINHumalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)Pre-filled pens or cartridge…+2

Max Dose

Titrated

Onset

15 mins

Timing

WITH MEALS

Hypoglycemia

HIGH RISK

Rapid Summary

Overview

Ultra-rapid-acting mealtime (prandial) insulin. Functionally identical in clinical use to Insulin Aspart (NovoRapid). Used to cover mealtime carbohydrate spikes or correct high sugars.

Maximum Dose

Titrated dynamically.

Clinical Focus

Must be injected within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal. Delaying food will cause a severe hypo.

Bottom Line

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin interchangeable with insulin aspart, but requires injection immediately before meals and carries significant hypoglycaemia risk.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)

Parenteral

Pre-filled pens or cartridges for SC injection (100 U/mL, 200 U/mL). Clear solution.

Prescribing & PBS

Authority Required (PBS).

Indications & Use

Primary

PBSTGA

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Clinical Place

The 'Bolus' in the basal-bolus regimen. Highly interchangeable with Aspart based on hospital formulary.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Prandial Insulin — Ultra-rapid-acting mealtime (prandial) insulin.

Route / Formulation

Pre-filled pens or cartridges for SC injection (100 U/mL, 200 U/mL). Clear solution. (Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast))

Usual Dose & Max

SC Administer 0-15 mins before a meal. Dose varies by carb counting or fixed regimens. Titrated dynamically.

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting mealtime insulin interchangeable with insulin aspart, but requires injection immediately before meals and carries significant hypoglycaemia risk.

Avoid / Cautions

Active hypoglycemia. Pregnancy Category A.

Key Risks

Metabolic: Hypoglycemia, weight gain, hypokalemia. Dermatological: Lipohypertrophy.

Key Interactions

Beta-blockers (masks hypos), steroids (causes resistance).

Monitoring

Ensure the food is physically in front of the patient before administering. Pre-meal BSL check.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Authority requiredHumalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)

Brand: Humalog, Lyumjev (ultra-fast)
PBS status: Authority required