Humalog® Cartridge for Mealtime Insulin Dosing (100 units/mL)

What Humalog® Is and How It Works

Humalog® (insulin lispro) is a rapid-acting insulin used to control blood sugar around meals in adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This 100 units/mL cartridge is designed for use in compatible reusable pen devices for subcutaneous injection. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies. Partner pharmacies are licensed and vetted, supplying authentic brand medications at value-focused prices. Many people compare Humalog Cartridge price options to manage costs, especially when buying Humalog Cartridge without insurance.

Insulin lispro starts working quickly to cover carbohydrates and correct high blood sugar. It is typically taken within 15 minutes before a meal, or immediately after starting to eat. Onset is about 15 minutes, peak effect occurs at 1 to 2 hours, and the glucose-lowering action lasts 3 to 5 hours. Final dosing is individualized by a healthcare provider based on carbohydrate intake, blood glucose patterns, and correction targets.

Humalog cartridges are for pen use and not for direct infusion pump reservoirs. For pump therapy, refer to pump manufacturer guidance and the appropriate insulin presentation, often vials.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation and timing: Use at meals per provider instruction. Typical timing is within 15 minutes before eating, or right after meal start.
• Titration: Dose adjustments may be based on carbohydrate ratios and correction factors as directed by your care team.
• Missed dose: If a mealtime dose is missed, monitor glucose and follow provider guidance for corrections. Avoid stacking doses too closely.
• Injection sites: Subcutaneous use in abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy.
• Pen and cartridge preparation: Confirm the insulin name and strength (100 units/mL). Inspect; do not use if cloudy, colored, or contains particles.
• Load cartridge: Insert the cartridge into a compatible reusable pen per device instructions. Attach a new sterile pen needle before each injection.
• Prime the pen: Dial and expel at least 2 units until a steady stream appears to ensure accurate dosing.
• Set the dose: Dial the prescribed number of units. Dose steps depend on the pen model.
• Inject: Clean skin. Insert the needle subcutaneously. Deliver the dose and keep the needle in place for about 10 seconds to ensure full dose delivery.
• After injection: Remove and safely discard the needle. Recap the pen. Do not store the pen with a needle attached.

• Unopened storage: Keep cartridges refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• In-use storage: A cartridge in a pen may be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for up to 28 days. Do not expose to heat or direct sunlight.
• Travel: Use an insulated case with cold packs for spares; do not allow cartridges to freeze. Keep a backup pen, needles, and glucose monitoring supplies.
• Handling: Do not share pens or needles. Discard cartridges after 28 days of first use, even if insulin remains.
• Shipping receipt: Move unopened cartridges to the refrigerator upon delivery. Check for cold-chain integrity and avoid using any product that was frozen.

Benefits and Savings

Humalog helps reduce post-meal glucose spikes and improves overall glycemic control when paired with an appropriate basal plan. Rapid onset supports meal flexibility. Cartridges offer dosing precision in a compact format and reduce waste compared to some single-use presentations. Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. This can support budgeting if purchasing Humalog Cartridge without insurance.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Humalog Cartridge coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger)
• Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, swelling)
• Weight gain or fluid retention
• Allergic skin reactions or rash
• Lipodystrophy or cutaneous amyloidosis at injection sites
• Hypokalemia (low potassium) in susceptible patients

Severe hypoglycemia can occur and may be life-threatening. Risk increases with missed meals, increased activity, dose errors, or interactions with other glucose-lowering medicines. Serious systemic allergy is rare. Insulin may cause or worsen edema, particularly with thiazolidinediones. Do not use during episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis; follow clinical protocols for DKA. Discuss other medicines that affect insulin needs, including steroids, beta-blockers, and alcohol.

Onset Time

Humalog begins lowering glucose about 15 minutes after injection and peaks around 1 to 2 hours. Most of the effect tapers by 3 to 5 hours. Meal-by-meal results vary with dose, injection site, timing, and carbohydrate content. A1C changes usually emerge over several weeks as patterns stabilize and doses are refined.

Compare With Alternatives

Other rapid-acting mealtime insulins include insulin glulisine (Apidra) and insulin aspart (often known as NovoRapid/NovoLog). Apidra has a similar onset and duration profile and is available in multiple presentations, such as pens and vials. You can view details and formats here: Buy Apidra Insulin Solostar Pens Online and Buy Apidra Solostar Insulin Glulisine Vials Online.

Insulin aspart is another widely used rapid-acting option with comparable mealtime timing. Choice among rapid-acting insulins often reflects individual response, device preference, and coverage. Providers may switch within the class if absorption or site reactions differ.

Combination Therapy

• With basal insulin: Pair with a long-acting insulin (e.g., glargine, detemir, degludec) to cover fasting and between-meal needs.
• With non-insulin agents: Common combinations include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists to support overall control.
• Hypoglycemia risk: When adding Humalog to a sulfonylurea or background insulin, providers may reduce other doses to lower hypoglycemia risk.
• Pump therapy: Cartridges are intended for pen use. Pump users should follow pump-specific insulin and reservoir guidance.
• Sick-day planning: Have a plan with your care team for illness, reduced intake, or changes in activity.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Humalog cartridges may be suitable for people who need rapid mealtime coverage and prefer a reusable pen system. Those who have frequent unexplained hypoglycemia, or an allergy to insulin lispro or formulation components, may not be candidates. Use is not appropriate during active DKA. Children and pregnant patients may use insulin under specialized guidance.

People with renal or hepatic impairment may require dose adjustments under medical supervision. Visual or dexterity limitations may necessitate caregiver assistance or alternate devices. Always verify pen-cartridge compatibility before first use.

Cost-saving tips include ordering multi-month quantities when appropriate, consolidating items in a single shipment, and planning refills ahead to avoid urgent local purchases. Reorder reminders help keep supplies on schedule. Cartridges can reduce waste if pen-based dosing aligns with daily needs.

Authoritative Sources

Eli Lilly Humalog (insulin lispro) product information

Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD) listing

FDA Prescribing Information for insulin lispro

Order Humalog® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always consult your provider for diagnosis, treatment, and individualized dosing.