Humalog Jr 100u/ml Kwikpnhalf Unit

Manufacturer LILLY Active Ingredient Insulin Lispro (U-100) Cartridges and Pens(IN soo lin LYE sproe) Pronunciation IN soo lin LYE sproe
It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).
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Drug Class
Antidiabetic agent
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Pharmacologic Class
Rapid-acting insulin analog
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Pregnancy Category
B
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FDA Approved
Jun 1996
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit contains insulin lispro, a fast-acting insulin that helps lower your blood sugar quickly, especially after meals. It's used to manage diabetes and is given as an injection under the skin. The 'Jr.' and 'Half Unit' mean this pen can deliver very small, precise doses, which is often helpful for children or people who need very fine adjustments to their insulin.
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How to Use This Medicine

Proper Use of This Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. This medication is administered via injection into the fatty tissue under the skin. If you will be self-administering the injection, your doctor or nurse will instruct you on the proper technique.

Administration Guidelines

Take the medication within 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal.
Rotate the injection site each time to avoid tissue damage.
Avoid injecting into skin that is thickened, has pits or lumps, or is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
Do not use the medication if the solution appears cloudy, is leaking, or contains particles, or if the solution has changed color.

Preparing the Dose

Remove all pen needle covers before injecting a dose (note that there may be two covers).
If you are unsure about the type of pen needle you have or how to use it, consult your doctor.
Be aware that the device may produce a clicking sound as you prepare the dose. However, do not rely on the clicks to determine the correct dose.
Remove the needle after each injection and do not store the device with the needle attached.

Safety Precautions

Do not transfer the medication from the pen to a syringe or mix it with other types of insulin.
Dispose of used needles in a designated needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items.
When the disposal box is full, follow local regulations for proper disposal.
If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Diet and Exercise

Follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.
Be prepared for situations where you may not eat as much as usual or skip a meal, and know how to adjust your medication accordingly.

Storage and Disposal

Store unopened containers in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the medication, and do not use it if it has been frozen.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose, follow the instructions provided by your doctor. If you are unsure about what to do, contact your doctor for guidance.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for diet and exercise.
  • Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly as instructed.
  • Rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems (lipodystrophy).
  • Never share your insulin pen or needles with others, even if the needle is changed, as this carries a risk of transmitting blood-borne pathogens.
  • Always have a source of fast-acting sugar (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice) readily available to treat low blood sugar.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Highly individualized based on patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Typically administered subcutaneously 5-15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal. Dosing is often based on carbohydrate counting or a fixed dose per meal.

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Part of a multiple daily injection (MDI) regimen or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump, adjusted based on carbohydrate intake, pre-meal glucose, and activity.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: May be used in combination with basal insulin or oral antidiabetic agents, adjusted based on glycemic control.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established (use with extreme caution and expert guidance)
Infant: Individualized, often starting with very low doses (e.g., 0.1-0.2 units/kg/day total insulin, with lispro as a portion), adjusted based on blood glucose. Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit allows for 0.5 unit increments, which is beneficial for precise dosing in this population.
Child: Individualized, adjusted based on carbohydrate intake, pre-meal glucose, and activity. Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit is particularly useful for children requiring small, precise doses.
Adolescent: Individualized, adjusted based on carbohydrate intake, pre-meal glucose, and activity.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Insulin requirements may decrease; monitor blood glucose closely.
Moderate: Insulin requirements typically decrease; monitor blood glucose closely and adjust dose as needed.
Severe: Insulin requirements significantly decrease; monitor blood glucose closely and adjust dose as needed. Risk of hypoglycemia is increased.
Dialysis: Insulin requirements may be further reduced; monitor blood glucose frequently and adjust dose based on dialysis schedule and patient response.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Insulin requirements may decrease; monitor blood glucose closely.
Moderate: Insulin requirements typically decrease; monitor blood glucose closely and adjust dose as needed.
Severe: Insulin requirements significantly decrease; monitor blood glucose closely and adjust dose as needed. Risk of hypoglycemia is increased.
Confidence: Medium

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting human insulin analog that lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Variable (subcutaneous administration), but designed for rapid absorption.
Tmax: 0.5-1.5 hours (subcutaneous)
FoodEffect: Administered 5-15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal to coincide with postprandial glucose rise.

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 0.26-0.36 L/kg (similar to endogenous insulin)
ProteinBinding: Low (<10%)
CnssPenetration: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Approximately 1 hour (functional half-life is longer due to absorption from subcutaneous depot)
Clearance: Not typically reported as a single rate for subcutaneous insulin due to absorption variability.
ExcretionRoute: Primarily renal (metabolites)
Unchanged: Minimal
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: 15-30 minutes
PeakEffect: 0.5-2.5 hours
DurationOfAction: 3-5 hours
Confidence: Medium

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Note: In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of low potassium levels, including:
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Muscle cramps
+ An irregular heartbeat
Signs of infection, such as:
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Severe sore throat
+ Ear or sinus pain
+ Cough
+ Increased or discolored sputum
+ Painful urination
+ Mouth sores
+ Wounds that won't heal
Thick skin, pits, or lumps at the injection site
Swelling in the arms or legs
Low blood sugar, which may cause:
+ Dizziness or fainting
+ Blurred vision
+ Mood changes
+ Slurred speech
+ Headache
+ Fatigue or weakness
+ Shaking
+ Rapid heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
+ Seizures
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. If you have low blood sugar, follow your doctor's instructions, which may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or certain fruit juices.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects or if they bother you or persist:

Weight gain
Flu-like symptoms
Nose or throat irritation
Common cold symptoms
Headache
Cough
Upset stomach
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Fatigue or weakness
* Irritation at the injection site

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): sweating, shaking, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision. If these occur, treat immediately with fast-acting sugar.
  • Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia): increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision. Report persistent high blood sugar to your doctor.
  • Signs of allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention.
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), as this may affect your treatment plan.

This is not an exhaustive list of potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of the following to your doctor and pharmacist:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your complete medical history, including any health problems you have

Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

This drug may cause low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, permanent brain damage, and even death if not properly managed. Consult your doctor to discuss the risks and prevention strategies. Additionally, this medication may cause low blood potassium levels, which can result in abnormal heart rhythms, severe breathing problems, and potentially death if left untreated. It is crucial to discuss this risk with your doctor.

Until you understand how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require your full attention. Certain diabetes medications, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, may increase the risk of heart failure or worsen existing heart failure, especially when combined with insulin. If you are taking one of these medications, consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks.

Ensure you have the correct insulin product and understand how to measure and prepare your dose, as insulin products are available in various containers, including vials, cartridges, and pens. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your blood sugar levels may be more challenging to control during stressful events, such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Changes in physical activity, exercise, or diet can also impact your blood sugar levels.

Wear a medical alert identification to ensure prompt care in case of an emergency. Avoid driving if you have experienced low blood sugar, as it increases the risk of accidents. Monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor and undergo regular blood tests as recommended.

Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol or using products containing alcohol. Do not share your insulin product, including pens, cartridge devices, needles, or syringes, with others, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit infections.

If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as you will need to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication for both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar)
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma

What to Do:

Immediately consume fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, regular soda). If severe or unconscious, administer glucagon injection (if available and trained) and seek emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control.

Drug Interactions

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Major Interactions

  • Beta-blockers (may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and delay recovery)
  • Corticosteroids (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
  • Thiazide diuretics (may increase blood glucose, requiring higher insulin doses)
  • Sympathomimetics (may increase blood glucose)
  • Atypical antipsychotics (may cause hyperglycemia)
  • Protease inhibitors (may cause hyperglycemia)
  • Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide, lanreotide - may decrease insulin requirements)
  • Alcohol (may potentiate hypoglycemic effect)
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Moderate Interactions

  • Sulfonylureas (increased risk of hypoglycemia)
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists (increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered with insulin, may require insulin dose reduction)
  • SGLT2 inhibitors (increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered with insulin, may require insulin dose reduction)
  • Salicylates (e.g., aspirin - may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
  • MAO inhibitors (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
  • ACE inhibitors (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
  • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (may enhance insulin's glucose-lowering effect)
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Confidence Interactions

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

HbA1c

Rationale: To establish baseline glycemic control and set treatment goals.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

Rationale: To establish baseline glucose levels.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Renal function (e.g., eGFR, serum creatinine)

Rationale: To assess kidney function, as insulin requirements may decrease with renal impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Hepatic function (e.g., ALT, AST)

Rationale: To assess liver function, as insulin requirements may decrease with hepatic impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

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Routine Monitoring

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)

Frequency: Multiple times daily (e.g., pre-meal, 2 hours post-meal, bedtime, overnight as needed)

Target: Individualized based on patient goals (e.g., pre-meal 80-130 mg/dL, post-meal <180 mg/dL)

Action Threshold: Hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL), Hyperglycemia (>180-250 mg/dL depending on target)

HbA1c

Frequency: Every 3-6 months

Target: Individualized (e.g., <7% for most adults)

Action Threshold: Above target range indicates need for therapy adjustment

Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia

Frequency: Daily, ongoing

Target: N/A

Action Threshold: Any occurrence of symptoms (e.g., sweating, tremor, confusion, hunger)

Injection site inspection

Frequency: Regularly (e.g., weekly)

Target: Absence of lipodystrophy, redness, swelling

Action Threshold: Presence of lipohypertrophy or other skin reactions

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Symptoms of hypoglycemia: sweating, tremor, dizziness, confusion, hunger, irritability, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, anxiety, palpitations, weakness.
  • Symptoms of hyperglycemia: increased thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), increased hunger (polyphagia), fatigue, blurred vision, weight loss.

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Insulin lispro is considered a preferred insulin for managing diabetes in pregnancy. It does not readily cross the placental barrier. Close monitoring of blood glucose is essential to achieve optimal glycemic control and reduce risks to both mother and fetus.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Poor glycemic control in early pregnancy increases risk of congenital malformations. Insulin is generally safe and effective.
Second Trimester: Insulin requirements may increase due to hormonal changes. Close monitoring and dose adjustments are crucial.
Third Trimester: Insulin requirements may continue to increase. Careful management to prevent macrosomia and other complications.
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Lactation

Insulin lispro is considered safe for use during lactation. Insulin is a normal component of breast milk, but the amount transferred is negligible and not expected to harm the breastfed infant. Maternal insulin requirements may change during lactation.

Infant Risk: L1 (No increased risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants)
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Pediatric Use

Insulin lispro is approved for use in pediatric patients with diabetes. The Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit is particularly beneficial for pediatric patients due to its ability to deliver doses in 0.5-unit increments, allowing for more precise titration and better glycemic control, especially in very young children or those with low insulin requirements.

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Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity to insulin's effects may occur in some older individuals. Renal and hepatic impairment, which are more common in the elderly, may reduce insulin requirements. Close glucose monitoring and careful dose titration are recommended.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit is ideal for patients, especially children, who require very small or precise insulin doses, as it allows for 0.5-unit increments.
  • Always administer insulin lispro 5-15 minutes before a meal or immediately after a meal to optimize postprandial glucose control.
  • Ensure patients understand the difference between rapid-acting (lispro) and other types of insulin to prevent dosing errors.
  • Emphasize the importance of rotating injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy, which can affect insulin absorption.
  • Educate patients on the symptoms and management of hypoglycemia, including having a rapid-acting carbohydrate source readily available.
  • Never mix insulin lispro with other insulins in the Humalog Jr. KwikPen Half Unit. Only Humalog U-100 KwikPen is designed for this specific formulation.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Other rapid-acting insulin analogs (e.g., insulin aspart (Novolog), insulin glulisine (Apidra), faster-acting insulin aspart (Fiasp), insulin lispro-aabc (Lyumjev))
  • Short-acting human insulin (e.g., Humulin R, Novolin R)
  • Intermediate-acting insulin (e.g., NPH insulin)
  • Long-acting insulin analogs (e.g., insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo, Basaglar), insulin detemir (Levemir), insulin degludec (Tresiba))
  • Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists - for Type 2 Diabetes)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Check current market data per pen/cartridge
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or Tier 3 (preferred brand or non-preferred brand)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.