Lilly will soon introduce Humalog Mix 75/25, the first insulin LISPRO mixture.
It's designed to be an alternative to Humulin 70/30...or for patients who combine Humalog and NPH insulin.
Humalog Mix 75/25 contains 25% insulin lispro (Humalog)...and 75% lispro protamine. Lilly will also market a 50/50 version sometime in the future.
Lispro protamine is an intermediate-acting insulin. Its onset and duration are similar to NPH...but it's more stable when mixed with insulin lispro.
Humalog Mix 75/25 has some advantages over Humulin 70/30.
Humalog has a faster onset...so patients can inject it right before meals. It also works better to control postprandial blood sugar.
Most patients can use the same dose of Humalog Mix 75/25 as Humulin 70/30. But recommend more frequent monitoring right after a switch...just in case a dose adjustment is needed.
Diabetes Care 1999;22:1258.