Compare Humalog vs. Apidra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood sugar.
Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin that controls blood sugar around meal times.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 280 reviewsforHumalog
Controls blood sugar.
Apidra (insulin glulisine) is an insulin that controls blood sugar during your meals, but you'll still have to follow your doctor's diet and exercise plan.
Upsides
- Humalog (insulin lispro) is the most effective medication for lowering your blood sugar.
- Works quickly to control your sugar levels after meals.
- Dose can be easily adjusted to create a regimen that's tailored to your body's needs.
- Humalog (insulin lispro) can be used even if you have liver or kidney problems, unlike other anti-diabetic medications.
- Apidra (insulin glulisine) starts working in as soon as 15 minutes.
- Programs are available to lower your copay. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Can be used in people over 65 and children 4 years of age and older.
Downsides
- You have to take Humalog (insulin lispro) by injection.
- Humalog (insulin lispro) is likely to cause moderate weight gain (around 4 to 6 pounds).
- There is a higher risk for episodes of low blood sugar compared to other anti-diabetic medications.
- Effects do not last long enough to control your blood sugar for a whole day.
- Your doctor might have to check your kidneys and liver regularly if you've had kidney or liver problems in the past.
- Since Apidra (insulin glulisine) is an injectable, it might not be a good treatment option for people who are afraid of needles.
- Only available as a brand name, so Apidra (insulin glulisine) can be expensive.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$116.38
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$512.40
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Reviews
280 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
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Side effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Life-threatening low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Insulin dose too high
- Use of other blood sugar lowering medications
- Poor injection techniques
- Complications due to low potassium
- Use of medications that lower potassium
- Current electrolyte imbalance
- Severe allergic reactions
- Allergy to insulin
- Sharing of pen and needles
- Low blood sugar
- Changes in diet and exercise
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking other medications for diabetes
- Over age 65
- Liver or kidney problems
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low blood potassium levels
- Taking laxatives
- Taking medications that increase urination
- Mixing of insulins
- Fluid buildup
- Taking Avandia or Actos