Ok...a stupid question

[Eri's mom]

Hi all...

Ok, I have a stupid question...the doc didn't answer it for me...

Now, since Eri is not on Humalin NPH and is on Novolin, and is not on humalog, but novolog, does she being on the novolin make it wrong to use the humalog we have(we have a bunch of it..actuall, 3 full packages of full pens and a 4th package w/ just 2 pens already used)....would the humalog mess up the novolin? I just feel it is such a waste to throw out the humalog pens...It's so much insulin.

Ok, that's my ridiculous question!!!
Any answers greatly appreciated!!!

[Cinnabon]

I was on Humulin R & N, (N being NPH) and my wonderful insurance only covered Novolin and they gave mr R & N of this. I believe it is the same thing, only different companies. I have not seen any differences from it, but it won't hurt to ask, even the pharmacist as well as your doctor.

[lgvincent]

I would hope not. I used to buy Lilly and NovoNordisk insulin and I didn't notice any difference between them. Of course, I can't really be sure about the newer faster-acting insulins.

[Eri's mom]

Thanks for the replies...I wouldn't think there would be any difference...but when I told the endo that we still have a bunch of humalog pens, she said she didn't care, just to use the novolog....I'll have to requestion her on Thursday...and I'll let you know what she says:)

[DeusXM]

It's absolutely fine to mix different insulin brands - as long as you have a basal and a bolus insulin, you're fine. Humalog and Novolog (or Novorapid, as it's known here in the UK) are basically very similar insulins. They are ever so slightly different because I believe they have different scientific classifications - I believe Humalog is insulin lispro and Novolog is insulin aspart, but I'm not sure on that. Basically though the effect they have is pretty much identical, although some people find that Novolog has a slightly more aggressive profile than Humalog. However it is perfectly safe to use either insulin with Novolin. If you've got that much insulin left over I'd recommend you finish the pack you've just opened and then what you do with the rest is up to you - either use it, see if you can return it for a refund, or give it to a charitable concern that no doubt would be overjoyed to receive a donation of an unopened, highly popular insulin.