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Compare Lantus vs. Apidra

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

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Apidra (insulin glulisine) are both insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, but they have some key differences. Lantus is a long-acting insulin that is typically injected once daily and helps control blood sugar levels for about 24 hours. In contrast, Apidra is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and is usually taken before or right after meals to manage blood sugar spikes. Lantus is used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults and children, while Apidra is used for Type 1 diabetes in children aged 4 and older and for Type 2 diabetes in adults. Apidra can also be administered through an insulin pump or an IV injection in a hospital setting, whereas Lantus is only given as a subcutaneous injection. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but Apidra needs to be taken multiple times a day, which might be less convenient than the once-daily dosing of Lantus.

  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Apidra (insulin glulisine)
  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Apidra (insulin glulisine)

  • Summary of Lantus vs. Apidra

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin, typically once daily or as directed by your healthcare team. Your care team will determine your dose of Lantus (insulin glargine) based on different factors, such as your diet and blood sugar levels. Lantus (insulin glargine) comes as a vial and a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects of this medication include redness and swelling at the injection site, and upper respiratory tract infections.

    Summary for Insulin
    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 of Lantus vs. Apidra

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
    Indications for
    •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 of Lantus vs. Apidra

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Can control your blood sugar levels for about 24 hours
    •Typically injected once daily
    •Approved for children and adults
    •Available as a vial and pre-filled pen
    Cons
    •Given as an injection
    •Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    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 of Lantus vs. Apidra

    Common Side Effects for

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D)

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 29%)
    •Swelling in the hands or feet (20%)
    •High blood pressure (20%)
    •Flu, sinus infections, or bronchitis (up to 19%)
    •Cataract (15%)
    •Joint pain (14%)
    •Pain in the hands and feet (13%)
    •Back pain (13%)
    •Cough (12%)
    •Urinary tract infection (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Depression (11%)
    •Headache (10%)

    Note: People with T1D typically experienced less side effects than people with T2D, but are at higher risk for hypoglycemia.

    Common Side Effects for

    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 of Lantus vs. Apidra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of serious infections
    •Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
    •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
    •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 Lantus vs. Apidra

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    Learn more about Apidra

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