Novolog vs. Humalog: Their Similarities & Differences

Managing Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes requires the development of an individualized treatment plan that takes into account factors including the specific health goals, responsiveness to medication, activity level, and diet habits of each and every patient. There is no one-size-fits-all management strategy for diabetes and people with this disease often find that a multi-pronged approach is the most effective way to control their blood sugar levels. Such an approach may include lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a carefully balanced diet, as well as the use of one or more insulin or other antidiabetic medications. Typically, it also involves the regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

There are several different types of insulin available including rapid-acting insulin, short-acting insulin, intermediate-acting insulin, long-acting insulin, and combination insulin. Each type of insulin has its own onset (the amount of time it takes to start working), peak (the amount of time it takes to reach its maximum impact), and duration (the amount of time it remains active in the body). Intermediate and long-acting insulins, also known as basal insulins, are generally used to regulate blood sugar levels between meals and overnight while shorter-acting insulins, also known as mealtime insulins, are timed with meals to regulate the blood sugar spikes associated with the digestion of carbohydrates.

NovoLog and Humalog are both brand-name, rapid-acting insulin analogs that are meant to be taken just prior to or with a meal. Often, but not always, they are also taken in combination with longer-acting insulin to ensure blood sugar control around the clock. In this post, we’ve put together an overview of NovoLog and Humalog and explored their similarities and differences, efficacy, dosages, side effects, and more.

If you’re considering which rapid-acting insulin may be the best fit for your particular needs and circumstances, the information below may provide some helpful background. That being said, the decision to take a particular medication should only be made in consultation with your doctor or healthcare provider. For advice about which medication may be the right option for you, schedule a medical appointment today.

Key Takeaways

• Humalog (insulin lispro) and NovoLog (insulin aspart) are both rapid-acting insulin analogs that lower mealtime blood glucose levels by helping cells and tissues take in sugars and inhibiting the liver from releasing sugars.
• Humalog and NovoLog are similar but not interchangeable. Differences between them include their active ingredient, indication (specifically in children), and injection pen dosage options.
• The two medications are similarly effective in controlling blood glucose levels. Research has shown rapid-acting insulins to be superior to regular human insulins as mealtime insulins for people with Type 1 Diabetes.
• Like all medications, NovoLog and Humalog are associated with potential side effects (both mild and potentially severe). If you experience concerning side effects while taking either of these drugs, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
• The decision whether to take Humalog or NovoLog should only be made in consultation with your doctor or healthcare provider.

NovoLog and Humalog at a Glance

NovoLog and Humalog are both brand-name, rapid-acting insulin analogs indicated for mealtime blood sugar control in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. Both drugs are taken shortly before or during mealtimes and begin to lower blood glucose levels within 15 minutes. They peak within 1-2 hours and remain active in the body for between 2-4 hours.

NovoLog and Humalog both mimic pancreatic insulin but have been genetically engineered to work more rapidly than their naturally occurring counterparts. They allow the body’s cells to take in sugar from the bloodstream and metabolize it into energy while also inhibiting the liver from releasing sugars into the bloodstream.

Let’s take a closer look at each drug:

Humalog

Humalog (active ingredient insulin lispro) is manufactured by Eli Lilly and has been FDA-approved since 1996 to lower blood sugar levels in adults over the age of 18 with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and children older than 3 years old with Type 1 Diabetes. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and comes in multi-use vials or injectable pens with cartridges. Humalog is available in a standard concentration of U-100 (100 units/mL), but the KwikPen can also be purchased at a concentration of U-200 (200 units/mL).

See also: Humulin vs Humalog

NovoLog

NovoLog (active ingredient insulin aspart) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and has been FDA-approved since 2000 to lower blood sugar levels in adults over the age of 18 with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and children older than 2 years old with Type 1 Diabetes. It is administered via subcutaneous injection and comes in multi-use vials or injectable pens with cartridges. NovoLog is available in a standard concentration of U-100 (100 units/mL).

NovoLog and Humalog Similarities

NovoLog and Humalog have many similarities. These include:

• Both Are Insulin Analogs – Insulin analogs are synthetic variations of pancreatic insulin that have been genetically engineered to work at different speeds in the body.
• Both Are Rapid-Acting – Rapid-acting insulin analogs are used at mealtimes and take effect in the body within approximately 15 minutes.
• Subcutaneous Injection – Both medications are injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer beneath the skin). Injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttocks.

NovoLog and Humalog Differences

Though NovoLog and Humalog have many similarities, they are not identical and should never be used interchangeably. Never switch from one insulin to another unless under the direct advice of your doctor or medical provider.

Some differences between NovoLog and Humalog include:

• Active Ingredient – NovoLog’s active ingredient is insulin aspart while Humalog’s active ingredient is insulin lispro.
• Indication in Children – NovoLog is approved for use in children with Type 1 Diabetes over the age of 2. Humalog is approved for use in children with Type 1 Diabetes over the age of 3.
• Injectable Pen Concentration – The Humalog KwikPen is available in a concentration of either U-100 or U-200, while NovoLog pens are only available in a standard concentration of U-100.

Which Drug Is More Effective?

A 2002 study that directly compared NovoLog and Humalog in patients with Type 1 Diabetes found that the two drugs were equally effective in terms of blood sugar control. Another study from 2003 found that they were also equally effective in correcting carbohydrate and fat metabolism abnormalities. Your doctor or healthcare provider will work with you to determine which medication may be the best option based on your specific health history, goals, and circumstances.

NovoLog and Humalog Dosages

Insulin doses are highly individualized and influenced by a number of different factors. Your doctor will work with you to determine an appropriate dosing plan based on your activity level, meal schedule, overall responsiveness to the drug, and more. It is also essential to regularly track and monitor your blood sugar levels as your insulin dosing needs change and evolve over time.

NovoLog is available in the following forms:

• Multiple-dose vials
• NovoLog FlexPen (prefilled pen)
• NovoLog PenFill cartridges (for reusable insulin pens)

Humalog is available in the following forms:

• Multiple-dose vials
• Humalog KwikPen (U-100 or U-200)
• Humalog Tempo Pen (U-100)
• Humalog Junior KwikPen (U-100)
• Humalog cartridges (for reusable insulin pens)

Common Side Effects

Common side effects associated with Humalog and NovoLog can include:

• Mild low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Sore throat (Humalog only)
• Runny nose
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia)
• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Weight gain

Severe Side Effects

Rare but severe side effects of NovoLog and Humalog may include:

• Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Allergic reactions
• Rapid pulse
• Chest pain (NovoLog only)
• Muscle weakness (Humalog only)
• Sensory disturbances (NovoLog only)

Using NovoLog and Humalog together can result in heart failure. Speak with your doctor as soon as possible or seek emergency medical care if you are experiencing concerning side effects while taking either drug.

For more information about side effects and drug interactions see the prescribing information for NovoLog and/or the prescribing information for Humalog.

The Verdict?

To conclude, both Humalog and NovoLog are effective, rapid-acting insulin analogs that may be prescribed for adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and children with Type 1 Diabetes. These drugs can be used on their own but are more often prescribed in combination with other longer-lasting insulins to control blood sugar levels between mealtimes and overnight.

Although Humalog and NovoLog have many similarities, they are not interchangeable and should never be taken together. To learn more about which medication may be the best fit for your particular health goals and circumstances, speak directly with your doctor or healthcare provider.

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