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. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Admelog (insulin lispro) is very similar to Humalog (insulin lispro) and is known as a "follow-on" insulin to Humalog. This medication is given under the skin, either as an injection or as an infusion with an insulin pump. It's available in a vial (Admelog) or a pre-filled pen (Admelog SoloStar). The most common side effect is low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Admelog

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults and children ages 3 years and older
Type 2 diabetes (T2) in adults

Pros and Cons for Admelog

Pros

Starts to work within 15 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
Available as a prefilled pen, which can be easier to use than the vial
Can be used in a continuous insulin pump
Dose can be easily adjusted

Cons

Must be given with every meal, if using as meal time insulin
Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
Higher 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

Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Allergic reaction
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure
Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)

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)