Novolog vs Humalog Insulin... Help!!

[Pshaaw]

I did some searching earlier.. I have been on an insulin pump for 6 years now.. and they are switching me from humalog insulin to novolog.. something about insurance not covering humalog any more.. wondering if anyone else has switched over.. and if you've had any problems.. noticed any differences in the two insulins??..

are the two insulins comparable??

am very hesitant to change.. but there is a possibility that i won't be covered by my insurance if i don't change brands..

btw.. it was the company providing the insulin that wants me to switch.. not my doctor..

[poodlebone]

I have always used Humalog and have no experience with Novolog. Many people find no difference between the two. Some find that one will start to work faster, or will last longer. It probably won't be a big problem but if you do find that Novolog just isn't working for you, maybe you can appeal the decision to switch with your insurance. Some people have done that and can continue to get the insulin they prefer.

It sucks when someone at a huge company can decide that Option A is the one (and only one) that everyone should have to choose.

[Mich]

They are both man-made human insulins.

I used Humalog from it's inception until Feb 2006 when I went on a pump. I switched to Novolog because it is more stable in my pump. I noticed very small differences in how long the two last, and how quickly they start. All else seems the same to me.

Many threads on this board have compared the two and some people have gone into more detail with differences they have noticed. Search the board for Humalog Novolog and see what you come up with.

Good luck. And by the way, aren't insurance companies great?

Mich

[xMenace]

I am much happier with Novolog. I switched a month ago. The action is the same, but I have had only one bad set so far. That one went through two games of hockey in three days. With Humalog, failed sets were routine.

[morrisma]

Been using novolog for a few years now after insurance switched me from humalog. They said the pump mfg recommended it. I finished up my remaining vials of humalog then started novolog. Never saw any appreciable difference.
Mike

[Kendall]

I just went through a very similar experience with my insurance company. I had been on Novolog however and they wanted me to go on Humalog. I switched for about a week with minor differences. Then my Dr. got around to filling out a pre-authorization (a form stating why I need Novolog over Humalog). Then insurance would cover the other, although at a $20 higher copay per month.

I had a thread over on the pump section of the forum about it. Most people see minor to no difference in the two and have few problems switching. I wouldn't worry too much.

Like poodlebone said, if you have problems your Dr. can probably get it covered for you if needed. I'd say just be extra vigilant for a few days after the switch. It's likely you won't have any problems but may need to make a few adjustments.

[Eddy]

When I need rapid, I greatly prefer Novolog over Humalog. I find that the former kicks in faster, feels more "gentle", and is more predictable.

Others have had similar experiences. Others still have observed the opposite. As always, YMMV.