Humalog Side Effects

KwikPen: Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Systemic allergy is rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000). The symptoms are as follows: rash over the whole body; blood pressure dropping; difficulty in breathing; heart beating fast; wheezing; sweating
If the patient is having this sort of insulin allergy with Humalog, advise the patient to inform a doctor at once.
Local allergy is common (≥1/100 to <1/10). Some people get redness, swelling or itching around the area of the insulin injection. This usually clears up in anything from a few days to a few weeks. If this happens, advise the patient to inform a doctor.
Lipodystrophy is uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100). If patient injects insulin too often at the same place, the fatty tissue may either shrink (lipoatrophy) or thicken (lipohypertrophy). Lumps under the skin may also be caused by build-up of a protein called amyloid (cutaneous amyloidosis). The insulin may not work very well if it's injected into a lumpy area. Change the injection site with each injection to help prevent these skin changes.
Oedema (e.g. swelling in arms, ankles; fluid retention) has been reported, particularly at the start of insulin therapy or during a change in therapy to improve control of blood glucose.
Reporting of side effects: Patients must be advised by a doctor or pharmacist if they get any side effects. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this monograph. Patients can also report side effects directly via the Drug Office, Department of Health. By reporting side effects, it can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Common problems of diabetes: Hypoglycaemia: Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) means there is not enough sugar in the blood. This can be caused if: patients take too much Humalog or other insulin; patients miss or delay meals or change diet; patients exercise or work too hard just before or after a meal; patients have an infection or illness (especially diarrhoea or vomiting); there is a change in the need for insulin; or patients have trouble with kidneys or liver which gets worse.
Alcohol and some medicines can affect blood sugar levels.
The first symptoms of low blood sugar usually come on quickly and include the following: tiredness; rapid heartbeat; nervousness or shakiness; feeling sick; headache; cold sweat.
If not confident about recognising warning symptoms, avoid situations, e.g. driving a car, in which would create risks by hypoglycaemia.
Hyperglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis: Hyperglycaemia (too much sugar in the blood) means that the body does not have enough insulin. Hyperglycaemia can be brought about by: not taking Humalog or other insulin; taking less insulin than what the doctor's instructed; eating a lot more than the diet allows; or fever, infection or emotional stress.
Hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. The first symptoms come on slowly over many hours or days. The symptoms include the following: feeling sleepy; no appetite; flushed face; fruity smell on the breath; thirst; feeling or being sick.
Severe symptoms are heavy breathing and a rapid pulse. Advise the patient to get medical help immediately.
Illness: If ill, especially if feel sick or are sick, the amount of insulin need may change. Even when not eating normally, insulin is still needed. Advise the patient to test urine or blood, follow 'sick rules', and inform a doctor.