Humalog vs. Novolog

Humalog (insulin lispro [rDNA origin]) and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) are forms of insulin, a hormone produced in the body, used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults. Both Humalog and NovoLog are usually given together with another long-acting insulin.

A difference is that Humalog is sometimes also used together with oral medications to treat type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults.

Common side effects of Humalog include:

• injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), is the most common side effect of insulin lispro such as Humalog.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, nausea, hunger, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, sweating, tremor, trouble concentrating, confusions, or seizure (convulsions).
• Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Symptoms include dry mouth, increased thirst, increased urination, uneven heartbeats, muscle pain or weakness, leg pain or discomfort, or confusion

The most common side effect of NovoLog is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

• headache,
• nausea,
• hunger,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• dizziness,
• blurred vision,
• fast heartbeat,
• sweating,
• tremor,
• trouble concentrating,
• confusion, or
• seizure (convulsions)

Other common side effects of NovoLog include:

• injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, irritation).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of NovoLog including:

• signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, or irregular heartbeat).

Humalog (insulin lispro [rDNA origin]) Injection is a hormone that is produced in the body used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults. Humalog is usually given together with another long-acting insulin. Humalog is also used together with oral medications to treat type 2 (non insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults.

NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) is a form of insulin, a hormone that is produced in the body, used to treat type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. NovoLog is usually given together with another long-acting insulin.

Humalog may interact with albuterol, clonidine, reserpine, guanethidine, or beta-blockers. Many other medicines can increase or decrease the effects of insulin lispro on lowering blood sugar. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

There are many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of insulin.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes:

• vitamins,
• minerals,
• herbal products, and
• drugs prescribed by other doctors

The total daily insulin requirement varies and the dose is usually between 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day. Insulin needs may be altered during stress, major illness, or changes in exercise, meal patterns, or co-administered drugs.

Read the Instructions for Use before you start taking Humalog and each time you get a new Humalog vial. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

Do not share your syringes with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.

Read the Instructions for Use that come with your NovoLog.

Take NovoLog exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

NovoLog starts acting fast. You should eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after you take your dose of NovoLog.

Know the type and strength of insulin you take. Do not change the type of insulin you take unless your healthcare provider tells you to. The amount of insulin and the best time for you to take your insulin may need to change if you take different types of insulin.

Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your healthcare provider what your blood sugars should be and when you should check your blood sugar levels.

Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.