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

Admelog

(insulin lispro)

NovoLog

(insulin aspart)

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 Novolog

Prescription only

NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Novolog

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

Pros and Cons for Novolog

Pros

Starts to work within 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use

Cons

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

Common Side Effects for Novolog

Type 1 diabetes:

Severely low blood sugar (17%)
Headache (12%)
Accidental injury (11%)
Nausea (7%)
Diarrhea (5%)

Type 2 diabetes:

Muscles slow to react (11%)
Severely low blood sugar (10%)
Fungal nail infection (10%)
Impairment of your senses (9%)
Urinary tract infection (8%)
Sinus infection (5%)
Chest pain (5%)
Stomach pain (5%)
Headache (5%)
Skin problems (5%)

Warnings for Novolog

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)