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Compare Glucovance vs. Humalog

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Glyburide / metformin and insulin lispro (Humalog) are both medications used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Glyburide / metformin is specifically approved for Type 2 diabetes, while insulin lispro is used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Glyburide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, taken orally, and works by increasing insulin release and reducing sugar production in the liver. It used to be available as the brand name Glucovance. Insulin lispro, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin injected under the skin, helping your body absorb sugar after meals. Glyburide/metformin is typically taken once or twice daily with meals, whereas insulin lispro is injected multiple times a day, usually before meals. Glyburide/metformin can cause side effects like low blood sugar, diarrhea, and nausea, while insulin lispro may lead to low blood sugar, weight gain, and injection site reactions. Glyburide/metformin is not suitable for people with severe kidney issues, while insulin lispro should not be used when blood sugar is already low.

  • Glyburide/metformin
    Humalog (insulin lispro)
  • Glyburide/metformin
    Humalog (insulin lispro)

  • Summary of Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

    Summary for Insulin
    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 of Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Dose can be adjusted if needed
    •Taken by mouth instead of an injection
    Cons
    •Need to take with meals
    •Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
    •More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    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 of Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (8%)
    •Belly pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
    •Low blood sugar
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Humalog

    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin
    Learn more about Humalog

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