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Compare Humulin R vs. Humalog

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

Key takeaways

Humulin R (insulin regular) and Humalog (insulin lispro) are both insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but they have some key differences. Humulin R is a short-acting insulin that starts working within 30 minutes and lasts for 3 to 6 hours. In contrast, Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to work within 15 minutes and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Humulin R can be purchased over the counter, while Humalog requires a prescription. Humulin R is typically injected 30 minutes before a meal, whereas Humalog is injected within 15 minutes before or right after a meal. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but Humalog is also associated with flu-like symptoms and headaches. Humulin R is available in vials, while Humalog comes in various pen options and vials.

  • Humulin r (insulin regular)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)
  • Humulin r (insulin regular)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)

  • Summary of Humulin R vs. Humalog

    Summary for Insulin

    Humulin R (insulin regular) is a short-acting insulin. It's used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Humulin R (insulin regular) is typically injected under the skin 2 to 3 times daily 30 minutes before meals. Some common side effects of Humulin R (insulin regular) include low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and injection-site redness or pain. Humulin R (insulin regular) is available in two different strengths: U-100 (100 units/mL) and U-500 (500 units/mL). Both strengths come as vials, but the U-500 also comes as a prefilled pen. <br> Note: Humulin R U-500 is prescription only; Humulin R U-100 is available both OTC and by prescription.

    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 Humulin R vs. Humalog

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Humulin R vs. Humalog

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
    •Available over the counter without a prescription (Humulin R U-100 only)
    •Comes as pen and vial (Humulin R U-500 only)
    Cons
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Given as injection
    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 Humulin R vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)
    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 Humulin R vs. Humalog

    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 and heart failure
    •Severe allergic reactions
    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 Humulin R vs. Humalog

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    Learn more about Humalog

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