Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Miller on November 3, 2012 at 6:55am

When I was still using insulin pens, I made the switch from Humalog to NovoRapid. I wanted to switch the type of pens I was using at the time. I didn't notice any changes. In fact, I didn't even require permission from my doctor. My pharmacist said they're essentially the same product, so made the transition easy for me.

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Permalink Reply by wallskev on November 3, 2012 at 7:16am

From what I have read.... Novolog starts working faster than Humalog. Novolog reaches peak activity at 52 minutes, compared to Humalog peaks at about 75 minutes. Both pumpers and injectors may note lower post-meal readings due to the faster onset of action.

The clearly defined action times of the fast insulin makes it easier to troubleshoot problems.

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Permalink Reply by Jim on November 3, 2012 at 7:27am

i noticed no change when i switched to novolog.

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Permalink Reply by Spock on November 3, 2012 at 7:37am

I found no changes from the switch.

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Permalink Reply by MegaMinxX on November 3, 2012 at 8:16am

I switched from Humalog to Novolog earlier this year, also due to changes in insurance.

I use a pump, and found Novolog bolus kicks in a bit faster for me, and I reduced my basal rates slightly. I am happier with Novolog, and would not switch back if I had the choice. And my cost is about 75% of what I had been paying for Humalog.

There were several posts early this year due to others with insurance changes, so you might want to search earlier posts. Most of them said Novolog was either the same, or slightly different.

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Permalink Reply by MyBustedPancreas on November 3, 2012 at 8:27am

I personally have tried both and didn't notice a single difference. I know some other people swear that Novolog starts to work faster, but I just didn't see it. Everyone is different so I would give it a try and if you have problems, you should be able to get humalog covered as a medical necessity.

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Permalink Reply by Terry on November 3, 2012 at 9:07am

When I used Novolog in a pump, the infusion site would swell, get red and irritaited, producing a "pump bump." I switched to another insulin (Apidra) and the pump bumps disappeared. Apparently I am allergic to Novolog. I believe these pump bumps impaired insulin absorption. I've read other reports similar to mine.

It's been so long since I've used Humalog, I can't remember anything remarkable about it. I would, however, use the fastest (onset, peak, and duration) insulin available. Unless you're dealing with significant delayed digestion (gastroparesis), then the fastest insulin is usually the best.

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Permalink Reply by JohnG on November 3, 2012 at 10:22am

I have used both and for me U100 insulin is U100 insulin they both lower my BG the same amount per unit....Note: this is also a FDA requirement. I always thought Humalog was quicker when correcting my high BG but I like pumping novolog

the best.....

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Permalink Reply by Daisy Mae on November 10, 2012 at 11:07am

i was on humalog before i went on novolog. the transistion was seamless. not one problem. and i have been on the pump with the novolog for 11+ yrs. i have the same problem with paying for my insulin, so whenever i am at my endo, i ask him for some samples. it saves me easily over $100. a month. i'm certain that not all doctors are this generous, but it doesnt hurt to ask.

but bk 2 the switch; no worries, they're the same.

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Permalink Reply by Timothy on November 16, 2012 at 8:14pm

i switched too due to insurance. I like Novolog better because I can bolus 20 min premeal instead of 30 on humalog. really that was the only difference.

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