Insulin lispro

Rapid-acting insulin analogue

ATC code: A10AB04

Brand names: Humalog, Lyumjev, Admelog

Updated 24 Sep 2026 · Methodology

Indications

Insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus

Second line

In type 2 diabetes lispro is added to basal insulin when post-meal glucose runs above target while fasting values are already normal. Spain's redGDPS suggests starting with a single bolus at the most carbohydrate-heavy meal – simpler for someone just learning to count carbohydrates and less likely to cause hypoglycaemia than three injections at once. Premixed protamine formulations are convenient at two shots a day but tie the person to a fixed meal pattern and suit irregular eating poorly. The sulfonylurea is revisited when bolus therapy begins.

Sources

ICD-10: E11.9 · ICD-11: 5A11

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

First line

Lispro is the prandial insulin of a basal-bolus regimen and one of the commonest pump fills. The AEMPS Humalog label places the injection within 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after it, and sets no age limit. Flexible timing is the practical difference from human regular insulin, which needs half an hour. The dose is calculated against the carbohydrate of the meal and corrected for current glucose. Before exercise that follows a meal the dose is reduced in advance: muscle work amplifies prandial insulin, and hypoglycaemia arrives during the session itself.

Sources

ICD-10: E10 · ICD-11: 5A10

How to read tiers A–F

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

In lispro two neighbouring amino acids of the B chain are swapped: lysine and proline trade places. The swap weakens hexamer self-assembly, so the subcutaneous product breaks into monomers within minutes. Onset is at 15 minutes, the peak around an hour, duration 2–5 hours. Lispro has the same insulin receptor affinity as human insulin, so only the kinetics differ, not the effect itself. The treprostinil-containing formulation (faster lispro) absorbs earlier than the standard one thanks to an added vasodilator.

Safety

Contraindications

Hypoglycaemia
Hypersensitivity to insulin or to any excipient of the product

Serious adverse effects

Severe hypoglycaemia with loss of consciousness and seizures
Hypokalaemia in overdose, up to rhythm disturbance
Anaphylaxis and generalised insulin allergy
Oedema and decompensated heart failure when combined with pioglitazone

Common adverse effects

Hypoglycaemia: sweating, tremor, palpitations, hunger, confusion
Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itching
Lipohypertrophy when injections stay in one spot
Weight gain early in treatment

Pregnancy: can you take Insulin lispro?

Insulin does not cross the placenta and remains the mainstay of glycaemic control in pregnancy. Requirements shift by trimester: usually lower in the first, rising from the second, and falling sharply after delivery. The dose is revisited at every stage.

Breastfeeding: can you take Insulin lispro?

The label sets no restriction during breastfeeding: insulin is broken down in the infant's gut and does not reach the bloodstream. Insulin requirements often fall during lactation, so the dose is retitrated.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Label mentions11 mentions

Verbatim lines from the interaction sections, in the language of the label

From this drug’s label

ModeratePioglitazone
«Combinación de Humalog con pioglitazona: Cuando pioglitazona fue utilizada en combinación con insulina se notificaron casos de insuficiencia cardiaca, especialmente en pacientes con factores de…»
AEMPS, section 4.4 · Open on CIMA
Acetylsalicylic acid
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
anticonceptivos hormonalesclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden aumentar debido a la administración concomitante de medicamentos con actividad hiperglucemiante, tales como los anticonceptivos orales, corticosteroides o…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
antidiabéticos oralesclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
ARA IIclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
betabloqueantesclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Captopril
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
corticosteroidesclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden aumentar debido a la administración concomitante de medicamentos con actividad hiperglucemiante, tales como los anticonceptivos orales, corticosteroides o…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
Enalapril
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
inhibidores de la ECAclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA
ISRSclass named in the label
«Los requerimientos de insulina pueden disminuir en presencia de medicamentos con actividad hipoglucemiante, tales como los hipoglucemiantes orales, salicilatos (por ejemplo, ácido acetilsalicílico)…»
AEMPS, section 4.5 · Open on CIMA

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Frequently asked

What is Insulin lispro used for?

Insulin lispro is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (evidence tier A), Insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (evidence tier A). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Insulin lispro?

Common side effects of Insulin lispro (≥ 1 in 100): Hypoglycaemia: sweating, tremor, palpitations, hunger, confusion, Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itching, Lipohypertrophy when injections stay in one spot, Weight gain early in treatment. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Insulin lispro safe during pregnancy?

Is Insulin lispro compatible with breastfeeding?

Who should not take Insulin lispro?

Insulin lispro is contraindicated in: Hypoglycaemia; Hypersensitivity to insulin or to any excipient of the product. Full list in the Safety section.

Official sources

Direct links to regulator labels. Open in a new tab.

AEMPS / CIMA

Other drugs in this group

Linagliptin, Liraglutide, Metformin, Pioglitazone, Tirzepatide, Glibenclamide, Insulin degludec, Repaglinide