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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and insulin lispro (Humalog) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they have some important differences. Saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken once daily by mouth, while insulin lispro is a fast-acting insulin injected under the skin multiple times a day, typically before meals. Saxagliptin is available in generic form, whereas insulin lispro is available as a lower-cost generic and under several brand names, including Humalog and Humalog Kwikpen. Common side effects of saxagliptin include headaches and infections, while insulin lispro can cause low blood sugar and weight gain. Saxagliptin has a low risk of causing hypoglycemia when used alone, but insulin lispro can lead to low blood sugar, especially if not taken with food. Additionally, saxagliptin may increase the risk of heart failure in some people.

Saxagliptin

(Onglyza)

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Humalog

(insulin lispro)

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Summary for Onglyza

Prescription only

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.

Indications for Onglyza

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Onglyza

Pros

Taken once daily (with or without food)
Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)
Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself

Cons

Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications
Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people
Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

Common Side Effects for Onglyza

Warnings for Onglyza

Pancreas problems
Heart failure
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Joint pain
Large blisters
Risk of allergic reaction

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)