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Tresiba vs Humalog
Introduction
For patients with diabetes, certain drugs that control the levels of glucose in the blood can help manage their condition and prevent complications. Tresiba and Humalog are two such medications frequently prescribed for diabetes management. Both function to regulate insulin levels but do so in different ways tailored to specific patient needs. Tresiba is a long-acting insulin analog indicated for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes; it works by mimicking the basal insulin release of a healthy pancreas throughout the day and night, providing consistent control over glucose levels. On the other hand, Humalog is a rapid-acting human insulin analog used for post-meal glucose control; its primary function is managing quick rises in blood sugar after eating.
What is Tresiba?
Insulin degludec (the generic name for Tresiba) was a significant advance in the class of long-acting insulin analogs, following the first generation of such medications. Insulin degludec was approved by the FDA in 2015. Tresiba maintains steady levels of insulin in the body over a prolonged period, effectively providing consistent glucose control. It is prescribed for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment. Unlike other long-acting insulins that need to be taken at the same time each day, Tresiba offers flexibility due to its ultra-long duration of action.
On another hand, Insulin lispro (Humalog), is a fast-acting insulin mainly used to control blood sugar levels during meals and snacks. Humalog has an immediate onset but shorter duration than Degludec, making it more suitable for controlling post-meal spikes in blood sugar levels rather than maintaining baseline glucose control.
While both are forms of insulin with their unique benefits depending on individual needs, they generally have similar side effects including low blood sugar hypoglycemia and weight gain among others.
What conditions is Tresiba approved to treat?
Tresiba is approved for the management of different types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes (for use in combination with a short-acting insulin)
- Type 2 diabetes (can be used alone or with other medications including insulin or as an add-on to oral diabetic drugs)
How does Tresiba help with these illnesses?
Tresiba assists in managing diabetes by providing a steady release of insulin into the body over 24 hours. It accomplishes this through its unique formulation, which allows insulin to be released slowly and consistently throughout the day and night. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, allowing glucose from food to enter cells where it can be used for energy. In individuals with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or has trouble using it effectively, leading to higher than normal blood sugar levels. By delivering a long-acting supply of insulin, Tresiba aids in maintaining more consistent blood glucose control over an extended period.
On the other hand, Humalog is a fast-acting form of insulin that works quickly after administration to reduce high blood sugar levels during meals or when your glucose level spikes significantly. Unlike Tresiba's slow-release profile designed for all-day stability, Humalog is intended for rapid action and should be taken shortly before or after meals to counteract rises in blood sugar following food intake.
Choosing between these medications depends on one's specific needs regarding their diabetes management: constant control versus mealtime regulation.
What is Humalog?
Humalog, a brand name for insulin lispro, is a fast-acting insulin that begins to work shortly after injection. It mimics the surge of insulin release that happens naturally in response to eating and thus helps manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals. The medication was first approved by the FDA in 1996.
Unlike Tresiba which is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin intended to provide a steady level of background insulin over 24 hours or longer, Humalog acts quickly with peak levels achieved within one hour and duration of action lasting about two to five hours. Its rapid onset makes it ideal for controlling post-meal glucose levels but may require combination with a long-acting insulin for comprehensive diabetes management.
The side effect profile of Humalog also differs from Tresiba and other insulins; while all can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, allergic reactions, among others if not used correctly or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
What conditions is Humalog approved to treat?
Humalog is approved for the treatment of:
- Type 1 diabetes, in adults and children who are at least 3 years old
- Type 2 diabetes, in adults.
This fast-acting insulin works by helping your body to lower blood sugar levels, typically used together with a long-acting or intermediate-acting insulin.
How does Humalog help with these illnesses?
Insulin is a hormone that plays a critical role in the body's processing of sugars, specifically glucose. It aids in the absorption of glucose into cells to provide them with energy for various functions. Low levels or absence of insulin can lead to diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Humalog works by supplementing or replacing the insulin naturally produced in the body and is considered a fast-acting form of insulin because it begins working approximately 15 minutes after injection, peaks around 1 hour later and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Its rapid onset and short duration make it ideal for controlling blood sugar during meals and snacks, thereby preventing postprandial (after meal) hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Compared to Tresiba which is long-acting basal insulin designed to control blood sugar throughout the day and night, Humalog may be administered when more immediate management of blood glucose levels is needed such as at mealtimes.
How effective are both Tresiba and Humalog?
Insulin degludec (Tresiba) and insulin lispro (Humalog) are important medications in the treatment of diabetes, with Tresiba being approved by the FDA in 2015 and Humalog receiving approval back in 1996. Though both are types of insulin, they have different places within a patient's regimen due to their distinct profiles.
Insulin degludec is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin that provides consistent glucose-lowering effect for up to 42 hours, hence it is often prescribed as once daily dose. On the other hand, Insulin lispro is a fast-acting mealtime insulin designed to control blood sugar spikes that occur when you eat. It begins working approximately 15 minutes after injection and has its peak effect around one hour later.
In head-to-head studies comparing Tresiba with other long-acting insulins like glargine or detemir, patients using Tresiba had similar A1C reductions but experienced fewer incidents of hypoglycemia especially during nighttime. The same benefit was not observed when comparing Humalog with other rapid acting insulins such as aspart or glulisine.
A study published in Diabetes Therapy showed that compared with standard care, initiation or switch to Tresiba resulted in improved glycemic control and reduced risk of hypoglycemia while offering flexibility regarding time of administration. On the other hand, Humalog has been extensively studied since its debut more than two decades ago showing rapid onset and short duration of action which aids post-meal glucose control without increasing overall hypoglycemia.
Despite these differences between their pharmacokinetics profile and indications for use, both insulins can be used together effectively forming part of a basal-bolus regimen where basal insulin(Tresiba) covers your body's background need for insulin throughout the day while bolus doses(Humalog) cover your increased needs at mealtimes.
At what dose is Tresiba typically prescribed?
Dosages of Tresiba (insulin degludec) for diabetes vary according to individual needs, but a common starting dose is 10 units once daily. This may be adjusted based on blood sugar control and the patient's response to therapy. In contrast, Humalog (insulin lispro) is typically taken before meals, with dosage also varying depending on the patient's mealtime blood sugar levels. For both children and adults using Humalog, dosages can be modified over time in response to changes in lifestyle or level of physical activity. As with any insulin product, it's crucial that no maximum dosage limit is exceeded without consultation from a healthcare provider.
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At what dose is Humalog typically prescribed?
Humalog (insulin lispro) is typically administered before meals, with a starting dose that varies based on the individual's blood sugar levels. It can be adjusted in increments of 1-2 units or 10-15% every few days based on self-monitoring of blood glucose results. The maximum dosage isn't fixed and should align with the patient's personal needs for glycemic control. Importantly, Humalog doses are generally spaced out according to meal times, which could range from three to four times daily depending upon your prescribed eating schedule and carbohydrate intake. If there is no significant response to treatment after a week or two, it might suggest that adjustments need to be made either in terms of diet or insulin dosage under doctor’s advice.
What are the most common side effects for Tresiba?
Common side effects of Tresiba may include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, itching)
- Weight gain
- Peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs due to fluid retention)
- Rash or skin thickening at the injection site
While Humalog can cause:
- Hypoglycemia
- Lipodystrophy at the injection site
- Skin rash and allergies
Are there any potential serious side effects for Tresiba?
While both Tresiba and Humalog are used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, they may have different side effects. Here's what you need to know:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): symptoms include dizziness, confusion, shaking or trembling, sweating excessively, fast heartbeat
- Signs of allergic reactions: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Potassium level changes: muscle weakness or limp feeling; leg cramps; irregular heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; increased thirst or urination
- Serious fluid retention that could lead to heart failure: shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain
In addition:
Tresiba can cause:
- Thickening skin where the injection was given
Humalog can cause:
- Vision changes
If you experience any severe side effects while using either medication stop taking it immediately and consult a healthcare professional.
What are the most common side effects for Humalog?
Potential side effects of Humalog can include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, blurred vision, and irritability
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions like redness or swelling
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Headache
- Lipodystrophy (alteration in subcutaneous adipose tissue)
-Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash or itching.
It's crucial to monitor blood glucose levels regularly when using insulin products like Humalog and adjust dosages under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Humalog?
While Humalog is generally safe and effective for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, it can potentially cause significant side effects. These may include:
- Signs of allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) symptoms: dizziness or light-headedness; sweating; confusion; headache; blurred vision; slurred speech
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) symptoms: increased thirst or urination; hunger with unusual weight loss
- Rapid heartbeats
- Swelling in your hands and feet
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Humalog, seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Tresiba and Humalog?
Both Tresiba and Humalog, as well as most other types of insulin, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some individuals. If you notice symptoms of low blood sugar such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet it is important to raise your blood sugar quickly with a quick source of glucose such as table sugar or regular soda.
Tresiba and Humalog should not be used if you have an allergy to insulin or if you are experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking including over-the-counter drugs and supplements; certain medicines can affect the way insulin works making it less effective.
Also note that while Tresiba is a long-acting insulin intended for once-daily use to provide a steady level of background insulin over 24 hours, Humalog is a rapid-acting form designed for use at meal times.
How much do Tresiba and Humalog cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 3 pens (300 units each) of Tresiba (insulin degludec) is around $680, which works out to be $7.5-$15/day depending on your dose.
- The price of a vial (1000 units) of Humalog (insulin lispro) averages around $300, working out to approximately $10–$30/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Tresiba, then brand-name Humalog may be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
Currently there are no generic equivalents available for either Tresiba or Humalog. These insulin medications tend to have high costs associated with them due to their prescription status and lack of generic competition.
Keep in mind that prices can vary widely based on many factors including location, insurance coverage and pharmacy chosen. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making medication decisions.
Popularity of Tresiba and Humalog
Insulin degludec, commonly known by its brand name Tresiba, was prescribed to approximately 1.2 million people in the US in 2020. This long-acting insulin accounts for roughly 6% of basal insulin prescriptions in the US and is especially beneficial due to its flexibility of dosing times and lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to some other insulins.
On the other hand, Insulin lispro (Humalog), a fast-acting insulin used for mealtime blood sugar control, was prescribed to around 7.3 million individuals in the US during that same year. Humalog accounts for just over 25% of mealtime insulin prescriptions and has remained relatively stable in prevalence over the last decade. Both these types are crucial components of diabetes management regimens but serve different roles based on their speed and duration of action.
Conclusion
Both Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Humalog (insulin lispro) have established records of usage in patients with diabetes, backed by numerous clinical studies indicating they are significant in managing blood glucose levels. At times, these insulins may be used together; however, this requires careful consideration by a healthcare provider as their different mechanisms of action could lead to hypoglycemia if not properly managed.
Tresiba is a long-acting insulin that maintains its effects for up to 42 hours, providing a steady release of insulin throughout the day and night. It's typically taken once daily at any time during the day. On the other hand, Humalog is rapid-acting insulin that begins working within minutes after injection and lasts for several hours. It's usually taken at mealtimes to control post-meal spikes in blood sugar.
In terms of availability, both come under brand names and generic forms might not be available which can influence cost especially for those who pay out-of-pocket.
Side effect profiles between these two types of insulin differ but they're generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), weight gain, allergic reactions or injection site reactions among others. For both drugs it’s important people monitor their blood glucose levels regularly when starting treatment or adjusting doses.