Compare Januvia vs. Humalog

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

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Januvia (sitagliptin)

Prescription only

Humalog (insulin lispro)

Prescription only
Lowers your blood sugar.

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a good add-on treatment if your blood sugars are not controlled and you don't want to use an injectable medicine.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 143 reviewsforJanuvia
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
Upsides
  • Oral blood sugar-lowering medicine.
  • Januvia (sitagliptin) is not linked to worsening heart failure like other medicines in its class.
  • Uses the hormones naturally produced by your body to affect how sugar is processed.
  • It is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medicines.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) by less than 1%.
  • Available as brand version only.
  • Some people might get frequent cold-like symptoms.
  • Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and severe joint pain.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
Price
Lowest price
$435.14
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Lowest price
$333.92
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Reviews
143 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Januvia (sitagliptin)?

Leave a review
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
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Common cold
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Humalog (insulin lispro) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Death from inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    • History of pancreatitis
    • High blood triglyceride levels
    • Gallstones (stones in gallbladder)
    • History of alchoholism
    • Kidney problems
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Kidney damage
    • Pre-existing kidney damage
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Taking medicines for diabetes
  • Severe joint pain and swelling
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about Januvia (sitagliptin)
Learn more about Humalog (insulin lispro)