PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsMedium
A pharmacy technician is reviewing a medication order for a patient with diabetes. The order is for 'Humalog KwikPen 10 units subcutaneously three times daily with meals'. The technician understands that Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin. Which of the following is a critical counseling point for this patient regarding the administration of Humalog?
- AInject Humalog immediately before or within 15 minutes after starting a meal.
- BInject Humalog 30-60 minutes before meals.
- CAlways inject Humalog into the same site to ensure consistent absorption.
- DHumalog can be mixed with long-acting insulin in the same syringe.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Inject Humalog immediately before or within 15 minutes after starting a meal.
Humalog (insulin lispro) is a rapid-acting insulin, meaning it starts working very quickly to cover the carbohydrate intake from a meal. To prevent post-meal hyperglycemia and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia, it should be administered immediately before or within 15 minutes after starting a meal.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This instruction is for short-acting (regular) insulin, not rapid-acting like Humalog.
- C. Injection sites should be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy (fat accumulation or loss) and ensure consistent absorption.
- D. Rapid-acting insulins should not generally be mixed with long-acting insulins (like glargine or detemir) in the same syringe due to pH incompatibility and altered absorption profiles.
Rapid-Acting Insulin Administration
Specific timing instructions for rapid-acting insulins (e.g., Humalog, Novolog, Apidra) to optimize blood glucose control around meals.
- Onset of action is 5-15 minutes.
- Peak effect is 30-90 minutes.
- Administer immediately before or within 15 minutes of a meal.
Memory trick: Rapid Insulin: Right Before Real Food