Admelog vs. Humalog for Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Admelog

(insulin lispro)

Humalog

(insulin lispro)

Summary for Admelog

Prescription only

Admelog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin that's used at mealtimes. It helps control blood sugar levels from food in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Admelog (insulin lispro) is very similar to Humalog (insulin lispro). It's called a "follow-on" insulin (or "copy") to Humalog. Admelog (insulin lispro) is usually given under the skin as an injection or through an insulin pump. It comes in vials (Admelog) or prefilled pens (Admelog SoloStar). The most common side effect is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Admelog

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people ages 3 years and older
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Admelog

Pros

Starts to lower blood sugar levels about 15 to 30 minutes after each injection
Available as a prefilled pen, which can be easier to use than the vial
Can be used with an appropriate continuous insulin infusion pump

Cons

Should be given with every meal, if using as mealtime insulin
Can put you at risk of low blood sugar if not used properly or if the dose is too high
Might cause weight gain

Common Side Effects for Admelog

Low blood sugar

Warnings for Admelog

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of too high or too low blood sugar with changes to your insulin regimen
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Allergic reactions
Low potassium levels
Swelling and risk of heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
Dangerously high blood sugar levels and ketoacidosis due to insulin pump problems

Summary for Humalog

Prescription only

Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It helps prevent and treat high blood sugar from meals. This medication lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar from your blood and into your body. Humalog (insulin lispro) is typically given as an injection under the skin. In certain situations, it's injected into the veins by a healthcare provider. Humalog (insulin lispro) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Humalog

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Humalog

Pros

Starts to work within 15 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
Dose can be easily adjusted to make a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs
Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
Can use at home after proper training
Can use in children as young as 3 years old with Type 1 diabetes

Cons

Given multiple times a day (before each meal)
Must give as an injection
Might be hard for some people to take properly
Risk of low blood sugar
Can cause weight gain

Common Side Effects for Humalog

Type 1 diabetes:

Flu-like symptoms (35%)
Sore throat (33%)
Runny nose (25%)
Headache (30%)
Pain (20%)
Cough (17%)
Infection (14%)

Type 2 diabetes:

Headache (12%)
Pain (11%)
Infection (10%)

Warnings for Humalog

Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)