Compare Novolin N vs. Apidra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Novolin N (insulin NPH) and Apidra (insulin glulisine) are both insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that works throughout the day and is typically injected once or twice daily under the skin. It’s available both by prescription and over the counter. In contrast, Apidra is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and is usually taken before or right after meals. Apidra is a prescription medication available in a vial or pre-filled pen injected under the skin. It can also be used in an insulin pump or given through an IV in a hospital setting. Novolin N can be mixed with other insulins, such as insulin regular (Novolin R) and Apidra, whereas Apidra can only be mixed with Novolin N. Both medications are only available as brand name and can cause low blood sugar and weight gain.
- Novolin nApidra (insulin glulisine)
- Novolin nApidra (insulin glulisine)
Summary of Novolin N vs. Apidra
Summary for InsulinNovolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.
Summary for InsulinPrescription onlyInsulin 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 of Novolin N vs. Apidra
Indications for•Type 1 diabetes in adults and children•Type 2 diabetes in adultsIndications for•Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in people ages 4 years and older•Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in people ages 18 years and olderPros and Cons of Novolin N vs. Apidra
Pros and Const for InsulinPros•Available over the counter without a prescription•Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes•Available as a pen and vial•Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocketCons•Might need to inject twice daily•Must give as an injection under the skin•Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain•Only available as a brand-name medicationPros and Const for InsulinPros•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 teamCons•Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels•Given as an injection•Might need to inject multiple times a day•Might cause weight gainCommon Side Effects of Novolin N vs. Apidra
Common Side Effects for•Low blood sugar•Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)Common Side Effects forType 1 diabetes
•Common cold (11%)•Low blood sugar (up to 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 of Novolin N vs. Apidra
Common Side Effects for•Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies•Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen•Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)•Low blood potassium levels•Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medicationsCommon Side Effects for•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)Prices with our coupons for Novolin N vs. Apidra
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