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Humulin R vs Lantus
Introduction
For patients with diabetes, insulin is a critical hormone that aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Humulin R and Lantus are two such insulins often prescribed for managing this condition. Each type of insulin has different onset times, peaks, and durations to cater to individuals' specific needs. Humulin R is a short-acting or regular insulin that begins working within 30 minutes after injection and its effects can last up to 8 hours. On the other hand, Lantus is classified as long-acting insulin; it starts working several hours post-injection and keeps regulating glucose levels for about 24 hours without peaking like shorter acting insulins do. Therefore, these drugs have differing profiles but both aim at maintaining balanced blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Humulin R vs Lantus Side By Side
| Attribute | Humulin r | Lantus |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Humulin R | Lantus |
| Contraindications | Episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergy to any ingredients in the formulation | Episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergy to any ingredients in the formulation |
| Cost | Around $170 for one vial (10 ml) of 100 units/ml | Approximately $300 for one vial (10 ml) |
| Generic Name | Regular insulin | Insulin glargine |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Serious allergic reactions causing a rash over your whole body, shortness of breath and rapid heart rate | Signs of allergic reactions: skin rashes, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face or throat |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Not specifically mentioned, but interactions that may affect blood sugar levels should be monitored | Not specifically mentioned, but interactions that may affect blood sugar levels should be monitored |
| Typical Dose | 0.5-1 unit/kg/day in divided doses | 0.2 units/kg or up to 10 units once daily |
What is Humulin R?
Humulin R (regular insulin) and Lantus (insulin glargine) are two types of insulin used in the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They represent different classes within the range of available insulins, with Humulin R being a short-acting or regular insulin, while Lantus is considered long-acting.
Humulin R was one of the first synthetic insulins to be approved by the FDA back in 1982. This medication works by helping your body use sugar properly, reducing liver glucose production and aiding in its absorption from blood into tissues for energy utilization. It typically begins working within half an hour after injection and has a duration effect of up to eight hours.
On the other hand, Lantus works more gradually over time, providing steady levels of insulin throughout a full day after injection. Approved by the FDA in 2000, it effectively lowers glucose levels without causing significant spikes or drops that can lead to hypoglycemia when administered correctly.
While both have their unique application areas depending on individual patient needs, they also come with potential side effects such as low blood sugar episodes or weight gain; however these incidences may be less frequent with Lantus due to its consistent action profile.
What conditions is Humulin R approved to treat?
Humulin R and Lantus are both approved for the treatment of different types and stages of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body does not produce insulin
- Type 2 diabetes, a disease where the body doesn't use insulin properly
- Gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy.
It's important to note that while Humulin R is a short-acting insulin used mainly for mealtime blood sugar control, Lantus is a long-acting insulin used primarily to control blood sugar levels throughout the day.
How does Humulin R help with these illnesses?
Humulin R helps to manage diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin available in the bloodstream. This short-acting insulin is typically taken around meal times and works by helping your body's cells to absorb glucose, thereby reducing high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar levels, energy storage, and various other metabolic processes.
On the other hand, Lantus acts more gradually but has a longer duration of action than Humulin R. It provides a steady level of insulin over 24 hours with just one daily injection. This long-acting insulin mimics the low-level flow of insulin that healthy pancreases release between meals and overnight.
While both types are used for managing diabetes—particularly type 1—they often get used together because they perform different roles: Humulin R deals effectively with spikes in blood glucose after eating while Lantus ensures baseline needs are met throughout the day and night.
What is Lantus?
Lantus is a brand name for insulin glargine, a long-acting basal insulin analogue. It has been designed to mimic the body's natural release of insulin throughout the day, helping to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Lantus was first approved by the FDA in 2000 and its primary function is to control glucose levels over a 24-hour period with just one injection per day due to its extended duration of action. Unlike Humulin R, which is a short-acting regular human insulin that needs multiple injections per day and functions mainly around meal times, Lantus does not have immediate impact on blood sugar after administration and thus isn't used for mealtime coverage but works continuously at a slow pace throughout the day. This means that it has different usage indications compared to Humulin R and can be beneficial especially for patients who require steady background insulin level along with fewer daily injections.
What conditions is Lantus approved to treat?
Lantus has been approved for use in the management of diabetes mellitus and is particularly useful for establishing baseline (or 'basal') insulin levels due to its long-acting nature. Specifically, it can be used in:
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: As a part of a regimen that includes mealtime insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: For adults who require long-term blood glucose control.
How does Lantus help with these illnesses?
Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that plays an essential role in regulating blood glucose levels. Lantus (insulin glargine) and Humulin R are both types of insulin but they differ in how they manage blood sugar control throughout the day. Lantus specifically is a long-acting insulin, which means it works to lower your blood glucose steadily over 24 hours. It's often administered once daily to help maintain consistent baseline glucose control, making it beneficial for those who need overnight or all-day coverage from their insulin regimen. Unlike Humulin R, which has a rapid onset and short duration of action requiring multiple injections per day, Lantus offers stable and predictable glycemic control with just one injection due to its prolonged release profile. This makes it an effective option when patients do not respond well to more frequent administration regimens like those required by typical fast-acting insulins such as Humulin R.
How effective are both Humulin R and Lantus?
Both Humulin R (Regular insulin) and Lantus (Insulin glargine) are effective in managing blood glucose levels for people with diabetes, although they were approved by the FDA several years apart. Given their differing onset of action and duration, they may be prescribed under different circumstances. The effectiveness of Humulin R and Lantus was directly compared in multiple clinical studies; both drugs showed significant efficacy in controlling blood sugar levels though with unique profiles.
A 2002 review on Humulin R reported that it begins working within half an hour after injection, peaks between 2 to 4 hours, and lasts up to 8 hours. This rapid-acting insulin is often used at mealtimes or when blood sugar needs a quick adjustment. It's also well-tolerated across various age groups including children, adults and elderly populations.
Lantus is a long-acting basal insulin analog that starts working several hours post-injection but its effects can last up to 24 hours which provides steady control over glucose levels throughout the day without any pronounced peak. A meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care Journal confirmed its efficacy as similar to NPH insulin while offering additional benefits such as less nocturnal hypoglycemia episodes.
Despite having proven efficacies individually, these insulins serve distinct roles due to their pharmacokinetic properties: Humulin R being more suitable for immediate glycemic control around meals while Lantus ensuring steady baseline glucose management throughout the day or night.
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At what dose is Humulin R typically prescribed?
Dosages of Humulin R, an insulin product, can vary greatly depending on an individual's needs. It is often used at mealtimes to control post-meal spikes in blood sugar and the typical dosage may range from 0.5-1 unit/kg/day in divided doses. For Lantus, another type of insulin that works over a longer time frame (24 hours), dosing also varies based on individual need but usually starts from 0.2 units/kg once daily or up to 50% of total daily insulin requirement; it aims to cover the body’s basal (or background) insulin needs for a full day. Children and adolescents' starting dose should be calculated accordingly under medical supervision with adjustments made as necessary thereafter based on glucose monitoring results.
At what dose is Lantus typically prescribed?
Lantus therapy is typically initiated at a dosage of 0.2 units/kg or up to 10 units once daily, either in the morning or evening, but always at the same time every day. The dose can then be adjusted based on individual patient response. Lantus has a relatively constant glucose-lowering profile over 24 hours which allows for once-daily dosing. Maximum dosage should be determined by blood sugar control and guided by your healthcare provider's advice as it varies between individuals due to several factors such as body weight, lifestyle changes, other medications taken concurrently etc. It is crucial that no adjustments are made without proper medical consultation.
What are the most common side effects for Humulin R?
Common side effects of Humulin R and Lantus may include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause symptoms such as sweating, shaking, fast heart rate, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet
- Local allergy - pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Systemic allergy - rash over the whole body, shortness of breath; wheezing; a fast pulse or sweating.
- Lipodystrophy (the skin around the injection site becomes lumpy)
- Weight gain
- Swelling of your hands and feet
- Itching -Nausea.
Remember that these are potential side effects and not all patients will experience them. If you do experience any unusual discomfort after starting on either medication it's imperative to consult with your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Humulin R?
Comparing Humulin R to Lantus, both are insulin medications used for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, they might cause different side effects:
- Signs of allergic reaction same as other drugs: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat
- Low potassium levels resulting in leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Hypoglycemia (low blood-sugar level) which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, hunger pangs, fast heartbeat and sweating
- Lipodystrophy at the injection site leading to thickened skin if the same spot is repeatedly used for injecting insulin.
More severe but rare side effects include:
- Serious allergic reactions causing a rash over your whole body, shortness of breath and rapid heart rate.
- Heart failure especially if you take certain pills called thiazolidinediones or TZDs.
If any of these symptoms arise after taking either Humulin R or Lantus it's important you seek medical help immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Lantus?
Lantus, a long-acting insulin, can have the following side effects:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
- Lipodystrophy (changes in skin texture at injection site)
- Allergic reactions such as rash or itching
- Weight gain
- Swelling of hands and feet due to fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
While not all patients experience these side effects, it's important to monitor for them while using Lantus. Always consult with your healthcare provider about any potential symptoms or concerns.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Lantus?
Though Lantus is widely used and generally well-tolerated, it can sometimes cause adverse health effects. Some symptoms that might indicate a serious reaction to Lantus include:
- Signs of allergic reactions: skin rashes, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face or throat
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): rapid heartbeat, increased hunger, headache, sweating, shaking
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): frequent urination and thirst increase dramatically
- Unexplained weight gain
- Swelling in your hands and feet; shortness of breath
- Muscle cramps or weakness
If you experience any such symptoms during treatment with Lantus insulin glargine injection 100 Units/mL stop using the medication immediately and consult your healthcare provider.
Contraindications for Humulin R and Lantus?
Both Humulin R and Lantus, like many other types of insulin, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some people. If you notice symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness or tingling hands/feet while taking these medications, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Humulin R nor Lantus should be used if you are experiencing episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to any ingredients in the formulation. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and dietary supplements you're currently using; this includes prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter products since they might interact with insulin therapies.
It is also crucial to note that changes between different brands or types of insulin should always be made under medical supervision due to possible dosage adjustments. Also remember that the storage requirements for these two insulins vary: while unopened vials/cartridges/pens of both need refrigeration until first use; after first use an opened vial of Humulin R can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 31 days whereas a pen/cartridge/toujeo max soloStar device with Lantus can only be stored at room temperature less than 86°F for 28 days.
How much do Humulin R and Lantus cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of one vial (10 ml) of Humulin R (100 units/ml), a short-acting insulin, averages around $170, which works out to about $17–34/day depending on your dose.
- The price of one vial (10 ml) Lantus, a long-lasting insulin that provides all-day sugar control, is approximately $300. This equates to roughly $30/day.
If you are taking larger doses for your diabetes management and choose Humulin R (i.e., 20 units or more per day), then the brand-name Lantus may be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be the primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
There are no generic alternatives available for either Humulin R or Lantus as they are biologic medications made using DNA technology and have complex manufacturing processes. Insulins called biosimilars might become available in future but at present there's no lower-cost alternative like generics for small molecule medicines.
Popularity of Humulin R and Lantus
Humulin R, also known as regular insulin or short-acting insulin, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 600,000 people in the US in 2020. Humulin R accounted for approximately 2% of all diabetes prescriptions. Its usage has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
On the other hand, Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting form of insulin and was prescribed to about 9 million people in the USA in 2020. It accounts for nearly one-third of all long-acting insulin prescriptions, making it one of the most commonly used forms of this type of medication. The prevalence of Lantus has seen an upward trend since its introduction due to its once-daily dosing schedule and lower risk for causing low blood sugar compared with some other types of long-acting insulins.
Conclusion
Humulin R and Lantus are both insulin-based treatments for diabetes with well-documented efficacy. They have different mechanisms of action, primarily due to their unique formulations. Humulin R is a short-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels during meals (bolus insulin), while Lantus is a long-acting basal insulin designed to provide consistent glucose level control throughout the day.
In some cases, patients may be prescribed both types of insulins in order to achieve optimal blood sugar management. However, this combination should only be administered under strict medical supervision as combining these medicines incorrectly can lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
While there's no generic form available for either drug, both offer patient assistance programs which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs. As with all medications adjusting dosing and timing might take time until the desired effect on glycemic control is achieved.
The side effects profile between these two drugs varies slightly due mainly to their duration of action; however, common adverse reactions include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergic reactions at injection site among others. For both drugs, it's crucial that patients monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of extreme high or low blood sugar.
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Refrences
- Pampanelli, S., Torlone, E., Ialli, C., Sindaco, P. D., Ciofetta, M., Lepore, M., … Bolli, G. B. (1995, November 1). Improved Postprandial Metabolic Control After Subcutaneous Injection of a Short-Acting Insulin Analog in IDDM of Short Duration With Residual Pancreatic β-Cell Function. Diabetes Care. American Diabetes Association.http://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.18.11.1452
- Elrishi, M., Jarvis, J., Khunti, K., & Davies, M. (2008, August). Insulin glargine and its role in glycaemic management of Type 2 diabetes. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology. Informa Healthcare.http://doi.org/10.1517/17425255.4.8.1099
- Yki‐Järvinen, H. (2004, June). Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: role of the long‐acting insulin glargine analogue. European Journal of Clinical Investigation. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2362.2004.01356.x
- Chen, J., Borra, S., Huang, A., Fan, L., Pollom, R. D., & Hood, R. C. (2022, February 21). Treatment Patterns and Outcomes Before and After Humulin R U-500 Initiation Among US Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Previously Prescribed ≤ 200 Units/day of U-100 Insulin. Diabetes Therapy. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-022-01209-z
- Rosenstock, J., Dailey, G., Massi-Benedetti, M., Fritsche, A., Lin, Z., & Salzman, A. (2005, April 1). Reduced Hypoglycemia Risk With Insulin Glargine. Diabetes Care. American Diabetes Association.http://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.28.4.950