Humalog Tempo Pen (Insulin Lispro)

Humalog Tempo Pen is indicated for the management of blood glucose in adults with diabetes who require rapid‑acting insulin.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus for mealtime insulin coverage.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when basal insulin alone does not achieve target glycaemia.
• Adjunct to basal insulin regimens to provide flexible, on‑demand dosing.
• Use in insulin‑pump transition periods when a rapid‑acting bolus is needed.
• Situations requiring rapid glucose lowering, such as post‑prandial spikes.

• Insulin lispro is a rapid‑acting insulin analog that binds to the insulin receptor on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Binding triggers autophosphorylation of the receptor’s β‑subunit, activating the intracellular PI3‑kinase/Akt pathway, which promotes translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface and enhances glucose uptake. In the liver, the signal suppresses gluconeogenesis, reducing endogenous glucose production and improves overall metabolic control.

Adverse reactions to Humalog Tempo Pen are reported across a range of frequencies and severities.

Common

• Mild hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <70 mg/dL) with symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, or hunger.
• Injection site reactions including redness, swelling, or itching.
• Lipodystrophy presenting as localized thickening or loss of subcutaneous fat.
• Transient weight gain associated with improved glycaemic control.
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort shortly after injection.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia requiring assistance, with possible loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Allergic reactions such as urticaria, angio‑edema, or anaphylaxis.
• Persistent hyperglycaemia indicating possible insulin resistance or dosing error.
• Hypersensitivity leading to respiratory distress or bronchospasm.

When prescribing or using Humalog Tempo Pen, clinicians and patients should consider several safety precautions to minimise risks.

• Verify the correct patient, insulin type, and dose before each injection.
• Adjust dose in renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced.
• Monitor blood glucose closely during illness, pregnancy, or periods of altered food intake.
• Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycaemia promptly.
• Store the pen at controlled room temperature; discard after the indicated in‑use period.
• Avoid using the pen after the expiration date or if the solution appears discoloured.
• Consider potential reduced sensitivity in patients with peripheral neuropathy affecting injection technique.

Humalog Tempo Pen may interact with other medicines, affecting glucose levels or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins or high‑dose insulin analogues, which can cause severe hypoglycaemia.
• Beta‑blockers that mask hypoglycaemia symptoms, making detection difficult.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase hypoglycaemia risk.
• Corticosteroids, which may raise blood glucose and require dose adjustments.
• Diuretics, especially thiazides, that can affect electrolyte balance and glucose control.
• Alcohol, which can cause delayed hypoglycaemia after insulin administration.