Is There a Humalog Generic? 6 Facts to Know about Admelog and Insulin Lispro
Admelog and unbranded Humalog, called insulin lispro, are both Humalog alternatives. See how they compare and ways to save here.
Admelog
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Gestational Diabetes
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, Gestational Diabetes
Admelog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin that's used at mealtimes. It helps control blood sugar levels from food in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Admelog (insulin lispro) is very similar to Humalog (insulin lispro). It's called a "follow-on" insulin (or "copy") to Humalog. Admelog (insulin lispro) is usually given under the skin as an injection or through an insulin pump. It comes in vials (Admelog) or prefilled pens (Admelog SoloStar). The most common side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
What is Admelog (insulin lispro)?
What is Admelog (insulin lispro) used for?
- Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people ages 3 years and older
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults
How Admelog (insulin lispro) works
Admelog (insulin lispro) is a type of insulin. Insulin is a natural hormone your body makes that helps control blood sugar levels. It helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells to be used or stored for energy. It also helps stop your liver from making too much glucose (sugar).
In particular, Admelog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin. It's used around mealtimes to prevent your blood sugar from getting too high from what you eat. This is helpful for people with diabetes who can't make insulin or whose bodies don't use insulin as they should.
When does Admelog (insulin lispro) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Admelog, Admelog SoloStar |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Insulin |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Admelog (insulin lispro) essentials
Side effects of Admelog (insulin lispro)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Low blood sugar
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site reaction (e.g., swelling, pain, redness)
- Lump in the skin or thickened skin where the medication is injected
- Common cold symptoms
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Swelling (edema)
- Weight gain
Admelog (insulin lispro) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severely low blood sugar: dizziness, shakiness, feeling confused, feeling irritable or anxious, feeling faint, sweating, extreme hunger, can't think clearly
- Very low potassium levels: weakness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, abnormal heartbeat, tiredness, trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reaction: rash; hives; swelling of your face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
- Ketoacidosis (high ketone levels in the blood) - if using an insulin pump: weakness, dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, rapid or deep breathing, confusion
When do Admelog (insulin lispro) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Injection site reactions
Possible weight gain
Risk of low blood sugar
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
The following Admelog (insulin lispro) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—tremors or shaking, anxiety, sweating, cold or clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat
- Low potassium level—muscle pain or cramps, unusual weakness or fatigue, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Lipodystrophy—hardening or scarring of tissue at injection site
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Weight gain
Get your GoodRx coupon
$227.50
GoodRx discount
$105.80
Pros and cons of Admelog (insulin lispro)
Pros
- Starts to lower blood sugar levels about 15 to 30 minutes after each injection
- Available as a prefilled pen, which can be easier to use than the vial
- Can be used with an appropriate continuous insulin infusion pump
Cons
- Should be given with every meal, if using as mealtime insulin
- Can put you at risk of low blood sugar if not used properly or if the dose is too high
- Might cause weight gain
Pharmacist tips for Admelog (insulin lispro)
- When used as a mealtime insulin, Admelog (insulin lispro) is used within 15 minutes before or right after a meal. This helps quickly manage your blood sugar from the food you eat. Don't use Admelog (insulin lispro) if you plan to skip a meal unless your prescriber says it's okay. Otherwise, it can put you at risk of dangerously low blood sugar.
- If you use other types of insulin along with Admelog (insulin lispro), ask your diabetes care team or pharmacist how to take them safely. Don't mix other insulins with Admelog (insulin lispro). Always check the insulin label before using it to make sure it's the right insulin for the right time. This helps prevent mix-ups and lower your risk of low blood sugar.
- Ask your prescriber how often you should check your blood sugar while using Admelog (insulin lispro). Keep a record of your readings and share them with your prescriber. This helps both you and your prescriber see how well your insulin regimen is working. Based on your readings, your prescriber can decide if your dose needs to be changed.
- Make sure you, your family, and your friends know how to spot the signs of low blood sugar and how to treat it. This includes shakiness, dizziness, nervousness, hunger, or confusion. Always carry fast-acting sugars, like gummy candies or glucose tablets, to treat low blood sugar quickly. Get medical help right away if your blood sugar doesn't improve after treatment.
- Tell your healthcare team about all the medications you take. Admelog (insulin lispro) can interact with many medications. Some medications, such as beta blockers, can hide signs of low blood sugar like shaking or a fast heartbeat. Others, including some water pills and steroids, can raise your blood sugar levels. Your care team can help check that your medications are safe to take together.
- Talk to your diabetes care team about how much you usually drink alcohol. They can discuss how much might be safe for you to drink while using Admelog (insulin lispro). Alcohol can sometimes make your blood sugar drop.
Tips on how to use Admelog (insulin lispro):
- Your prescriber or pharmacist should teach you how to use Admelog (insulin lispro) correctly. Read the Instructions for Use for the Admelog vials or Admelog SoloStar pens. Ask your diabetes care team or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Always use a new needle for each Admelog (insulin lispro) injection. Don't reuse or share needles, syringes, or other injection supplies. This helps prevent infections and blocked needles.
- How to store unopened Admelog vials or Admelog SoloStar pens: Store unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator until the expiration date. Don't let the medication freeze. You can also keep them at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days.
- How to store opened Admelog vials or Admelog SoloStar pens: You can store opened vials in the refrigerator (don't let them freeze). Another option is storing opened vials at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days. Keep opened pens at room temperature (up to 86ºF) for up to 28 days; don't put them in the fridge.
- For under-the-skin injections: Inject Admelog (insulin lispro) within 15 minutes before a meal or right after a meal. Inject the medication under the skin in your stomach area, buttock, upper leg (thigh), or the back of your upper arm. Choose a different spot each time. Also avoid tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged skin. This helps prevent skin irritation or hardening.
- For the Admelog SoloStar pen: Before each injection, follow the instructions to prime the pen with a new needle to remove air bubbles. Then, choose your dose and clean the injection area with an alcohol swab. Insert the needle into your skin and press and hold the injection button all the way down. When the dose window shows ″0,″ slowly count to 10 before releasing and removing the needle. Carefully place the outer cap back on the needle and twist it off from the pen.
- For the Admelog vial: Use a new syringe and needle to draw up your dose. Clean the injection area with an alcohol wipe and let it dry. When you're ready, pinch the skin, insert the needle, and slowly push the plunger all the way down to inject the insulin. Keep the needle in the skin for about 10 seconds to make sure you get all the insulin, then pull it straight out.
- For using Admelog (insulin lispro) with a continuous infusion pump: Follow your insulin pump instructions and infuse into an area of the body as recommended. Pick a different spot each time to prevent skin irritation. Change the insulin in the pump at least once per week or as directed in the manual, whichever is shorter. Also replace any insulin that gets warmer than 98.6°F. Ask your diabetes care team what to do if your pump stops working. They might tell you to separately inject Admelog (insulin lispro) under the skin or use another backup plan.
- After injecting Admelog (insulin lispro): Throw the needle or syringe away in a sharps container. You can also use something made of heavy-duty plastic, such as an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw away needles or syringes in your trash can. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks.
Risks and warnings for Admelog (insulin lispro)
Admelog (insulin lispro) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Never share Admelog (insulin lispro) pens, even if you change the needle. Also don't share syringes or needles used with Admelog (insulin lispro) vials. Sharing insulin pens and injection supplies can raise the risk of spreading serious infections between people, including yourself.
Risk of too high or too low blood sugar with changes to your insulin regimen
- Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Switching to Admelog (insulin lispro) from a different type of insulin | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes together with Admelog (insulin lispro) | Liver or kidney problems
Changing your insulin or insulin routine can affect how your body responds to insulin and change your blood sugar levels. This can include changing where you inject Admelog (insulin lispro) or switching to a different brand name of insulin lispro. Depending on the change, it can make your blood sugar get too high or too low. Also, injecting insulin often into pitted or thickened skin can cause less insulin to be absorbed. This can make your blood sugar higher.
Don't make changes to your Admelog (insulin lispro) dose or insulin routine without talking to your diabetes care team. If they tell you to make any changes, be sure to check your blood sugar levels more often. This helps you see how the changes affect your blood sugar.
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Risk factors: Changes to diet, meal patterns, or exercise routine | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes at the same time | Liver or kidney problems
Admelog (insulin lispro) can cause your blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia). Very low blood sugar levels can be dangerous and possibly life-threatening.
Be sure to check your blood sugar level regularly to make sure it's within a safe range. If you make any changes to your diet, meal patterns, exercise routine, or other medications, check your blood sugar more often. Also let your care team know so they can adjust your dose of Admelog (insulin lispro).
It's important to know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar to look for while using Admelog (insulin lispro). You might feel shaky, dizzy, nervous, anxious, very hungry, or confused. You might also become sweaty, have chills, or have an uneven heartbeat.
Keep fast-acting sugars, such as glucose tablets, with you at all times so you can treat hypoglycemia if needed. If your blood sugar levels don't get back up even after you try to treat it, get medical help right away.
Allergic reactions
Rarely, Admelog (insulin lispro) can cause an allergic reaction. This can include anaphylaxis and be severe or even life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or a rash. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Low potassium levels
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower potassium levels
Admelog (insulin lispro) can lower your potassium levels, which can sometimes be dangerous. Your risk is greater if you also take other medications that lower potassium, like some diuretics (water pills). If needed, your prescriber can check your potassium levels with blood tests.
Be aware of the signs of low potassium. This includes weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps or twitches, constipation, or an uneven heartbeat. If you notice these signs while using Admelog (insulin lispro), call a healthcare professional right away.
Swelling and risk of heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Taking glitazones together with Admelog (insulin lispro) | History of heart failure
Be careful when using Admelog (insulin lispro) with diabetes medications called glitazones, like pioglitazone (Actos). It can cause your body to hold onto extra fluid. This can put stress on your heart and lead to or worsen heart failure.
Before starting Admelog (insulin lispro), tell your prescriber if you have heart failure. Also let them know about all your diabetes medications. Your prescriber can make sure Admelog (insulin lispro) is safe for you.
Call your care team if you notice possible signs of fluid buildup or heart failure. This can include sudden weight gain, swelling, tiredness, or trouble breathing.
Dangerously high blood sugar levels and ketoacidosis due to insulin pump problems
- Risk factors: Insulin pump not working properly
If you use an insulin pump with Admelog (insulin lispro), make sure that the pump is working properly and that you know how to use it correctly. If the pump stops working, your blood sugar can get very high. This can also lead to a serious complication of diabetes called ketoacidosis.
Ask your diabetes care team what to do if you can't fix your pump quickly. Your prescriber might recommend using Admelog (insulin lispro) another way in the meantime until your pump gets fixed. This often means injecting the insulin under the skin yourself. Your prescriber could also have another insulin plan for you instead.
Seek medical help right away if you have symptoms of ketoacidosis. This includes weakness, dry mouth, fruity-smelling breath, rapid or deep breathing, or confusion. If not treated in time, it can become a medical emergency.
Admelog (insulin lispro) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 5 solostar pens of 3ml of Admelog (insulin lispro) is $35.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.58% off the average retail price of $544.80.
Typical dosage for Admelog (insulin lispro)
Your prescriber will work with you to find the dose that works best for you. Your dose depends on the type of diabetes you have, your blood sugar levels, and how you respond to the medication. It will also depend if you're administering Admelog (insulin lispro) as an injection or through a continuous insulin pump.
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For injections under the skin: Inject Admelog (insulin lispro) within 15 minutes before a meal or right after a meal. Inject under the skin in the stomach, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks.
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For continuous insulin pumps: Use the insulin pump according to your prescriber's instructions. Follow the directions from the insulin pump company to set up and use the pump.
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For injections through the vein: Admelog (insulin lispro) can be given as an injection into the vein by a trained healthcare professional. Your care team will choose the dose that's best for your needs.
How much does Admelog (insulin lispro) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Admelog (brand)
$35.00
Admelog (insulin lispro) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Admelog (insulin lispro) will not be safe for you to take.
- Using during episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Allergy to insulin lispro
What are alternatives to Admelog (insulin lispro)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Admelog (insulin lispro). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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