Lyumjev vs. Humalog for Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Lyumjev (insulin lispro-aabc) and Humalog (insulin lispro) are both fast-acting insulins used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While they share the same active ingredient, insulin lispro, Lyumjev includes additional ingredients like treprostinil and citrate to help the body absorb it more quickly. This might make Lyumjev start working faster than Humalog, although it's not clear if this difference significantly impacts blood sugar control. Both medications are injected under the skin and can be used with insulin pumps. Lyumjev and Humalog have similar side effects, such as low blood sugar, weight gain, and injection site reactions. Both are available in various forms, including vials and prefilled pens.

Lyumjev

(insulin lispro)

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Humalog

(insulin lispro)

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Summary for Lyumjev

Prescription only

Lyumjev (insulin lispro or insulin lispro-aabc) is a fast-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2). Typically, Lyumjev (insulin lispro) is injected under the skin at the start of or soon after the start of a meal. It can also be used with certain types of insulin pumps. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include injection site reactions, rash, and itching. There are several Lyumjev products available, including vial, KwikPen, and Tempo Pen.

Indications for Lyumjev

Pros and Cons for Lyumjev

Pros

Starts to work within 15 minutes to control your blood sugar levels
Can be used in certain continuous insulin pumps
Can be stored at room temperature for 28 days

Cons

Injected under the skin
Can cause some weight gain
Brand name only

Common Side Effects for Lyumjev

Injections under the skin:

Common cold (up to 14%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
Urinary tract infection (6%)
Low blood sugar (up to 6%)

Continuous insulin pump:

Injection-site reactions (e.g., rash, redness, itching) (19%)
Injection-site pain (16%)
Common cold (6%)

Warnings for Lyumjev

Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (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)

Summary for Humalog

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 for Humalog

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Humalog

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 for Humalog

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 for Humalog

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)