Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Insulin aspart (NovoLog) and insulin glulisine (Apidra) are both rapid-acting insulins used to control blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. NovoLog can be used in children as young as 2 years old, while Apidra is approved for children 4 years and older. NovoLog is typically injected 5 to 10 minutes before a meal, whereas Apidra can be injected within 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after starting a meal. Both medications are available in vials and prefilled pens, but Apidra can also be mixed with NPH insulin, which NovoLog cannot. Common side effects for both include low blood sugar and weight gain, but NovoLog has a higher reported rate of low blood sugar in type 1 diabetes (17%) compared to Apidra (7%). Both insulins need to be injected multiple times a day and come with similar storage requirements.
Novolog (insulin aspart)
Apidra (insulin glulisine)
Novolog (insulin aspart)
Apidra (insulin glulisine)
Summary of Novolog vs. Apidra
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).
Summary for Insulin
Prescription only
Insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin that's available as a vial (Apidra) and a pre-filled pen (Apidra Solostar). It's used to control blood sugar from meals for people with either Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Apidra (insulin glulisine) is given under the skin as either a quick injection or continuously through an insulin pump. It can also be given as an injection through the veins (IV) for people in the hospital. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and common cold symptoms.