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Patients should always use Humalog Mix25 KwikPen/Humalog Mix50 KwikPen exactly as advised by their doctor. Patients should check with their doctor if they are not sure. To prevent the possible transmission of disease, each pen must be used by one patient only, even if the needle is changed.
Dose: Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50 should normally be injected within 15 minutes of a meal. If needed, it can be injected soon after a meal. Patients will be advised exactly how much to use, when to use it, and how often. These instructions are only for the individual patient. Patients should follow them exactly and visit their diabetes clinic regularly.
If patients change the type of insulin they use (for example from a human or animal insulin to a Humalog product), they may have to take more or less than before. This might just be for the first injection or it may be a gradual change over several weeks or months.
Humalog Mix25 KwikPen/Humalog Mix50 KwikPen is only suitable for injecting just under the skin. Patients should speak to their doctor if they need to inject their insulin by another method.
Preparing Humalog Mix25 KwikPen/Humalog Mix50 KwikPen: The KwikPen should be rotated in the palms of the hands ten times and inverted 180° ten times immediately before use to resuspend insulin until it appears uniformly cloudy or milky. If not, repeat the previously mentioned procedure until contents are mixed. Cartridges contain a small glass bead to assist mixing. Do not shake vigorously as this may cause frothing which may interfere with the correct measurement of the dose. The cartridges should be examined frequently and should not be used if clumps of material are present or if solid white particles stick to the bottom or wall of the cartridge, giving it a frosted appearance. Patients should check each time they inject themselves.
Getting the KwikPen ready to use: First wash the hands.
Read the instructions on how to use the pre-filled insulin pen. Follow the instructions carefully.
Use a clean needle. (Needles are not included.)
Prime the KwikPen before each use. This checks that insulin comes out and clears the air bubbles from the KwikPen. There may still be some small air bubbles left in the pen - these are harmless. But if the air bubbles are too large it may affect the insulin dose.
Injecting Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50: Before an injection is made, clean the skin as instructed. Inject under the skin as taught. Do not inject directly into a vein. After the injection, leave the needle in the skin for five seconds to make sure the whole dose has been taken. Do not rub the area just injected. Make sure to inject at least half an inch (1 cm) from where the last injection was and to 'rotate' the places injected, as taught.
After injecting: As soon as the injection has been done, unscrew the needle from the KwikPen using the outer needle cap. This will keep the insulin sterile and stop it leaking. It also stops air entering the pen and the needle clogging. Do not share the needles. Do not share the pen. Replace the cap on the pen.
Further injections: Every time a KwikPen is used, a new needle must be used. Before every injection, clear any air bubbles. Hold the KwikPen with the needle pointing up to see how much insulin is left. The scale on the cartridge shows about how many units there are left.
Do not mix any other insulin in the disposable pen. Once the KwikPen is empty, do not use it again. Get rid of it carefully - the pharmacist or diabetes nurse will advise on how to do this.
Patients who forget to use Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50: If patients take less Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50 than they need or are unsure how much they have injected, a high blood sugar may occur. Patients should check their blood sugar.
If hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) is not treated they can be very serious and cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, unconsciousness, coma or even death (see Side Effects).
Three simple steps to avoid hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia: Always keep a spare pen and cartridges, in case of losing or damaging the KwikPen. Always carry something to show diabetic status. Always carry sugar.
Patients who stop using Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50: If patients take less Humalog Mix25/Humalog Mix50 than they need, a high blood sugar may occur. Patients should not change their insulin unless their doctor tells them to.
