If you have diabetes, your doctor might suggest Admelog as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat:
- type 1 diabetes in adults and some children
- type 2 diabetes in adults
The active ingredient in Admelog is insulin lispro. (The active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It comes as a liquid solution for injection. This can be done as either an injection under the skin or as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
Admelog belongs to a group of drugs known as fast-acting insulin analogs. An analog is a synthetic form of the insulin found naturally in your body.
This article describes the dosages of Admelog, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Admelog, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Admelog’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Admelog, always use the dosage your doctor prescribes.
The information below describes common dosages of Admelog. Your doctor will discuss the dosage that’s right for you.
Admelog may be given as an injection under the skin. It can also be given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.
Does Admelog come in vials? Are there other forms of Admelog available?
Admelog comes several forms.
It comes in two multiple-dose vials:
- a 10-milliliter (mL) vial that contains 1,000 units of insulin for multiple doses
- a 3-mL vial that contains 300 units of insulin for several doses
Admelog also comes in 3-mL SoloStar prefilled disposable pens. Each pen contains 300 units of insulin. This is a different dosage form of Admelog. For more information about this, see the “Frequently asked questions” section below.
What strength does Admelog come in?
Admelog is available in one strength. It comes as U-100, which contains 100 units of insulin per 1 mL of liquid solution.
What are the usual dosages of Admelog?
Your dosage of Admelog depends on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your condition
- your blood sugar goals
- your diet (your carbohydrate intake)
- your lifestyle (exercise)
- other conditions you may have
- your blood sugar level
- your insulin sensitivity (how your body responds to insulin)
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dosage of Admelog. Then they may adjust your dosage based on your blood sugar level and insulin needs. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosing for type 1 diabetes
The manufacturer of Admelog doesn’t provide a dosage chart or dosage guidelines such as common doses or maximum dose for the drug. Admelog dosing must be individualized based on your particular insulin needs for managing your blood sugar.
When you first begin treatment with Admelog, your doctor will help you calculate your total daily insulin needs. The dosage of insulin per day is based on your body weight and other individual factors as mentioned above.
You’ll usually take half your daily insulin as long-acting insulin and the other half as fast-acting insulin such as Admelog.
Your dosage of Admelog for type 1 diabetes is based on your insulin goals, other drugs you’re taking, your diet, and other factors. Your doctor will discuss your dosage with you and how to adjust your dose based on your blood sugar level.
According to the American Diabetes Association, usual dosages of fast-acting insulin for type 1 diabetes are between 0.4 units to 1 unit of insulin per kilogram (kg)* of body weight.
You’ll typically inject your Admelog dose 15 minutes before a meal or right after eating. If your doctor wants you to use Admelog with an insulin pump, they’ll show you how to use it.
If you have questions about your dose of Admelog for your condition, talk with your doctor.
* This is about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Dosing for type 2 diabetes
The manufacturer of Admelog doesn’t provide dosing information or an Admelog dosing chart for type 2 diabetes. Your dosage is based your blood sugar level, other drugs you’re taking, and other factors as mentioned above.
Based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association, the typical starting dose of fast-acting insulin is 4 units or 10 percent of your long-acting insulin dose. It’s recommended that you inject the fast-acting insulin dose 15 minutes before your largest meal or right after eating it. A fast-acting insulin such as Admelog is added to mealtimes to help manage blood sugar levels.
If you have questions about your dosage of Admelog for type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor. They’ll explain how to calculate your dose and how to adjust it based on your blood sugar level.
What’s the dosage of Admelog for children?
Admelog is used in children ages 3 years and older who have type 1 diabetes. It’s not for use in children with type 2 diabetes.
The manufacturer of Admelog doesn’t provide dosing information for children. Your child’s doctor will determine the best dose based on individual factors such as their blood sugar level, diet, and weight.
If you have questions about your child’s Admelog dose and how to adjust it, talk with your doctor.
Is Admelog used long term?
Yes, Admelog is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Admelog is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Dosage adjustments
You may need dosage adjustments with Admelog in some cases. These include:
Below are answers to some common questions about Admelog’s dosage.
Is there a dosing chart I can refer to if I need to adjust my dose of Admelog?
The manufacturer of Admelog doesn’t provide dosing recommendations or an Admelog dosing chart for the drug. This is because your dosage is based on individual factors such as the type of diabetes you have, your blood sugar level, age, weight, and other factors.
For more information on factors that affect your Admelog dosing, see the “What is Admelog’s dosage?” section above.
Your doctor will prescribe the form of Admelog that best suits your needs, such as the 10-mL multiple dose vial, 3-mL multiple dose vial, or the SoloStar prefilled pen dosage form.
They’ll also show you how to calculate your dose of Admelog and how to adjust it to manage your blood sugar level.
What is Admelog SoloStar? And are the dosages for SoloStar and vials of the drug different?
Admelog SoloStar is a prefilled disposable pen for single patient use. Each pen contains 300 units of insulin in 3 milliliters (mL) of liquid solution.
It’s a convenient dosage form that allows you to select your exact dose from 1 to 80 units. Each pen click is 1 unit of insulin. This allows you to accurately measure the exact dose you need without using syringes (as with the multiple-dose forms of the drug).
For more information on how to use the Admelog SoloStar, see the manufacturer’s instructions.
Admelog SoloStar is different from multiple-dose vials. Admelog multiple-dose vials can be used to give several doses of insulin in several ways, including:
- as an injection under the skin
- as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) after the drug has been diluted. This is given by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital or medical facility.
- continuous infusion under the skin by insulin pump
The 10-mL multiple-dose vial contains 1,000 units of insulin. The SoloStar prefilled pen has 300 units.
Your doctor will help you decide which dosage form will best suit your needs to manage blood sugar.
Note: Do not reuse needles or share your Admelog SoloStar pen with anyone.
If Admelog is not working to manage my blood sugar, can I increase my dose?
When you first start treatment, your doctor will help you calculate your dosage. And they’ll explain how to adjust it based on your blood sugar level and if you’re already using insulin.
How long Admelog takes to work depends on your blood sugar level and other factors, including:
You’ll use Admelog 15 minutes before or right after a meal to manage your blood sugar level. It starts to work quickly (in about 5 to 15 minutes) and the effects can last around 4 to 6 hours.
Many other factors can also affect blood sugar level, including stress, infection, and other health conditions you may have. So it’s important to call your doctor immediately if your blood sugar level increases suddenly.
If your blood sugar level is within a range that’s determined safe, your doctor may recommend a temporary dose increase. Or they may adjust the dosage of other drugs you’re taking to help manage your blood sugar. Regardless, they’ll likely review all your medications and talk with you about your diet and lifestyle.
Using too much Admelog can increase your risk of serious side effects such as severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), which can be dangerous. Be sure to call your doctor right away if you feel Admelog isn’t managing your condition.
The dosage of Admelog you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
Admelog comes as a liquid solution that can be given in several ways.
You can give yourself Admelog as an injection under the skin, in your thigh, upper arm, buttock, or belly area. You’ll typically inject your dose 15 minutes before a meal or right after a meal. Be sure to rotate your injection spot each time to avoid injection site reactions. For instructions on how to inject this drug, see the information provided by the manufacturer (starting on page 8).
Admelog can also be given as intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). This is done by a healthcare professional, usually in a hospital.
And Admelog can be given by an insulin pump. This is a device worn on your body that delivers a constant amount of insulin all day. You can give yourself extra doses of fast-acting insulin at mealtimes to help manage your blood sugar level. If your doctor recommends an insulin pump, they’ll explain how to calculate the correct dose of the drug for the pump. Be sure to throw away any unused Admelog from your insulin pump at least every 7 days.
For information on Admelog expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
Admelog is taken with meals. If you’ve missed your usual dose and it’s been less than 2 hours since you last ate, you can give yourself a dose. But if it’s been longer than 2 hours since you last ate, skip the missed dose. Admelog on an empty stomach can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
If you skip a missed dose, be aware your blood sugar level could increase. You’ll need to watch for symptoms of high blood sugar such as:
- fatigue (low energy)
- excessive thirst
- blurry vision
- excessive urination
If you need help remembering your dose of Admelog on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not use more Admelog than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose can include:
Severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), with symptoms such as:
Hypokalemia (low potassium level), with symptoms such as:
What to do in case you use too much Admelog
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Admelog. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Admelog for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Admelog without your doctor’s recommendation. Use Admelog exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
If you have type 2 diabetes, consider joining the Bezzy T2D online community. It’s a place where people with this condition can give advice and support. And for news on treatments and tips about managing your condition, you might also want to sign up for Healthline’s type 2 diabetes newsletter.
Q:
Will I need a higher dosage of Admelog if I eat more carbohydrates?
AnonymousA:
Maybe. Your dosage of Admelog depends on many factors, including your diet, how much you exercise, your blood sugar goals, and more.
Your doctor will have you check your blood sugar while you’re using Admelog to manage your blood sugar level. You may need a dosage adjustment if you’re having more carbohydrates for a particular meal. They’ll teach you how to calculate and adjust your dose.
Your doctor can provide more information about your dosage and how carbohydrates and your diet can affect your blood sugar level.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
