Rapid-acting insulin (diabetes medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Insulin lispro is a fast-acting insulin injection that helps lower blood sugar levels quickly by helping your body move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy.
Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose, and hepatic cells, facilitating glucose uptake and promoting intracellular glucose metabolism while inhibiting hepatic glucose production and lipolysis.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Inject it under the skin (belly, thigh, or upper arm) within 15 minutes before eating or right after a meal. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many units to inject based on your blood sugar levels. In Nigeria, Humalog 100 U/mL KwikPen is the common brand — it comes as a pre-filled pen that makes injecting easier.
If you missed your dose before a meal, take it as soon as you remember — but only if you are about to eat. Do not inject it without eating, as your blood sugar can drop dangerously low. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Some drugs like blood pressure tablets (beta-blockers such as atenolol) can hide the signs of low blood sugar, making it harder for you to know when your sugar drops. Drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low when combined with insulin. Metformin and other diabetes tablets taken together with insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar — your doctor should adjust your doses.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Insulin with your other drugs?
Insulin lispro can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but your doctor must closely monitor and adjust your dose as your body's insulin needs change during this time.
Before opening, store in a refrigerator (2–8°C). If you don't have a fridge, keep the unopened pen in the coolest part of your house, away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can damage insulin fast. Once opened, the KwikPen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days — do not refrigerate after opening. Always keep away from children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.