Compare Humalog vs. Lantus
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
Lowers blood sugar.
Lantus (insulin glargine) is an effective, long-acting insulin that provides all-day blood sugar control, but it can cause low blood sugar levels, so be sure to have a source of sugar nearby.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 584 reviewsforLantus
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.
- Insulin is one of the most effective blood sugar-lowering medication and can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time) by up to 2-3%.
- Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day sugar control with just once or twice daily dosing.
- Dose can be easily adjusted to make a customized regimen that's tailored to your body's needs.
- Lantus (insulin glargine) can be used with liver or kidney problems.
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.
- You have to take insulin by injection.
- You have to check your blood sugar regularly to assure your medications are working.
- You may gain some weight, around 4-6 pounds.
- You have to maintain a consistent schedule to avoid low blood sugar episodes. Dramatic changes in weight or meal patterns will require dose adjustments.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$172.15
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$324.04
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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 review584 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lantus (insulin glargine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
19possible side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection28%
- Swelling in the limbs20%
- High blood pressure20%
- Flu19%
- Sinus infection19%
- Cataracts18%
- Inflammation of the airways15%
- Joint pain14%
- Pain in extremity13%
- Back pain13%
- Cough12%
- Urinary tract infection11%
- Diarrhea11%
- Depression11%
- Infection10%
- Headache10%
- Blood vessel disease7%
- Retinal vein disorder6%
- Injection site pain3%
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
- Life-threatening low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- Insulin dose too high
- Use of other blood sugar lowering medicines
- Poor injection techniques
- Complications due to low potassium
- Use of other medicine that lower potassium
- Current electrolyte imbalance
- Severe allergic reactions
- Allergy to insulin