Compare Humalog vs. metformin
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.
Glucophage (metformin) is the first choice medicine to control your blood sugar and lower the risk of death from diabetes, although a few people may not tolerate the stomach side effects.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 938 reviewsformetformin
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.
- Improves sugar control and lowers A1c levels as much as 2%.
- One of the few diabetes medicines that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications.
- Doesn't cause weight gain.
- Rarely causes low blood sugar.
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.
- Often causes stomach upset, like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping.
- Usually not a good choice for people with kidney problems. Your doctor will tell you if Glucophage (metformin) is right for you to take.
- Excessive or chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes from pregnancy
- Obesity with high insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dosage forms
- Injection
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$275.06
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$12.75
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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 review938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
7possible side effects
- Diarrhea53%
- Nausea/vomiting26%
- Gas12%
- Weakness9%
- Indigestion7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Headache6%
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
- Excess lactic acid in the blood
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Congestive heart failure
- Using contrast dye for procedures
- Surgery
- Alcohol use
- Low vitamin B12 levels