Humalog and Novolog are two rapid-acting insulins to control blood sugar in those with diabetes. Both drugs are highly effective for lowering blood glucose levels. Millions of diabetic patients in the world use insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, whether it’s for Type 1, Type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes. They have a chemical structure that is almost identical, and they function similarly.
Humalog vs Novolog
The main difference between Humalog and Novolog is that Novolog takes action more quickly than Humalog. Humalog is a little bit slower in action. Not only that but also there are differences associated with cost, availability, restrictions, formulations, and doses. Furthermore, Humalog is a brand name for insulin lispro, while Novolog is a brand name for insulin aspart.
Humalog is fast-acting insulin to control blood glucose levels, also known by its generic name insulin lispro. It is an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drug to treat Type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 3 years old and older, Type 2 diabetes in adults. Apart from these, Humalog also can cause mild side effects in the human body.
Novolog is a rapid-acting insulin. It has a faster reaction time than the Humalog. It takes 5-10 minutes for it to start working in the human body. Insulin Aspart, often known as Novolog, is FDA-approved insulin. This medication has been approved for use in children as young as two years old. It aids in the management of blood sugar levels in persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Comparison Table Between Humalog and Novolog
| Parameters of Comparison | Humalog | Novolog |
| Generic name | Insulin lispro injection | Insulin aspart injection |
| Age restrictions | Adults with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, as well as children aged 3 years and above with Type 1 diabetes. | Adults with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and children aged 2 years with Type 1 diabetes. |
| Rapidity of action | Humalog is slower in action than Novolog. | Novolog is slightly faster in action. Takes action within 5 -10 minutes. |
| Common side effects | Headache, nausea, sore throat or pharyngitis, runny nose, stomach aches, diarrhea, and muscle weakness are the common side effects of Humalog. | Headache, diarrhea, nausea, stomach ache, chest pain, and sensory disturbance. |
| Cost | Humalog is slightly cheaper than Novolog. | Novolog is costly. |
What is Humalog?
Humalog is an effective drug in controlling blood sugar levels. Humalog contains insulin lispro. Humalog has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help persons with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels. In comparison to Novolog, Humalog is usually less expensive.
Humalog is safe to use in people of all ages. Humalog Mix is also premixed insulin that acts more rapidly and also has a long-lasting effect. In general, these insulins are useful for controlling blood sugar spikes during meals. Blood sugar rises between meals or at night might be difficult to regulate.
Humalog is available in a variety of formulations and can be used with insulin pumps. Humalog Kwikpen, disposable injection pens, are also available on the market. Each vial of Humalog contains 3 or 10 milliliters of the medication. 50 percent insulin lispro protamine and 50 percent insulin lispro are included in the Humalog mix.
Humalog is a brand-name drug. Medication of Humalog can also cause mild side effects such as headache, diarrhea, sore throat, stomach ache, muscle weakness, etc. The drug is usually injected under the skin. The patient can feel the effect within 15 minutes after the injection, and it continues to work up to 4 hours.
What is Novolog?
Novolog is fast-acting mealtime insulin that helps to keep blood sugar levels in check after a meal. Insulin Aspart injection is the generic name for Novolog. It is chemically similar to regular human insulin, but instead of proline amino acid, it contains aspartic acid. Furthermore, it’s an FDA-approved drug.
Novolog is a rapid-acting insulin that takes 5 to 10 minutes to take effect. Adults with Type 2 diabetes and children aged 2 and up with Type 1 diabetes will find it very useful in controlling their blood sugar levels. Doses should be determined based on the person’s conditions, lifestyle, and diet.
Research shows that Novolog works slightly faster than other types of insulins available in the market. Doses are highly variable and can be easily changed to fit individual needs. The effect of the drug can be felt for up to 2 to 4 hours. Most importantly, to avoid the risk of hypoglycemia, one should intake food a few minutes later after taking the dose.
There are some common side effects along with serious side effects. Patients can face headaches, stomach aches, diarrhea, chest pain, and sensory disturbance. Moreover, some serious allergic reactions may occur in those who are sensitive to insulin ingredients.
Main Differences Between Humalog and Novolog
- Humalog is rapid-acting insulin known by its generic name insulin lispro. While Novolog is also fast-acting insulin known by its generic name insulin aspart.
- Novolog is quicker in action than Humalog. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to kick up. While Humalog is a little bit slow in this matter.
- Novolog can be diluted, but Humalog can’t be diluted.
- Humalog can be used for the treatment of 3 years old children. On the other hand, children of 2 years old can take Novolog doses for the treatment.
- The market price of Humalog is lower than the price of Novolog.
Conclusion
Insulin is a very essential chemical messenger that allows cells to absorb glucose from the blood. Normally, insulin is a hormone that our body makes naturally. But the people with diabetes and high blood sugar who can develop life-threatening complications need insulin injections. Kidney problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage, stroke, and eye difficulties are all major complications that can occur. To improve one’s health, it is crucial to follow a good diet and take prescribed drugs.
Millions of diabetic patients use insulin regularly. Although it is a naturally occurring hormone, it can also be used as a treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Both Humalog and Novolog are fast-acting insulins, and though they are almost identical, they are not interchangeable.
References
- https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/24/3/430.short
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-200464170-00013