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Compare Lantus vs. Novolog

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

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and NovoLog (insulin aspart) are both insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different classes of insulin. Lantus is a long-acting insulin, typically injected once daily, while NovoLog is a fast-acting insulin, usually taken multiple times a day before meals. Lantus is available as a vial and a prefilled pen, whereas NovoLog comes in vials and various prefilled pen options. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain as possible side effects. Both medications have a brand-name and generic form available. NovoLog can be used in insulin pumps whereas Lantus is not used in insulin pumps. Both medications require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and should not be shared to avoid infections.

  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Novolog (insulin aspart)
  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Novolog (insulin aspart)

  • Summary of Lantus vs. Novolog

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

  • Indications of Lantus vs. Novolog

    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. Novolog

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
    •Injected once daily
    •Approved for both adults and children
    •Available as a vial and prefilled pen
    Cons
    •Given as an injection under the skin
    •Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
    •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 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
    •Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
    •Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
    Cons
    •Given multiple times per day (before each meal)
    •Must give as an injection
    •Might be hard for some people to inject properly
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain

  • Common Side Effects of Lantus vs. Novolog

    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (22%)
    •Other infection (9%)
    •Accidental injury (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Type 2 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
    •Other infection (10%)
    •Eye problem (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes:

    •Severely low blood sugar (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Accidental injury (11%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

    Type 2 diabetes:

    •Muscles slow to react (11%)
    •Severely low blood sugar (10%)
    •Fungal nail infection (10%)
    •Impairment of your senses (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (8%)
    •Sinus infection (5%)
    •Chest pain (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin problems (5%)

  • Warnings of Lantus vs. Novolog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
    •Severe allergic reaction
    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. Novolog

    Learn more about Lantus
    Learn more about Novolog

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