What is Lantus?
It is an insulin medication that is prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus. Lantus, which is also known as insulin glargine, mimics the work of the natural hormone called insulin produced by beta cells. This hormone converts the glucose we get from food into energy. Patients with diabetes cannot produce enough insulin. Hence, they experience high levels of blood glucose. This is where this medicine comes in to reduce high levels of blood sugar in diabetic people. The medication should be stored under room temperature away from light and heat. Do not freeze it.
What is Humalog?
Humalog is a prescription drug that is prescribed to patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When you inject this insulin medication, it works very quickly to lower levels of blood sugar in patients with diabetes mellitus. This drug is part of a treatment program that also involves weight control, exercise, diet, and blood sugar testing.
Similarities and differences between Lantus and Humalog
Similarities
Both Lantus and Humalog are injectable insulins that are taken by diabetic patients to reduce high levels of blood glucose. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that include type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both medications are supposed to be administered subcutaneously with a syringe. These drugs share the same side effects like hypoglycemia with symptoms like:
- confusion
- headache
- sweating
- irritability
- nausea
- weakness
- lightheadedness
- anxiety
In case you experience these symptoms of low blood sugar, you should call your doctor for medical advice. Otherwise one can quickly treat symptoms of low blood sugar by carrying glucose. Other similar side effects between these meds include low potassium level and severe allergic reactions.
Differences Lantus vs Humalog
Lantus vs Humalog. Lantus is the brand name of insulin glargine while Humalog refers to the brand name of insulin lispro. When it comes to timing, there is a difference between them. Lantus is normally administered once per day, preferably in the morning. On the other hand, Humalog timing is much more flexible depending on your mealtimes. However, make sure you take Humalog within 15 minutes before you eat or immediately after eating. There is also a difference between drugs in regards to how fast they work to lower levels of blood glucose. Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin, which means that it works very fast to lower levels of blood sugar in diabetic patients. Humalog has an onset time of 15 to 30 minutes and a peak period of 1 hour. On the other hand, Lantus is a long-acting insulin, meaning that it takes a whole day to lower blood sugar levels. As a result, there are some patients who may be suitable to take Lantus. The onset time of Lantus is about 1 and a half hours while it has no peak time because it works steadily throughout the day to lower blood glucose levels. Because of these differences, they cannot be used interchangeably. However, you may be prescribed to take the medications together by your health-care provider. Both drugs are expensive insulin medications because they are sold as brand names. However, there is a slight variation in cost where Humalog is sold at a higher price compared to Lantus.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
