Humalog is a medication used to treat diabetes in adults. In its injected form, it's used to treat Type I diabetes and is generally used in combination with a long-acting insulin. It can also be used in conjunction with oral medications to treat Type II diabetes. Before using Humalog, you need to be aware of any possible side effects you may experience.
Common Side Effects
When using Humalog, you may experience some very mild, yet common side effects. These do not pose any health risk to you, however if they become bothersome, check with your doctor on ways to manage or prevent them.
Until you are acclimated to the injections, your skin may become thick at the site of the injection. You may also notice a reaction from the injection itself. Signs of this include a reddening of your skin, itching, slight swelling and mild pain.
Signs of Low Blood Sugar
According to Drugs.com, Humalog may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low. Low blood sugar can make you feel confused and disoriented, so you should make those around you aware of these symptoms in the event that you need medical assistance.
Signs of low blood sugar include a headache, increased hunger, drowsiness and dizziness. You may notice your heart beating more rapidly as you begin to shake uncontrollably. Nausea and weakness may also occur, along with blurred vision. You may begin sweating and have a difficult time concentrating. In severe cases, seizures can result. Drugs.com recommends carrying a piece of hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case your blood sugar levels drop.
Low Potassium Levels
Humalog may also be responsible for your potassium levels dropping below healthy levels; this is a condition known as hypokalemia. It is a serious condition, and any sign of it requires you to notify your doctor immediately. These signs include dry mouth, increased urination which may result from increased thirst and uneven heartbeats. More common signs of low potassium levels include muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps and in severe cases, confusion.
Humalog Overdose
Humalog is a fast-acting medication that should be taken either 15 minutes before or after eating. If,for some reason, you do not feel that it is working, do not take more than prescribed, as an overdose of Humalog can result in life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). While the symptoms of this are similar to the aforementioned signs of hypoglycemia, some are more extreme. For example, you may experience weakness to the point of not being able to move, profuse sweating and stomach pain. Your vision may become blurred to the point where you can hardly see, speaking may be nearly impossible and you may fall into a diabetic coma.
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