Johnny asked
I have been on Humalog for years and been fine on it. My doctor just told me about Admelog, something new that is coming out. Is it better?
Answer
Admelog (Insulin Lispro) and Humalog (Insulin Lispro) are both rapid acting insulin analogs used in the treatment of Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Admelog is considered a "follow-on" product of Humalog. A "follow-on" product is a drug that relies on another drug's research that proved to the FDA that the drug is considered safe and effective for use.
The "follow-on" process follows the FDA's 505(b)(2) pathway. By not having to complete the research that proves the drug is safe and effective, it is hoped that the drug can be brought to market quicker, saving the manufacturer money, which is then passed along to the patients in lower drug costs.
Admelog: Brand Or Generic?
Admelog (Insulin Lispro) and Humalog (Insulin Lispro) are both considered brand name drugs and Admelog (Insulin Lispro) is not a generic drug of Humalog (Insulin Lispro). This is especially important to know as your insurance company will consider Admelog a brand name drug when it comes to co-pays.
Admelog (insulin Lispro) is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis and Humalog (Insulin Lispro) by Eli Lilly. Both drugs are available in vial and pen formulations. Admelog utilizes Sanofi-Aventis' Solostar pen and Humalog uses Eli Lilly's KwikPen.
Admelog Vs. Humalog Pricing
As mentioned above, both Admelog and Humalog are considered brand name products. However, the total cost of Admelog, important if you are paying out of pocket or are in a deductible portion of your insurance, is slightly less expensive than Humalog.
According to available pricing information, both Humalog and Admelog are priced as follows:
- Admelog: ~ $235/vial or $90/pen
- Humalog: ~ $275/vial or $105/pen
Admelog Vs. Humalog: Differences
Both Admelog and Humalog contain insulin Lispro, a rapid acting insulin and there is no appreciable difference in their effects. They both will start to work around 15 minutes after injection and lower blood glucose the same. They also have a similar side effect risk profile.
The only major differences between Admelog and Humalog are the concentrations available and their pen delivery device:
- Admelog vials are available in one concentration, U-100, meaning there are 100 units of insulin per one mL.
- Humalog vials are available as two concentrations, U-100 and U-200. The U-200 provides 200 units of insulin per one mL. This can be beneficial for those taking high doses.
- The Admelog Solostar pen can dial up to 80 units of insulin per dose.
- The Humalog KwikPens can dial up to 60 units per dose.
Insulin Lispro: Admelog and Humalog
As stated above, Insulin Lispro is a rapid acting insulin analog used in the treatment of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for the improvement of blood glucose control.
Dosing depends upon each patient's needs and may require different types of insulins (rapid acting, short acting, intermediate acting, long acting or ultra-long acting) to be used for optimal blood glucose control to be achieved. In general, Insulin Lispro, is dosed in divided doses per day, 2 to 4 times daily for Admelog and 1 to 3 times daily for Humalog. Both are typically injected 15 minutes before a meal or immediately thereafter.
The most common side effect of Insulin Lispro is hypoglycemia or low blood glucose. Patients may experience hypoglycemia when their blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dl. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may vary from patient to patient. Some of the more common symptoms, according to the American Diabetes Association, include:
- Shaking, sweating or chills
- Feeling of being "clammy"
- Being irritable, impatient, nervous or anxious
- Fast heartbeat
- Lightheaded or dizzy
- Hunger, nausea
- Feeling sleepy
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Feeling weak, tired or fatigued
- Coordination problems
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Patients who are experiencing a hypoglycemic episode should consume 15 to 20 grams of glucose or a simple carbohydrate like sugar, raisins, juice or honey. Glucose for diabetics is available in tablet or gel formulations for diabetics to carry with them. Patients should follow the directions on the product packaging.
A patient should recheck his or her blood glucose 15 minutes after ingesting the glucose or other simple carbohydrate. If the reading is still too low, treatment may be repeated. Patients should keep in mind that untreated hypoglycemia can become a life threatening medical emergency if the hypoglycemia is left untreated. So it is important patients learn to recognize their symptoms of hypoglycemia and have a plan in place for treatment.
Conclusion
Admelog (Insulin Lispro) is considered a "follow-on" drug to Humalog (Insulin Lispro). Admelog is another brand name drug, like Humalog, that is used in the treatment of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Since Admelog had less research costs and was brought to market quicker than Humalog, there is some cost savings for patients who use Admelog.
Aside from some minor product variations (e.g. Humalog being available in a U-200) concentration), there is no significant difference between Admelog and Humalog. However, Ademlog may offer a slight cost savings to most individuals.
