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

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)

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Humalog

(insulin lispro)

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Summary for Nesina

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.

Indications for Nesina

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Nesina

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

Common Side Effects for Nesina

Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
Common cold (5%)
Headache (4%)

Warnings for Nesina

Heart failure
Severe joint pain
Inflammation of the pancreas
Liver problems
Severe itching rash

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)