Humalog KwikPen Side Effects

Generic name: insulin lispro

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 30, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Humalog KwikPen Side Effects associated with insulin lispro. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Humalog KwikPen.

Applies to insulin lispro: solution.

Serious side effects of Humalog KwikPen

Along with its needed effects, insulin lispro (the active ingredient contained in Humalog KwikPen) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking insulin lispro:

Other side effects of Humalog KwikPen

Some side effects of insulin lispro may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to insulin lispro: injectable solution, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

Adverse reactions observed have included hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia
• Frequency not reported: Weight gain^[Ref]

Weight gain has been reported with insulin therapy and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity side effects have included both local and systemic reactions. Anaphylaxis has been reported. Local reactions have presented as erythema, local edema, and pruritus at the injection site. Most minor reactions to insulin at the injection site resolve in a few days to a few weeks.

Generalized allergy to insulin may present as a whole body rash, dyspnea, wheezing, hypotension, tachycardia, or diaphoresis. In clinical trials, pruritus (with or without rash) was seen in 17 patients receiving human insulin (n=2969) and 30 patients receiving insulin lispro (n=2944).^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site reactions
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Catheter occlusions/month^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy^[Ref]

Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder and worsening of diabetic retinopathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 29.6%)
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Painful peripheral neuropathy^[Ref]

Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Flu syndrome (up to 34.6%), infection (up to 13.6%)
• Frequency not reported: Anti-insulin antibody titers^[Ref]

The clinical significance of the development of these antibody titers is unknown.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Insulin may cause sodium retention and edema, especially as metabolic control is improving.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, rash
• Frequency not reported: Lipodystrophy including lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy^[Ref]

Long-term use of insulin may cause lipodystrophy at the site of repeated injection. Lipodystrophy includes lipohypertrophy, a thickening of adipose tissue, and lipoatrophy, thinning of adipose tissue.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, dysmenorrhea^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pain (up to 19.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fever^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pharyngitis (up to 33.3%), rhinitis (up to 24.7%), increased cough (up to 17.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, bronchitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Are Humulin and Humalog the same thing?
• How and where should I inject insulin?
• Can Trulicity be used with insulin?
• What are the different types of insulin?
• When does insulin lispro peak / how long does it last?
• What type of insulin is Humalog?
• How fast does insulin lispro work?
• Does Admelog need to be refrigerated?
• Is Admelog fast-acting insulin?

Further information

Humalog KwikPen side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer