Compare Lantus vs. Human Insulin

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

ADVERTISEMENT

Lantus (insulin glargine)

Prescription only

Humulin (Human Insulin)

Prescription only
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.

●●●●●
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.

●●●●●
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Injection
  • Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$324.05
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$24.88
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
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 review
57 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Humulin (Human Insulin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
19possible side effects
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    28%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    20%
  • High blood pressure
    20%
  • Flu
    19%
  • Sinus infection
    19%
  • Cataracts
    18%
  • Inflammation of the airways
    15%
  • Joint pain
    14%
  • Pain in extremity
    13%
  • Back pain
    13%
  • Cough
    12%
  • Urinary tract infection
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    11%
  • Depression
    11%
  • Infection
    10%
  • Headache
    10%
  • Blood vessel disease
    7%
  • Retinal vein disorder
    6%
  • Injection site pain
    3%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Changes in blood sugar
  • Changes in skin appearance
  • Weight gain
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lantus (insulin glargine)
Learn more about Humulin (Human Insulin)