Insulin (Antidiabetic)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination of two types of insulin — a fast-acting insulin (insulin lispro) and a longer-acting insulin (insulin lispro protamine) — that work together to control your blood sugar levels throughout the day, both after meals and between meals.
Binds to insulin receptors on muscle, fat, and liver cells, activating intracellular signalling pathways that promote glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and inhibit gluconeogenesis, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting formulation, while insulin lispro protamine is an intermediate-acting suspension providing prolonged glucose control.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This medicine is injected under the skin (not into a vein) using a pen device like Humalog KwikPen Mix25. Your doctor will tell you exactly how many units to inject and when. It is usually taken 15 minutes before a meal. Inject into your belly, thigh, or upper arm, and rotate the injection site each time to avoid lumps under the skin. Never change your dose without your doctor's instruction.
If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar level immediately. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Take your next dose as scheduled and inform your doctor, especially if your blood sugar is very high or very low.
Always buy your insulin from a reputable pharmacy — fake or poorly stored insulin from roadside sellers or unregistered shops can be ineffective or dangerous. Learn to recognize the signs of low blood sugar (shaking, sweating, confusion) and always carry sugar, glucose tablets, or a sweet drink with you. Do not share your insulin pen with anyone, even if you change the needle — this can spread infections like HIV and hepatitis.
Some diabetes tablets like glimepiride or metformin can increase the effect of insulin and cause dangerously low blood sugar — your doctor needs to adjust doses carefully. Alcohol (beer, palm wine, ogogoro) can cause your blood sugar to drop dangerously low, so avoid drinking or be very cautious. Steroids and some blood pressure medicines (like propranolol) can also affect how this insulin works.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Insulin with your other drugs?
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor — your insulin dose may need to be adjusted, but insulin is generally considered safer than diabetes tablets during pregnancy.
Before opening, store in the refrigerator (2–8°C) — do not freeze. Once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 28 days. In Nigeria's hot climate, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or near a stove. Keep away from children. Throw away the pen after 28 days of use, even if there is insulin left inside.
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.