Compare Lantus vs. Human Insulin

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

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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.

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Injection
  • Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$340.16
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Lowest price
$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 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)