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insulin lispro

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Brand names: Humalog

Rapid-Acting Insulin Rx

Admelog is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels. It is used to treat diabetes in adults and children.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$9.80/unit

Generic Price

$10.20/unit

Generic Available

Yes (0 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

What it does

Admelog is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Common side effects

Common cold, Upper respiratory infection

Key warnings

Never share your Admelog SoloStar pen or syringe with anyone else, even if you change the needle.

How It Works

Admelog is a man-made insulin that works like the insulin your body should be making. It helps sugar move from your blood into your cells. This lowers your blood sugar levels.

How to Take It

Admelog is injected under the skin within 15 minutes before or right after you eat a meal. You can inject it into your belly area, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks. Change your injection spot each time to avoid skin problems. Your doctor will tell you how much Admelog to use based on your needs.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using Admelog with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and take your next dose as usual with your next meal. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Storage

Keep unopened Admelog in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 28 days. Once opened, keep at room temperature and throw away after 28 days, even if there is medicine left.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 89,504 FDA adverse event reports.

High blood sugar
38,181
Wrong dose given
9,067
Low blood sugar
8,760
Medicine not working
8,065
Vision problems
5,392
Feeling sick to your stomach
4,787
Feeling unwell
3,948
Low blood sugar
3,799
Tiredness
3,754
Skipped medicine dose
3,751

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 134,198 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2004–2025.

Total Reports

134,198

Death-Related Reports

5,906

Hospitalization Reports

33,389

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 72,004 (56%)
Male 56,141 (44%)

Age Distribution

0–17 2,814
18–44 9,047
45–64 25,559
65–74 18,865
75+ 13,536

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

# Reaction Reports
1 BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED 38,180
2 INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED 9,067
3 BLOOD GLUCOSE DECREASED 8,761
4 DRUG INEFFECTIVE 8,068
5 VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 5,392
6 NAUSEA 4,787
7 MALAISE 3,946
8 HYPOGLYCAEMIA 3,800
9 FATIGUE 3,754
10 DRUG DOSE OMISSION 3,751
11 FALL 3,428
12 UNDERDOSE 3,374
13 DIARRHOEA 3,156
14 GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN INCREASED 3,144
15 VOMITING 3,121

Reactions in Death Reports

DEATH 2,351
PNEUMONIA 343
RENAL FAILURE 337
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 321
DYSPNOEA 268
SEPSIS 249
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION 245
RESPIRATORY FAILURE 224
CARDIAC ARREST 211
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE 189

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED 5,579
FALL 2,085
BLOOD GLUCOSE DECREASED 1,931
PNEUMONIA 1,872
HYPOGLYCAEMIA 1,863
DYSPNOEA 1,830
NAUSEA 1,767
VOMITING 1,738
DRUG INEFFECTIVE 1,513
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS 1,475

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

Never share your Admelog SoloStar pen or syringe with anyone else, even if you change the needle. Sharing can spread blood-borne diseases. Changes in your insulin plan can cause high or low blood sugar. Make these changes carefully with your doctor's help. Low blood sugar can be life-threatening. Watch your blood sugar closely.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate fluoxetine

Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with ADMELOG Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide,...

Mechanism: Fluoxetine can increase the blood-sugar-lowering effect of insulin, which raises the risk of your blood sugar dropping too low.

What to do: Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and talk to your doctor about adjusting your insulin dose.

moderate pramlintide

Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with ADMELOG Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide,...

Mechanism: Both of these medicines lower blood sugar, so taking them together increases the chance of having dangerously low blood sugar.

What to do: You should check your blood sugar more frequently and your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dosage.

moderate octreotide

Table 2: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with ADMELOG Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide,...

Mechanism: Octreotide can make insulin work more strongly or lower blood sugar on its own, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.

What to do: Watch for signs of low blood sugar and consult your doctor about potential changes to your insulin dose.

Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of ADMELOG Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives,...

Mechanism: Albuterol can make insulin less effective at lowering your blood sugar levels.

What to do: Check your blood sugar levels often and consult your doctor about adjusting your insulin dose.

Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of ADMELOG Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine and reserpine. Drugs that may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and pentamidine ( 7 ).

Mechanism: Clonidine can change how insulin affects your blood sugar and may hide the physical signs of low blood sugar.

What to do: Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and be aware that you might not notice typical symptoms of low blood sugar.

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Common Questions

What should I do if my insulin pump malfunctions?
If your insulin pump stops working, check your blood sugar and inject Admelog under your skin.
Can I mix Admelog with other insulins?
Do NOT mix Admelog with other insulins when using a continuous subcutaneous infusion pump.
How often should I change the Admelog in my insulin pump?
Change the Admelog in your pump at least every 7 days, or as directed in your pump manual.
What if I see particles or color in my Admelog?
Do not use Admelog if it has particles or is colored. It should be clear and colorless.
Can changes to my insulin plan affect my blood sugar?
Yes, changes to your insulin plan can cause high or low blood sugar levels.
What should I do if I keep injecting into the same spot?
If you keep injecting into the same spot, change to a new spot to avoid skin problems.
How often should I check my blood sugar?
Check your blood sugar often, especially when you change your insulin dose or routine.
What happens if I take too much Admelog?
Taking too much Admelog can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
What happens if I don't take enough Admelog?
Not taking enough Admelog can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Can other medicines affect Admelog?
Yes, many medicines can affect your blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
What are the common side effects of insulin lispro?
The most commonly reported side effects of insulin lispro include Common cold, Upper respiratory infection. Based on 89,504 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
Does insulin lispro interact with other medications?
Yes, insulin lispro has 11 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include fluoxetine, pramlintide, octreotide. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What drug class is insulin lispro?
insulin lispro belongs to the Rapid-Acting Insulin drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Admelog is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.
Is insulin lispro safe during pregnancy?
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can harm both the mother and the baby. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Has insulin lispro been recalled?
There is 1 recall associated with insulin lispro products. Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Malformed crimped collar seal. Check the recalls section below for full details and affected products.

Active Recalls

Class II April 11, 2023

Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Malformed crimped collar seal

Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC

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What the FDA Data Shows for insulin lispro

The FDA label for insulin lispro (sold under brand names such as Humalog) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Rapid-Acting Insulin class. Admelog is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Official labeling lists 2 commonly reported side effects, including Common cold, Upper respiratory infection.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 89,504 voluntary reports. The database also lists 11 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated moderate severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $10.20 versus $9.80 for the brand.

Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 1 recall record on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: June 4, 2025

All federal data sources used on this page