Compare Humalog vs. Human Insulin
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.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 280 reviewsforHumalog
Lowers blood sugar.
This form of insulin is one of the few medications in its class that you can get without a prescription, but it's expensive.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 57 reviewsforHuman Insulin
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.
- Some types of this medication are available without a prescription.
- Available as a shot to be injected into the fatty part of the skin, and as a powder to be inhaled through your nose.
- Available in different combinations so that you can do one shot or multiple shots a day.
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.
- Has to be taken exactly as directed or it can cause high or low blood sugar.
- As with all insulins, you have to work with your doctor closely to make sure you're giving yourself the correct dose, or you can have low or high blood sugar.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Injection
- Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$142.55
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$24.88
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
280 reviews so far
64%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Humalog (insulin lispro)?
Leave a review57 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Humulin (Human Insulin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Humulin (Human Insulin) 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
- Changes in blood sugar
- Changes in skin appearance
- Weight gain