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Compare Lantus vs. Humalog

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

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both long-acting insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. One key difference is that Lantus is typically injected once daily, while Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, depending on your dose and needs. Both Lantus and Levemir come in vials and prefilled pens. Levemir has a lower risk of weight gain compared to Lantus. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and should not be mixed with other insulins. Additionally, Levemir Flexpens have been discontinued as of April 2024 and vials will be discontinued by December 2024. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions on how to use these insulins properly.

drug combination

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  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)
  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)

  • Summary of Lantus vs. Humalog

    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

    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 Lantus vs. Humalog

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Lantus vs. Humalog

    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
    •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 Lantus vs. Humalog

    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:

    •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 Lantus vs. Humalog

    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
    •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 Lantus vs. Humalog

    Learn more about Lantus
    Learn more about Humalog

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