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. 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 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)