Humalog vs. Apidra: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Oftentimes, it has to be managed with the help of insulin injections. Luckily, the pharmaceutical sphere offers a wide assortment of injectable insulin products, from the fastest-acting insulin to the longest-acting insulin.

Moreover, there exist several brands that produce insulin of the same kind. For instance, both Apidra and Humalog produce rapid-acting insulins. But not all insulins are the same. So, what are the similarities and differences between them? Let us go through the below-mentioned Humalog and Apidra comparison right away!

A SAFETY NOTE:
It is a task of a healthcare provider to prescribe the most suitable type of injectable insulin for each patient. Therefore, make sure to follow the recommendations of your doctor when buying injectable insulin to manage diabetes mellitus.

General Information About Humalog and Apidra

Both Humalog and Apidra are brands of injectable short-acting insulin analogs used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Below, you will find the most important information on each brand. So, let us delve into the world of insulin-related medications together!

A SIDE NOTE:
Depending on the duration of their action, there exist several types of injectable insulin analogs, namely fast-acting insulin (also known as rapid- or short-acting insulin), intermediate-acting insulin (regular insulin), long-acting insulin, and mixed insulin. They might either be used individually or in combination.

What Is Humalog?

Humalog is a brand of insulin lispro (fast-acting insulin analog) manufactured by Eli Lilly. It starts to work in 15 minutes and peaks in 60 minutes after being injected beneath a patient’s skin. Thus, it should either be taken 15 minutes before the food intake or right after it. Humalog is indicated for patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The medication is not intended for being used by children with type 2 diabetes.

A SIDE NOTE:
Among other popular brands of fast-acting insulin analogs are NovoLog and Fiasp.

What Is Apidra?

Apidra is a brand of insulin glulisine (fast-acting insulin analog) manufactured by Sanofi. Once having started to work 15 minutes after being injected beneath a patient’s skin, it reaches the peak of action in 60 minutes. Therefore, it is recommended to be taken either 15 minutes before the meal or 20 minutes after it. Apidra is indicated for patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and is commonly a part of a complex treatment plan which also includes a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and regular blood glucose testing. The medication might be used by children over the age of 4.

A SIDE NOTE:
Apart from insulin lispro and insulin glulisine, the pharmaceutical market also offers bolus insulin, basal insulin, glargine insulin, detemir insulin, NPH insulin (for instance, Humulin N), and other types of insulin to treat people who live with diabetes mellitus.

Apidra Insulin vs. Humalog Insulin

After going through the above-mentioned description of Humalog and Apidra, it becomes visible that they are pretty similar but nevertheless distinct medications. So, how about checking out the main similarities and differences between them?

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What Are the Similarities Between Humalog and Apidra?

Let us start with the similarities between Humalog and Apidra. Here is the list of the most important ones:

• Type. Humalog and Apidra belong to fast-acting insulins (therefore, they have a shorter duration of action if compared to insulin regular);
• Indications. Both medications might be used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Administration. Either Apidra or Humalog might be injected 15 minutes before meals or shortly after them to cover the carbohydrates consumed during the eating process;
• The onset of action. Both medications start acting in 15 minutes and reach their peak of action 60 minutes after being injected;
• Possible side effects. Normally, Apidra and Humalog do not cause any severe adverse reactions. However, they might lead to the development of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level) in case of a too-high dose;
• The option of being mixed with other insulin types. Depending on the health decision of your medical professional, both Apidra and Humalog might be combined with other insulin types (for instance, with intermediate-acting insulin).

A SIDE NOTE:
For the convenience of a patient, there exist premixed rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins in the same syringe. Both Humalog and Apidra might be used in these mixtures.

What Are the Differences Between Humalog and Apidra?

Now, let us move on and discuss the differences between Humalog and Apirda. Here is the list of the main ones:

• Manufacturers. Humalog and Apidra are produced by different companies (Eli Lilly and Sanofi);
• Subtype. Humalog is the brand name for insulin lispro, while Apidra is the brand name for insulin glulisine;
• Usage. Probably the main difference between the medications is that Humalog is not intended for being used in children with type 2 diabetes. Apidra, in its turn, might be used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children over the age of 4.

A SIDE NOTE:
Humalog and Apidra cannot be used interchangeably. Despite having similar properties and onset of action, they are contraindicated to be injected in a combination.

If you enjoy reading comparisons between different drugs, then you should read our Ozempic vs. Metformin: Comparing Benefits and Effectiveness. It clearly and clearly describes all the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Metformin.

A Bottom Line

All in all, Humalog and Apidra are brands of fast-acting insulin analogs that help thousands of people all over the world efficiently manage their blood glucose levels. Therefore, they belong to the most popular medications among people with diabetes mellitus and their healthcare providers.

Still, Humalog and Apidra are not identical. Thus, medical professionals usually pay attention to their similarities and differences when prescribing these medications to their patients. So, rely on your doctor and take care of your blood glucose level effectively!

P.S.
Feel free to buy Humalog, Apidra, and a great number of other insulin brands on the Insulin Store website. This way, you will be able to order original medications on the most advantageous terms.