Novolin vs. Novolog

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different insulin medications available? Although the array of insulin brand names and types may feel overwhelming at first, the reason they exist is this: Every person with diabetes is unique and so is every treatment plan for the disease.

To put it simply, insulin treatment plans for diabetes are highly individualized and constantly evolving. The wide range of insulin drugs available allows for more effective and nuanced options. But that doesn’t make it any easier to distinguish between different drugs with similar names and uses.

One prime example? Novolin and NovoLog.

In this post, we’ve provided an overview of these two popular insulin drugs as well as the similarities and differences between them. To determine whether or not one of these drugs may be a good treatment option for your specific needs, speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

• Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 are both combination insulin drugs used to treat diabetes mellitus.
• One of the primary differences between them is that Novolin 70/30 contains a short-acting insulin while NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains a rapid-acting insulin.
• Speak with your doctor to determine which drug may be the best for your specific health needs.

Novolin and NovoLog at a Glance

Novolin

Novolin refers to three different synthetic insulin medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk. They are:

• Novolin N (an intermediate-acting insulin)
• Novolin R (a short-acting regular human insulin)
• Novolin 70/30 (a combination insulin)

In this post, we’ve focused on Novolin 70/30. Novolin 70/30 contains a fixed ratio of 70% human insulin isophane and 30% insulin human. Human insulin isophane is an intermediate-acting insulin, also known as basal insulin, that helps maintain blood sugar levels between mealtimes and overnight. Insulin human is a regular, short-acting insulin, also known as a mealtime insulin, that is taken prior to eating in order to regulate blood sugar spikes associated with the consumption of food (especially carbohydrates).

It’s not uncommon for patients with diabetes to take intermediate and short-acting insulin in combination with each other to regulate blood sugar levels throughout the course of the day and night. Administering both at the same time means fewer injections per day, but also removes the potential for customizing dosage timing and ratios.

Novolin 70/30 is typically taken twice per day, but should always be administered exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is injected subcutaneously into the thigh, upper arm, buttocks, or abdomen and is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults and pediatric patients.

See also: Novolin R vs Humulin R

NovoLog

NovoLog refers to two different insulin medications manufactured by Novo Nordisk. They are:

• NovoLog (insulin aspart, a rapid-acting insulin)
• NovoLog Mix 70/30 (a combination insulin)

In this post, we’ve focused on NovoLog Mix 70/30. NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains a fixed ratio of 70% insulin aspart protamine and 30% insulin aspart. Insulin aspart protamine is an intermediate-acting insulin, while insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin. As with Novolin 70/30, NovoLog Mix 70/30 is typically injected subcutaneously twice per day. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults and is available in prefilled injectable pens (NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen).

Mechanisms of Action

Insulin medications replace or augment naturally occurring pancreatic insulin produced in the body. Depending on the type of diabetes being treated, the body may not be able to produce insulin and/or may not be as receptive to the hormone as it should be (known as insulin resistance).

Injecting insulin drugs, such as Novolin 70/30 or NovoLog Mix 70/30, allows the body’s cells and tissues to take in sugars from the bloodstream and metabolize them into energy. These drugs also help balance the amount of sugars released by the liver and keep blood glucose levels within the target range around the clock.

Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 mix are both typically injected twice per day, with each injection covering two meals or one meal and a snack. The shorter-acting insulin in each medication lowers mealtime blood sugar spikes while the intermediate-acting insulin keeps blood sugar levels within the target range between meals.

Novolin vs. NovoLog: Similarities

The many similarities between Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 include:

• Both drugs are synthetic combination insulin drugs that combine an intermediate-acting insulin with a shorter-acting insulin.
• Both are manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
• Both are available in injectable pen format.
• Both are indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes).

Novolin vs. NovoLog: Differences

Though Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 have many similarities, they are not identical and definitely not interchangeable. Some of the differences between these medications include:

• They have different active ingredients (Novolin 70/30 contains human insulin isophane and regular insulin while NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains insulin aspart protamine and insulin aspart).
• Novolin 70/30 contains a short-acting insulin and is injected approximately 30 minutes before a meal. NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains a rapid-acting insulin and is injected 5-15 minutes before a meal.
• Novolin 70/30 is approved for use in adult and pediatric populations while NovoLog Mix 70/30 is only approved for use in adult populations.

Which Drug Is More Effective?

Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 are both popular and highly effective treatment options for controlling blood sugar levels. Speak with your doctor to determine which one may be the right option for your particular health needs and goals.

Novolin vs. NovoLog Dosages

As with most insulin medications, the dose of Novolin 70/30 or NovoLog Mix 70/30 prescribed will be tailored to the needs of each individual patient. Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider for more specifics.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 may include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Weight gain
• Injection site reactions
• Allergic reactions

For more detailed information refer to the prescribing information for Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30.

The Verdict?

Novolin 70/30 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 are combination insulins prescribed for the effective regulation of diabetes mellitus. The right medication for your particular needs and health goals will best be determined by your doctor or healthcare provider.

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