What is it used for?

How does it work?

Humalog Mix 25 vials, Humalog Mix 25 cartridges (for use with Autopen Classic or HumaPen pens) and Humalog Mix 25 KwikPen prefilled pens all contain biphasic insulin lispro. They are used to treat diabetes.

People with diabetes have a deficiency or absence of a hormone made by the pancreas called insulin. Insulin is the main hormone responsible for controlling levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

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Humalog Mix25 contains a mix of two types of insulin, insulin lispro (25 per cent) and insulin lispro protamine (75 per cent). Together, the combination is called biphasic insulin lispro.

Insulin lispro is known as a fast-acting insulin. After injection under the skin it starts to lower blood sugar within approximately 15 minutes, and its effects last for two to five hours. Insulin lispro protamine is known as an intermediate-acting insulin. It takes longer to act, but its effects last for longer. This pre-mixed combination provides a rapid initial blood glucose lowering effect, followed by a prolonged effect that controls blood glucose throughout the day. It should be injected shortly before, or if necessary shortly after a meal.

It is important to monitor your blood glucose regularly and adjust your insulin dose as required. Your doctor or diabetic team will explain how to do this. Keeping your blood glucose level as close to normal as possible, and not too high or too low, significantly reduces the risk of developing late-stage diabetic complications, such as problems with your nerves, eyesight or kidneys.

How do I use it?




Not to be used in



Pregnancy and breastfeeding


  • Insulin lispro has been used by a large number of pregnant women and has not been shown to have any harmful effects on the pregnancy or the health of the newborn baby. Blood sugar levels need to be maintained as stable as possible during pregnancy, and you should consult your diabetic specialist to discuss how to achieve this. Your insulin requirements are likely to decrease in the first trimester and subsequently increase in the second and third trimesters. Discuss this with your doctor.
  • There is no risk to nursing infants from insulin taken by the mother. However, your insulin dose may need to be adjusted while you are breastfeeding. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects


Unknown frequency

  • Low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia) - see warning section above.


  • Redness, swelling or itching at the injection site.







How can this medicine affect other medicines?



  • anabolic steroids, eg testosterone, nandrolone, stanozolol
  • antidiabetic medicines taken by mouth
  • disopyramide
  • fibrates, eg gemfibrozil
  • fluoxetine
  • MAOI antidepressants, eg phenelzine
  • octreotide



  • some antipsychotic medicines, eg chlorpromazine, olanzapine
  • corticosteroids, eg hydrocortisone, prednisolone
  • danazol
  • diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics, eg bendroflumethiazide
  • isoniazid
  • lithium
  • protease inhibitors, eg ritonavir
  • somatropin (human growth hormone).


Where do I store Humalog Mix25?

  • Pre-filled pens: Unused pre-filled pens should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Once in use, the pens should be kept out of the fridge, below 30°C. They can be used for up to 28 days. The pen cap must be put back on the pen after each injection in order to protect from light. The pens should not be stored with the needle attached.
  • Vials: Unopened vials should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Once in use, the vials can be stored either in the fridge or out of the fridge, as long as they are kept below 30°C. Each vial can be used for up to 28 days. The vials should be kept in the outer carton to protect them from light.


Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Humalog Mix50


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