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

Apidra

(insulin glulisine)

Admelog

(insulin lispro)

Summary for Apidra

Prescription only

Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin that's available as a vial (Apidra) and a pre-filled pen (Apidra Solostar). It's used to control blood sugar from meals for people with either Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Apidra (insulin glulisine) is given under the skin as either a quick injection or continuously through an insulin pump. It can also be given as an injection through the veins (IV) for people in the hospital. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and common cold symptoms.

Indications for Apidra

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people ages 4 years and older
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in people ages 18 years and older

Pros and Cons for Apidra

Pros

Works within 15 minutes to lower blood sugar
Available as a prefilled pen, which might be easier to use than the vial
Can be used with some insulin pumps
Can be mixed with NPH insulin (e.g., Novolin N), if instructed by your care team

Cons

Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
Given as an injection
Might need to inject multiple times a day
Might cause weight gain

Common Side Effects for Apidra

Type 1 diabetes

Common cold (11%)
Low blood sugar (up to 7%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
Headache (7%) - children only
Seizure from low blood sugar (6%) - children only
Flu (4%)

Type 2 diabetes

Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 11%)
Common cold (8%)
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or legs (8%)
Flu (6%)
Joint pain (6%)

Warnings for Apidra

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 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