Tresiba vs. Humalog

Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) and Humalog (insulin lispro [rDNA origin]) are types of insulin used to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

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.

Tresiba is a long-acting human insulin and Humalog is a short-acting human insulin.

Side effects of Tresiba and Humalog that are similar include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and injection site reactions.

Side effects of Tresiba that are different from Humalog include allergic reactions, body fat redistribution, itching, rash, swelling, weight gain, runny or stuffy nose, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sinusitis, upset stomach or stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Side effects of Humalog that are different from Tresiba include 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.

Both Tresiba and Humalog may interact with clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine, and beta-blockers.

Tresiba may also interact with other insulin products, other antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DDP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens, protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents, thyroid hormones, alcohol, lithium salts, and pentamidine.

Humalog may also interact with albuterol.

Side effects of Tresiba include:

• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),
• allergic reactions,
• injection site reactions,
• body fat redistribution (lipodystrophy),
• itching,
• rash,
• swelling,
• weight gain,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• upper respiratory tract infection,
• headache,
• sinusitis,
• upset stomach or stomach pain, and
• diarrhea.

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

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

Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus.

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.

Tresiba may interact with other insulin products, beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine, other antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DDP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens, protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents, thyroid hormones, alcohol, lithium salts, or pentamidine. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Tresiba. During pregnancy, Tresiba should only be taken if prescribed. It is unknown if Tresiba passes into breast milk. Women with diabetes who are nursing may require adjustments in insulin dose, meal plan, or both. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

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.

The dose of Tresiba is individualized based on type of diabetes, metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal.

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.