Humalog vs. Novolog: An In-depth Comparison

To find out the differences and similarities, we must know their individual action.

What Is Humalog?

Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin that works within 10 to 15 minutes after injection. Its peak effectiveness occurs between 30 minutes to an hour and continues for up to two hours. It mimics the body’s natural insulin production and helps control blood sugar levels after meals.

It comes in three different forms:

• vials,
• KwikPen, and
• Humalog U-200.

Vials are single-use containers of insulin that can be injected into a syringe.

The KwikPen is a pre-filled pen device that allows for easy and convenient injections. Humalog U-200 is twice as concentrated as regular Humalog and requires half the volume for the same dose.

Humalog is a fast-acting insulin, ideal for individuals who need to lower their blood sugar levels quickly after meals. It is also commonly used with long-acting insulin to manage blood sugar levels throughout the day.

What Is Novolog?

On the other hand, Novolog, like Humalog, is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 10 to 15 minutes and peaks between 30 minutes to an hour. It also controls blood sugar levels after meals and mimics the body’s natural insulin production.

Regarding forms, Novolog has three options:

• vials,
• FlexPen, and
• PenFill cartridges.

Vials are single-use containers of insulin that can be injected into a syringe. The FlexPen is a pre-filled pen device that allows easy and convenient injections. Lastly, the PenFill cartridges are used with the NovoPen Echo device, which allows for precise dosing.

Novolog is also perfect for individuals who need to quickly lower their blood sugar levels after meals. It can also be combined with long-acting insulin or other diabetes medications to effectively manage blood sugar throughout the day.

Similarities and Differences

As mentioned earlier, Humalog and Novolog share many similarities. They are both rapid-acting insulins that start working within the same timeframe and have similar peak effectiveness. They are also available in multiple forms for ease of use and convenience.

Humalog and Novolog can manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and help maintain blood sugar levels after meals. They are also both manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company.

Usage

Did you know insulin, a hormone crucial to managing blood sugar levels, was first produced artificially in 1978? This was a game-changer for those with diabetes, opening a new era of treatment options.

Nowadays, we have enhanced insulin options such as Humalog and NovoLog, which are celebrated for their fast-acting abilities. Humalog and NovoLog do more than merely control blood sugar levels. They spearhead the movement of sugar from your bloodstream to other parts of your body, facilitating its use as energy.

Humalog isn’t just any ordinary medication. The FDA has officially approved it to help manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, although there’s a slight exception. It caters to both types of diabetes for individuals who are 18 years old or above.

Now, shifting our focus to the little ones. Dealing with diabetes can be an uphill battle, especially for children. The good news for parents is that Humalog has the green light from the FDA to aid in managing type 1 diabetes in children aged three years and older.

Function

Insulin Aspart, also known as NovoLog, replaces the insulin that our body naturally generates. Its primary role is to maintain balanced sugar levels by ushering sugar from the bloodstream to other tissues in the body, where it serves as an energy source.

Much like Humalog, another purpose of NovoLog is to inhibit the liver from generating excess sugar. This dual action makes it particularly effective in managing blood sugar levels.

In terms of its applicability, NovoLog has been officially approved for use by children aged two and above who are living with type 1 diabetes. Additionally, adults aged 18 years and older who are diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can also use this product. This makes NovoLog a versatile solution in diabetes management for various age groups.

Cost

Humalog and Novolog, both prominent brand-name medications, also come in generic versions for consumers’ convenience. Amazingly, their cost range falls in the same bracket; however, the final amount you shell out is largely contingent upon the spectrum of your health insurance coverage.

Interestingly, these medications are typically included in various health insurance companies’ schemes, ensuring their wide accessibility. Furthermore, you can easily find these drugs in most of your local pharmacies.

Storage

The guidelines for storing Novolog and Humalog are strikingly alike. Both types of insulin showcase a sensitivity towards variations in light intensity and temperature. Bear in mind that no matter the type of insulin you opt for, refrain from placing it in freezing conditions or near the cooling component of the fridge, which is essentially the part that generates the coldness.

Freezing your insulin would render it unusable; hence, you must avoid doing so. Moreover, if your choice of insulin is either Humalog or Novolog and you are using an insulin pump to administer it, the insulin present within the pump should also be shielded from any environmental influence. This precaution ensures the optimal functionality of the insulin.

The most recommended place to store unopened vials of insulin is in the refrigerator. By doing so, they will remain effective until the date of expiration.

Alternatively, you can keep them at room temperature, although this approach shortens their lifespan to only 28 days. Once you open the vials, brands like Humalog and Novolog are good for up to 28 days, whether you keep them in the fridge or at room temperature.

As for the insulin pens, store them unopened in the refrigerator until the date they expire. However, once you’ve opened them, there’s no need to place them back in the refrigerator. Opened Humalog and Novolog pens can be conveniently stored at room temperature, again, for a duration of up to 28 days.