Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting prescription insulin designed to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Humalog is unique in that it is designed to be injected within 15 minutes before or after meals in order to control the levels of sugar in the blood after eating. It is most often used in combination with another long-lasting insulin to maintain blood sugar in between meals.
Humalog comes in three versions – plain Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, and Humalog Mix 50/50. The Humalog mixes contain an amount of intermediate-acting insulin in combination with fast-acting Humalog. This allows patients to administer fewer injections throughout their day while still attaining the same results and control.
Is There a Generic Humalog?
Many patients look for generic versions of their prescriptions in order to save money. Unfortunately, there is currently no generic Humalog alternative. Humalog is made by Eli Lilly and Company, which owns the rights to the medicine until the patent expires in May 2015. However, the patent may be extended due to lawsuits or new discoveries regarding the drug’s use. Once the patent does expire, other companies may begin to manufacture and sell generic Humalog.
Insulin Lispro
Many doctors refer to Humalog as Insulin Lispro or Insulin Lispro Protamine, which may be confusing to patients looking for a generic version of Humalog. Insulin Lispro and Insulin Lispro Protamine are simply the active ingredients in Humalog and Humalog Mix – not separate medicines.
There are websites that offer a generic version of Humalog. These are not actual generic medications and could either be fake or subpar, which could present a health risk to you. Do not purchase any medicine that claims to be a generic version of Humalog. Always keep in mind that it is illegal to purchase medication without a prescription.