Lyumjev (insulin lispro-aabc) is prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in certain people with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The drug comes as a liquid solution for injection as directed by your doctor.
Lyumjev is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and certain children with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient in Lyumjev is insulin lispro-aabc. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Lyumjev belongs to a group of drugs called rapid-acting human insulin analog.
This article describes the dosages of Lyumjev, as well as its strengths and how to give it. To learn more about Lyumjev, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Lyumjev. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Lyumjev’s forms?
Lyumjev is available as a liquid solution in several forms for injection. The forms and their uses are:
| Dosage form | Description |
|---|---|
| multiple-dose vial | • vial containing multiple doses • for injection under the skin, for intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein, or for use with an insulin pump |
| • KwikPen • Tempo Pen | Each pen is: • prefilled and disposable • for injection under the skin |
A healthcare professional gives the IV infusions. An insulin pump is a wearable device that delivers insulin into your body.
What strengths does Lyumjev come in?
Lyumjev comes in two strengths shown below. Each strength has one or more dosage forms. The size for each form is in milliliters (mL).
| Strength | Form and size |
|---|---|
| 100 units per mL of solution as U-100 | • multiple-dose vial: 10 mL • single-patient use KwikPen: 3 mL • single-patient use Tempo Pen: 3 mL |
| 200 units per mL of solution as U-200 | • single-patient use KwikPen: 3 mL |
What are the usual dosages of Lyumjev in adults?
Lyumjev is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. The Lyumjev dosage for adults may depend on several factors, including:
- your blood sugar levels
- whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- your weight
- other diabetes medications or insulin you may be using
- your kidney function and liver function
- your activity level
- your food intake
When beginning treatment with Lyumjev, your doctor will calculate your dosage based on the factors mentioned above. They’ll also show you how to adjust your dosage if you have any change in your:
- weight
- blood sugar levels
- activity level
- food intake
Lyumjev’s drugmaker doesn’t provide recommended dosages. This is because your doctor will need to consider the factors mentioned above. Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage to manage your blood sugar levels. In doing so, they’ll follow guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These are explained briefly below.
ADA dosage guidelines for type 1 diabetes
Body weight is the main factor used to determine your daily dose of insulin. The ADA recommends a daily dose of 0.4–1 unit of insulin per kilogram (kg) of body weight. For reference, 1 kilogram (kg) is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
As an example, assume a person weighs 65 kg (about 143 lb). If their doctor prescribes an insulin drug using 0.75 units per kg daily, the dose of this drug would be rounded to 49 units daily.
For you, your doctor may divide this dosage using different types of insulin.
Intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin
Typically, most people with type 1 diabetes use an intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin as half of their total daily insulin dosage. (Lyumjev is not either of those.) This dose is used once or twice per day.
Rapid-acting insulin
The other half of their dose is a rapid-acting insulin. They give this dose at the beginning of a meal. Or they give this dose within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Your doctor may prescribe Lyumjev as your rapid-acting insulin. If so, it’s likely that you’ll give Lyumjev doses at either of these two times.
ADA dosage guidelines for type 2 diabetes
The ADA recommends a starting dose of 4 units of insulin. It recommends giving this dose with your largest meal of the day or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. If you use Lyumjev for type 2 diabetes, this may be your starting dosage. Your doctor will adjust your dosage if needed based on your blood sugar levels.
Be sure to give the dosage your doctor prescribes.
What’s the dosage of Lyumjev for children?
Lyumjev is used to manage blood sugar levels in certain children with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It’s approved for use in children ages 1 year and older.
Your child’s doctor will calculate your child’s dosage based on several factors, including:
- type of diabetes
- their body weight
- their age
Lyumjev’s drugmaker doesn’t provide recommended dosages for children. This is because your child’s doctor will need to consider the same factors mentioned above for adults. Your child’s doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage to manage your child’s blood sugar levels.
Your child’s doctor will also follow guidelines from the ADA for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. ADA insulin dosage guidelines for children are the same as for adults. See the section “What are the usual dosages of Lyumjev in adults?” just above for more information.
For more information about Lyumjev’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Lyumjev used long term?
Yes, Lyumjev is usually used as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for managing your blood sugar levels. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely use it long term.
Dosage adjustments
In certain cases, you may need dosage adjustments for Lyumjev. These factors can affect your dosage of Lyumjev:
- your blood sugar levels
- your daily activity level
- your food intake
- other medications you may take
- other insulin you may use
If you have liver problems or kidney problems, this may increase your risk of low blood sugar levels. So your dosage may need adjustments based on your kidney function and liver function. Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems so they can decide the best dosage for you.
The dosage of Lyumjev your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition the drug is treating
- whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes
- your blood sugar levels
- other medications you may be taking
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Lyumjev is available as a liquid solution for injection in several dosage forms:
- multiple-dose vial: for injection under the skin, for IV infusion into a vein, or for use with an insulin pump
- KwikPen and Tempo Pen: for injection under the skin
For injections under the skin, you can inject Lyumjev in the belly, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms.
In certain cases, a healthcare professional may give you doses of Lyumjev. If so, they’ll give it as an IV infusion. This is an injection given into a vein over some time.
When you begin treatment with Lyumjev, your doctor will calculate your dosage. They’ll also show you how to give doses of the medication by injection or using a pump. You can also see this information from Lyumjev’s drugmaker.
Your doctor will also explain how to adjust your dose of Lyumjev if needed. Your dose may need adjustments due to changes in your weight, activity level, food intake, and blood sugar levels.
You’ll divide your doses of Lyumjev throughout the day. Depending on what your doctor prescribes, you might give Lyumjev at the start of a meal. Or you might give Lyumjev within 20 minutes after starting a meal.
Before giving each dose, be sure to verify your dose and give the amount of Lyumjev directed by your doctor. If you have questions about your dosage of Lyumjev, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Lyumjev, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
You can check whether your pharmacy offers these accessibility features. If it doesn’t, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that do.
It’s important to give your doses of Lyumjev as prescribed by your doctor. This helps manage your blood sugar levels.
If you miss giving a dose at the start of a meal, you can still give it within 20 minutes after starting your meal.
But if it’s more than 20 minutes after starting your meal and you’ve missed your dose, check your blood sugar level. This will let you know whether a dose is needed. Then resume your regular dose at your next meal.
Talk with your doctor if you aren’t sure whether to give a dose of Lyumjev. They can tell you whether to give a missed dose. They’ll need to consider your blood sugar level to determine that.
If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Lyumjev 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 Lyumjev than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
In extreme cases or if untreated, overdose can lead to death.
What to do in case you use too much Lyumjev
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Lyumjev. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison 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.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Lyumjev’s dosage.
Is Lyumjev’s dosage similar to the dosage of Humalog?
The forms, how they work, and uses of each drug are similar. Lyumjev (insulin lispro-aabc) and Humalog (insulin lispro) are both types of human insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Both Lyumjev and Humalog have similar dosage forms and strengths, and both are types of rapid-acting insulin.
Lyumjev and Humalog come in several forms for:
- injection under the skin
- IV infusion into a vein
- use with an insulin pump
These include disposable prefilled pens for single-patient use.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Lyumjev to start working?
Lyumjev starts to work soon after you give a dose. Lyumjev is known as a rapid-acting insulin. This means it works fast to lower your blood sugar level. Typically, the drug starts working within about 15 minutes after a dose. You can monitor your blood sugar levels to see whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Lyumjev treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Lyumjev’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Lyumjev without your doctor’s recommendation. Only give Lyumjev exactly as prescribed. In some cases, your doctor may explain how to adjust your dose for some factors. But if at any time you have questions or concerns about your dosage, talk with your doctor.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can my dosage of Lyumjev change if I gain weight?
- Will my risk of side effects increase if I’m using a higher dose of Lyumjev?
- How does Lyumjev’s dosage compare with the dosage of NovoLog (insulin aspart)?
To learn more about Lyumjev, see this “All About Lyumjev Insulin” article.
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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.