Compare Lantus vs. Human Insulin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
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.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 57 reviewsforHuman Insulin
Upsides
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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
$340.16
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$143.00
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Reviews
584 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lantus (insulin glargine)?
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
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%
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 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
- Changes in blood sugar
- Changes in skin appearance
- Weight gain