A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
This medicine is a hormone used to treat diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine begins lowering blood sugar within 30 minutes after injection. USE THIS MEDICINE WITHIN 15 MINUTES before a meal. The peak effect occurs between 1 and 2 hours after injection. This effect lasts for up to 5 hours. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER INSULIN with this medicine unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE IN A COOL PLACE below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). DO NOT FREEZE. Protect insulin from direct sunlight. After inserting the cartridge into a pen, do not refrigerate.
INSULIN LISPRO (IN-su-linLYE-sproe)
ALWAYS CHECK THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR BOTTLE OF INSULIN. If you notice anything unusual or if you see solid particles or clumps, discard the bottle and begin using a new bottle of insulin. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL APPOINTMENTS WITH YOUR DOCTOR and complete all laboratory tests. CARRY IDENTIFICATION at all times that states you have diabetes and use insulin. INJECT EACH DOSE OF INSULIN in a different area to prevent skin irritation. AN INSULIN REACTION resulting from too low a blood sugar may occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much. If you experience the symptoms of an insulin reaction including sudden onset of a cold sweat, dizziness, fatigue, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vision changes, or personality change or confusion, immediately drink or eat a sugar-containing product. If this does not help, contact your doctor immediately. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL without discussing with your doctor.