Insulin Lispro/insulin Lispro Protamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 29, 2024.

Applies to insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine: subcutaneous suspension.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine 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/insulin lispro protamine:

Incidence not known

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• chest tightness
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• cool, pale skin
• cough
• decreased urine
• depression
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fast heartbeat
• flushing or redness of the skin
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea
• nervousness
• nightmares
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• seizures
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• sweating
• swelling of the arms or legs
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusually warm skin
• vomiting

Other side effects

Some side effects of insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine 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:

Incidence not known

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• redistribution or accumulation of body fat
• weight gain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine: subcutaneous suspension.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions observed with insulin therapy include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, local injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Local reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Systemic reactions^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity side effects have included both local and systemic reactions. These reactions are becoming rare (less than 1% of patients) due to the use of biosynthetic human insulin. Local reactions have presented as erythema, swelling, heat, or subcutaneous nodules. They usually occurred within the first two weeks of therapy and then disappear. Systemic allergy is a generalized allergy to insulin which may present as a rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, drop in blood pressure, fast pulse, or sweating. Severe cases may be life-threatening.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Insulin may cause sodium retention and edema, especially if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lipodystrophy
• Frequency not reported: Rash, pruritus^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Anti-insulin antibodies^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Weight gain^[Ref]

Weight gain has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glycosuria.^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions^[Ref]

Injection site reactions including pain, redness, hives, inflammation, bruising, swelling, and itching, may occur. These reactions are usually transitory and may be related to factors other than insulin, such as irritants in the skin cleansing agent or poor injection technique.^[Ref]

Further information

Insulin lispro/insulin lispro protamine 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer