Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on April 18, 2012 at 3:48pm

Oops! Somehow posted topic w/o question. Has anyone had ANY problems? Are they truly the same thing--just different manufacturers? I have had trouble with other meds that claim to be EXACTLY the same.
This has probably been asked and answered previously; but, I could not find it.

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Permalink Reply by MegaMinxX on April 18, 2012 at 8:35pm

I recently switched due to change in insurance. Had used humalog for over 10 years in my insulin pump.

In Feb, I switched to Novolog. My doctor told me it would likely be no different, but with my CGMS and frequent BG checks, I could keep a good track of changes.

I know it varies, but for me, I had to reduce my TDD by about 10%. I also found that my bolus would kick in a bit quicker than humalog, especially when I've been more active. So I needed to reduce the time I was waiting before eating.

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on April 19, 2012 at 7:05am

The reason for my switch is insurance also. Funny that you had to do some tweeking if they are EXACTLY the same just different manufacturers, huh?

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Permalink Reply by Holger Schmeken on April 19, 2012 at 9:17am

They have different genetic sequences and thus they behave differently:

Novolog: the amino acid, B28, which is normally proline, is substituted with an aspartic acid residue.

Humalog: the penultimate lysine and proline residues on the C-terminal end of the B-chain were reversed.

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Permalink Reply by busymom on April 20, 2012 at 10:20am

Is this change to avoid patent litigation rather than change the function of the insulin?

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Permalink Reply by Holger Schmeken on April 21, 2012 at 7:46am

Of course the diversity of insulins has its roots in patent issues. On the other hand they offer different solutions for the same problem. The insulin molecule is a very complex structure. It needs to unfold to become active. This unfolding can be speeded up by changing the sequence. The manufacturers came to the conclusion that this can be reached with different manipulations of the protein sequence of the insulin. This led to the different analog insulins we know today that are considered safe to use. They unfold differently and their docking to the insulin receptor of the cell is slightly different in speed. These minor differences shape the characteristics of the insulin reaction to our cells. It is highly individual and every patients needs to find the analog insulin that will best fit for him. It just takes two or three vials to investigate the differences but it is worth the effords. With one insulin you might need a waiting time between injection and digestion. Another insulin might be quick enough to fit to the digestion profile so you can directly start to eat. Obviously this can have great impact on our quality of living.

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Permalink Reply by busymom on April 21, 2012 at 4:59pm

Thank you for this great explanation! I appreciate having the detailed information. I also have to switch from Humalog, which I have used for 11 years, to Novalog due to insurance reasons. Part my personality and part an almost superstitious clinging to keeping my diabetic routine unchanging, this impending switch makes me nervous. Your explanation, however, encourages me: perhaps Novalog will be better. As everything, things are highly individual. I do wish this switch was a personal decision and not one imposed upon me by insurance. But, that is how it goes. The fact that human insulin can be manufactured is a huge blessing of science and for that I am grateful.

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on April 22, 2012 at 5:22am

Ahhhh...well said. I'll see. I just started using NovoLog for the first time. Thank you so much. I like details.

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on April 20, 2012 at 11:25am

And... just what might that difference in behavior be????

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Permalink Reply by garidan on April 20, 2012 at 12:54pm

Someone says novolog is faster, someone that it's way slower.
To my daughter novolog is slower, smoother and longer in action than humalog.
I think something is due to the different insulin pens they use. My novopen junior for novolog puts less pressure, so perhaps insulin is slower to perfuse.
According to my friends with micro pumps, novolog is more stable in the pump, lasts longer and is ok with warm weather.

There are differences which vary on personal basis: just try and see but not worry, they cover almost the same issues.

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Permalink Reply by Janice L Cotton on April 20, 2012 at 6:32pm

Thanks guys...this has proven "interesting". I'll keep a close eye on things and test a little closer following meals to monitor whether or not I notice any difference.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer on April 19, 2012 at 4:45am

I have used both and have noticed no significant difference for me. YDMV. Test, test and test to see how it is for you.

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