Compare Humalog vs. metformin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Humalog (insulin lispro)

Prescription only

Glucophage (metformin)

Prescription only
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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$172.15
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Lowest price
$4.00
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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 review
938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
7possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    53%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    26%
  • Gas
    12%
  • Weakness
    9%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Headache
    6%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Humalog (insulin lispro)
Learn more about Glucophage (metformin)