Humalog and NovoLog are two brand-name, artificial versions of naturally actinginsulin, insulinlispro, and insulinaspart, respectively.
These are used to manage blood sugar (glucose) levels indiabetes mellitus.
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What Is Diabetes?
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Insulin breaks down food into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream.
When there are insufficient insulin levels, blood sugar levels rise.
They have the exact mechanism of action to reduce blood sugar levels.
Additionally, they work to transport sugar from the blood into other body tissues to be used for energy.
And they also stop the liver from producing more sugar.
Humalog
Humalog is the brand name for insulin lispro.
They also stop the liver from making more sugar.
Humalog is FDA-approved to treat throw in 1 and throw in 2 diabetes in adults 18 and older.
However, it is FDA-approved to treat throw in 1 diabetes only in children 3 and older.
NovoLog
NovoLog is the brand name used for insulin aspart.
And, like Humalog, it also inhibits the liver from producing excess sugar.
Dosage: NovoLog vs. Humalog
Humalog vs. NovoLog is available in the following different dosage forms.
Humalog 100 units per milliliter (U-100) is available as:
The dosage of Humalog must be individualized.
Blood glucose monitoring is essential in all people receiving insulin therapy.
NovoLog FlexPen is available in one strength of U-100.
In comparison, Humalog KwikPen is available in the form of two strengths, U-100 and U-200.
NovoLog FlexPen and Humalog KwikPen each contain 3 mL of solution.
Humalog solution and suspension are usually injected 15 minutes before or immediately after a meal.
Conversely, NovoLog solution is injected five to 10 minutes before a meal.
Which Is More Effective?
Humalog and NovoLog are both fast-acting insulin and equally effective at managing diabetes.
Both drugs start working within 15 minutes of use and are expelled from the body within a few hours.
Another study analyzing Humalog vs. NovoLog concludes both Humalog and NovoLog are similar in managing blood glucose.
They are equally effective in correcting carbohydrate and fat metabolism abnormalities in people with punch in 1 diabetes.
Side Effects & Safety
Humalog and NovoLog are safe and effective drugs to manage blood sugar levels.
However, Humalog and NovoLog can cause various side effects like all drugs.
Low blood sugar may affect your ability to perform daily activities.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treating low blood sugar.
see to it to call your healthcare provider before using any of these drugs.
In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Humalog vs. NovoLog: Which One to Take?
The FDA approves different brands of insulin to treat diabetes.
These brands differ in the punch in of insulin they contain and have different duration of actions.
These include short-acting, rapid-acting, and long-acting insulins.
Every person has individual requirements regarding glucose level management in the body.
Your healthcare provider will prescribe the most suitable insulin to manage your symptoms.
You should not choose any brand on your own.
It would be best to avoid switching between insulin brands on your own.
Random switching may cause a sudden change in blood glucose levels which can be dangerous.
It is best to consult a healthcare provider before switching to a different insulin brand.
It requires close medical supervision and close monitoring of blood glucose.
Unopened refrigerated insulin lispro or aspart products can be stored until the date shown on the label.
Unrefrigerated unopened vials, cartridges, and pens can be used within 28 days but must be discarded afterward.
Overall, storage requirements do vary slightly for Humalog and NovoLog.
However, your healthcare provider can advise you on storing and preserving your medication.
Potential for Interaction
Healthcare providers prescribe Humalog and NovoLog to control the symptoms of diabetes.
But, people taking other medications for any other health condition may affect the working of these drugs.
If taken together, various drugs may increase or decrease the efficacy of Humalog and NovoLog.
Summary
Humalog and NovoLog are rapid-acting insulins used to help manage blood sugar levels.
Both medications are similar in their mode of action and come in similar forms.
Moreover, both drugs have some common side effects and drug interactions.
However, there are also several differences between these brands.
Additionally, these products carry varying age requirements for use; sometimes, their storage requirements may differ.
NovoLog costs $277 for a 10-milliliter vial containing 100 units/mL of insulin aspart ($27.70/mL).
Humalog and NovoLog are available as cartridges, pre-filled pens, and vials.
There are no generic alternatives available to these drugs.
Many other brand names in the market contain the same insulin as Humalog vs NovoLog.
A brand-name product similar to Humalog is Admelog (an insulin lispro injection).
Conversely, a brand-name drug similar to NovoLog is Fiasp (containing insulin aspart).
DailyMed.Label: Novolog- insulin aspart injection, solution insulin diluting medium for Novolog- water injection injection, solution.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes.
MedlinePlus.Insulin aspart (rDNA Origin) injection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of insulin.
Diabetes Teaching Center at the University of California, San Francisco.Human insulin.
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Food and Drug Administration.Information regarding insulin storage and switching between products in an emergency.
