Lispro qustion

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

I am studying diabetes mellitus. In our lecture, my instructor indicated Rapid-Acting Lispro cannot be mixed with anything. My text indicates when Humalog or Novalog are mixed with shorter-acting, draw the shorter-acting dose in the syringe first. To me, this means it can be mixed. When I asked the instructor, she said "YOU NEVER WANT TO MIX RAPID-ACTING WITH ANYTHING!!" I am confused. Help?

Lispro is the same thing as Humalong or Novalog. Your text is correct that Lispro can be mixed with 70/30. As long as you are still being conscious of your administration times (a fast acting insulin should always be given before eating), there's nothing wrong with mixing. Under the table, I know many Endocrinologists tell their patients that they can mix Lispro with Levamir (a long acting insulin) at home, however this practice has not been approved by the FDA, and should not be done in the clinic or in patient setting.

Nursey103, ADN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

We just covered DM and I know you can't mix Lantux (long-acting) with anything...but I don't think I remember anything about Lispro not being able to be mixed with other insulins...

Mommyto2and2 · Mar 16, 2009

As a type 1 diabetic, here is what I know. You can't mix Lantus(long acting) with anything as it will delay the onset of the Lantus. The fast acting insulin that is mixed is called "Regular" insulin. It is not the same as Lispro as it has a longer onset time. As of now, Lispro is not cleared to be mixed by the FDA. Lantus is also difficult to mix as it is also clear and mistakes can be made. I have given myself 25u of Humalog by mistake!! :banghead:

So for the mixing... You inject air into the cloudy, inject air into the clear, draw the clear, then draw the cloudy. HTH

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

As a type 1 diabetic, here is what I know. You can't mix Lantus(long acting) with anything as it will delay the onset of the Lantus. The fast acting insulin that is mixed is called "Regular" insulin. It is not the same as Lispro as it has a longer onset time. As of now, Lispro is not cleared to be mixed by the FDA. Lantus is also difficult to mix as it is also clear and mistakes can be made. I have given myself 25u of Humalog by mistake!!
So for the mixing... You inject air into the cloudy, inject air into the clear, draw the clear, then draw the cloudy. HTH

Mommyto2&2, as I stated in my post, it is approved by the FDA to mix Lispro with 70/30 (intermidiate acting insulin). You just can't mix a fast acting (Lispro) with a long acting (Lantus or Levimir).