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Compare Nesina vs. Humalog

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

Key takeaways

Alogliptin (Nesina) and insulin lispro (Humalog) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Alogliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used to treat Type 2 diabetes by helping your body produce more insulin and less sugar. Insulin lispro is a fast-acting insulin used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to quickly lower blood sugar levels after meals. Alogliptin is taken orally once a day, whereas insulin lispro is injected multiple times a day, typically before meals. Alogliptin is available as a generic, while insulin lispro comes in various branded forms like Humalog (vial) and Humalog Kwikpen (pen injections). Common side effects of alogliptin include headaches and cold-like symptoms, while insulin lispro can cause low blood sugar and weight gain. Both alogliptin and insulin lispro may interact with other diabetes medications, increasing the risk of low blood sugar.

  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)
  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)

  • Summary of Nesina vs. Humalog

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Alogliptin (Nesina) is a medication that treats Type 2 diabetes. It's added to diet and exercise to help lower your blood sugar levels. But it isn't a first-choice treatment for this condition. Alogliptin (Nesina) is typically taken by mouth once a day. Some people may experience certain side effects, such as headaches or symptoms of the common cold (e.g., sore throat or runny nose), after starting this medication.

    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 Nesina vs. Humalog

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nesina vs. Humalog

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Dose may change if you have kidney problems, while other similar medications, like Tradjenta (linagliptin), don't need dose changes
    •Not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes
    •Isn’t approved for Type 1 diabetes
    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 Nesina vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Common cold (5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    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 Nesina vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Liver problems
    •Severe itching rash
    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 Nesina vs. Humalog

    Learn more about Alogliptin
    Learn more about Humalog

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